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Apopka’s next City Administrator: A promise, a placeholder, and unanswered questions

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Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
Apopka prepares to honor veterans with ceremony, community support and special offers
Apopka will honor veterans at 11 am. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 11, at Kit Land Nelson Park, with Vietnam veteran Loretta Forlaw serving as the guest speaker. The surrounding week includes a job fair, community programming, and special offers, including free meals and haircuts, discounted groceries, and complimentary attraction admission. more
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Halloween is an opportunity for children to explore the balance between excitement and fear.
Boo! How to pick scary books for kids that thrill but won’t haunt for life
A spooky story that delights one child may terrify another. From “Frog and Toad” to “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” literature professor Liz Rosenberg explores how adults can match Halloween books to a child’s readiness for fright. more
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Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died on October 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and Trail System in Anderson’s memory.
From Apopka Proud to a Florida anthem: State honors John Anderson’s legacy
Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died Oct. 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename Lake Apopka’s wildlife drive and trail system in Anderson’s memory. more
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Florida has approved a state historical marker for Mead’s Bottom, one of Northwest Orange County’s oldest Black settlements. The designation recognizes a community’s role in Apopka’s development and follows three years of research and advocacy by the Apopka & Northwest Orange County Historical Society.
Mead’s Bottom earns state historical marker honoring Apopka’s Black history
Florida has approved a state historical marker for Mead’s Bottom, one of Northwest Orange County’s oldest Black settlements. The designation recognizes a community’s role in Apopka’s development and follows three years of research and advocacy by the Apopka & Northwest Orange County Historical Society. more
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More than 30 Apopka firefighters joined Sunday’s Tunnel to Towers run in New York City despite travel delays and stormy conditions. Former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale called the group “relentless” in its commitment to honoring those lost on September 11.
More than 30 Apopka firefighters complete Tunnel to Towers run despite storm
More than 30 Apopka firefighters joined Sunday’s Tunnel to Towers run in New York City despite travel delays and stormy conditions. Former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale called the group “relentless” in its commitment to honoring those lost on September 11. more
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Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural exhibitions, student awards, and other community events. The 2026 celebration carries the theme “Unidos, Somos Más,” meaning “Together, We Are More.”
Orange County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural events
Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural exhibitions, student awards, and other community events. The 2026 celebration carries the theme “Unidos, Somos Más,” meaning “Together, We Are More.” more
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‘No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time,’ a phrase written by the Roman poet Virgil, is displayed on a wall at the 9/11 Memorial Museum.
What we forget when we remember 9/11
Apopka’s police and fire departments will hold a memorial service Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. A professor of politics and public affairs reflects on what “never forget” means as firsthand memories of that day gradually pass into history. more
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Labor Day and incorporated Apopka share a remarkable connection: Both trace their beginnings to the first week of September 1882. From Rock Springs and Wekiwa Springs to restaurant specials, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday close to home.
The connection between Apopka, Labor Day, and 1882
Labor Day and incorporated Apopka share a remarkable connection: Both trace their beginnings to the first week of September 1882. From Rock Springs and Wekiwa Springs to free admission at Leu Gardens and restaurant specials, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday close to home. more
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Apopka will celebrate its 144th birthday with a public presentation Wednesday, Sept. 2. The Apopka Historical Society will lead the program from noon to 1 p.m. at the Apopka Community Center.
Apopka to celebrate its 144th birthday Wednesday
The City will celebrate its 144th birthday with a public presentation on Wednesday, September 2. The Apopka Historical Society will lead the program from noon to 1 pm at the Apopka Community Center. more
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Apopka will commemorate America's 250th birthday with two public events over the Independence Day weekend, beginning with a ceremonial flag raising at Mullinax Ford on July 3 and concluding with the city's annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4. The Apopka Fire Department is also encouraging residents to celebrate safely by attending the city's professional fireworks display and following fireworks safety guidelines.
America Turns 250: Apopka celebrates with flag ceremony, fireworks, and family fun
Apopka will commemorate America's 250th birthday with two public events over the Independence Day weekend, beginning with a ceremonial flag raising at Mullinax Ford on July 3 and concluding with the city's annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4. The Apopka Fire Department is also encouraging residents to celebrate safely by attending the city's professional fireworks display and following fireworks safety guidelines. more
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Apopka will begin its local commemoration of America's 250th anniversary on July 1 with a presentation and cake-cutting ceremony hosted by the Apopka Historical Society and the City of Apopka. The celebration will continue July 4 with live music, family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks finale at the Apopka Amphitheater.
Apopka to kick off America's 250th anniversary with City Hall ceremony and July Fourth celebration
Apopka will begin its local commemoration of America's 250th anniversary on July 1 with a presentation and cake-cutting ceremony hosted by the Apopka Historical Society and the City of Apopka. The celebration will continue July 4 with live music, family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks finale at the Apopka Amphitheater. more
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Leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals is safer and more spectacular.
Fireworks, heat and drought make this July 4th a recipe for wildfires
As millions celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, experts warn that widespread drought and hot weather have created elevated wildfire risks across much of the United States. Human-caused fires traditionally spike on July 4, making professional fireworks displays the safest option. more
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While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida's Revolutionary War history is often overlooked. In 1776, Florida was a British colony that remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complicated and often contradictory nature of history.
If you want to celebrate Florida history, you ought to know what it is
While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida's Revolutionary War history is often overlooked. In 1776, Florida was a British colony that remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complicated and often contradictory nature of history. more
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Students and teachers pose outside a National Freedmen’s Bureau school in Beaufort, S.C., in 1865.
Juneteenth reminds us of Black Americans’ long struggle for education following end of slavery
The Apopka Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Apopka Community Center and concludes at Alonzo Williams Park, where a community celebration will feature live entertainment, food, educational exhibits, and family activities. more
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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol have launched the 2026 Arrive Alive campaign, a two-month effort to promote safe driving during the summer travel season.
Florida launches summer "Arrive Alive" campaign ahead of Fourth of July and America250 celebrations
Florida public safety officials are launching a statewide summer safety campaign to reduce crashes and save lives during one of the year's busiest travel periods. The "Arrive Alive" initiative will run through July 31 and coincide with Independence Day celebrations, America250 events, and increased tourism across the state. more
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Florida officials say ongoing drought conditions and extreme wildfire danger could impact Fourth of July fireworks celebrations across the state this year.
Florida drought could threaten Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, officials warn
Florida officials are warning that Fourth of July fireworks celebrations could face restrictions if severe drought conditions continue across the state. More than 2,100 fires have already burned this year, and officials say Florida’s wildfire season is nearing record territory. more
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Apopka to honor fallen service members during annual Memorial Day ceremony
The City of Apopka and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10147 will host their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery. The ceremony will feature guest speaker David Schoejis, followed by a public gathering and meal at the VFW Post 10147/Apopka Community Center. more
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Museum of the Apopkans.
Maribel Brinkle earns statewide preservation award for leadership in Apopka history initiatives
Apopka Historical Society President Maribel Brinkle received the 2026 Individual Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. more
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The Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The two-day event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and its long-standing role in the foliage industry.
Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns with roots dating back more than six decades
The Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The two-day event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and its long-standing role in the foliage industry. more
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Museum of the Apopkans.
Opinion: Apopka’s history deserves more than promises—it demands action
In a sharply worded letter to the editor, Apopka Historical Society President Maribel Brinkle challenges Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore and Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson's record on historic preservation. The letter calls for new leadership ahead of the April 14 mayoral runoff, arguing the city has failed to invest in its cultural institutions. more
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History Leads the Way
Apopka mayoral candidate Christine Moore is outlining a vision centered on history, education, and community-building. Her proposal includes expanding student engagement, public art, and historic preservation efforts. more
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An icon of St Patrick from Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Chicago.
Was there more than one St. Patrick? Historians say Ireland may have had two
Saint Patrick is widely celebrated as the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland, but some historians believe the story may be more complicated. Early records suggest there may have been two figures named Patrick — or Patricius — working in Ireland during the 5th century. more
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Disney World.
Tourism hits record high in Florida
Florida attracted a record 143.3 million visitors in 2025, marking its highest annual tourism total ever. While domestic travel remained strong, visits from Canada declined compared to the previous year. more
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Founded in 1988, Mary’s Cafe & Coin Laundry in Miami, Fla., has been owned by three generations of one family that immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba.
Florida’s immigrant entrepreneurs are creating jobs and prosperity in their communities
A University of Florida research initiative examining local business history finds immigrant entrepreneurs play a central role in shaping Florida’s economy and cultural identity. Interviews with more than 40 business owners reveal how immigrant-founded grocery stores, cafes and diners have become neighborhood institutions. more
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Apopka to honor 28 community leaders at 2026 Legends of Apopka event
The City of Apopka and the Apopka Youth Council will host the 2026 Legends of Apopka event on Thursday, Feb. 19, celebrating 28 individuals who have helped shape the community. The evening will include special performances, a mayoral proclamation, and the release of the fourth annual Legends of Apopka book. more
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