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Apopka marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with its 17th annual parade through South Apopka, as residents gathered in the cold to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.
Apopka braves the cold for 17th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Residents lined Central Avenue Monday afternoon for Apopka’s 17th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, turning out in heavy coats and beanies as temperatures dipped into the 30s. The event, hosted by the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance, brought together local schools, churches, nonprofits, and civic leaders in a moving tribute to Dr. King’s enduring message of unity and justice. more
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The 17th Annual Apopka MLK Jr. Parade is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It stands as a testament to the enduring values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Apopka honors Dr. King’s legacy with 17th annual MLK Parade
Apopka will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday with the city’s 17th annual MLK Parade in South Apopka. Organized by the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance, the parade celebrates Dr. King’s message of justice, service, and community unity. more
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Duke Energy Foundation launches America250 grant opportunity for nonprofits in Florida
The Duke Energy Foundation is inviting Florida nonprofits to apply for America250 grants in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Funding will support community-based projects focused on veterans, historic preservation, and environmental stewardship. more
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The Apopka High School Marching Band prepares to perform in London's New Year's Day Parade.
Apopka and Wekiva High bands represent the city on world stages in London and New Orleans
The Apopka High School Blue Darter Marching Band and the Wekiva High School Marching Mustangs spent the holidays representing Apopka on two of the world’s most prestigious parade stages. From London’s New Year’s Day Parade to the Sugar Bowl Parade in New Orleans, Apopka students showcased their talent, discipline, and hometown pride. more
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The birth of Jesus.
What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity
The familiar image of a peaceful nativity clashes sharply with the historical reality surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood. A historian argues that the original Christmas story unfolded amid violence, political fear, and Roman oppression—making it far less “calm and bright” than tradition suggests. more
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A decade of telling Apopka’s story
Ten years ago, The Apopka Voice published its first story with a simple greeting: “Good morning, Apopka.” Today, with more than 17,400 articles published, the community news outlet celebrates a decade of reporting on the people, moments, and milestones that define the city. more
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Holiday Magic Fills Apopka: Parade, veterans tribute, and concert highlight a festive Saturday
Apopka’s holiday weekend brings together celebration, remembrance, and music with a full lineup of events featured on the City of Apopka’s website. From a festive parade to an afternoon honoring veterans and an evening holiday concert, the city offers a full day of seasonal experiences for families and visitors. more
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The first Christmas card with the words ‘A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to You.“
How nostalgia led to the invention of the first Christmas card
Christmas traditions have always evolved, even as each generation insists something has been lost. The rise—and possible decline—of the Christmas card shows how nostalgia often inspires new customs that become beloved in their own right. more
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When Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on September 8, 1565, he waded ashore to the sound of trumpets and artillery, kissed a cross held by Father Francisco Lopez, and claimed Florida for Spain. That same day, Father Lopez held a Catholic mass of thanksgiving—an act of gratitude marking the colonists’ safe arrival—before Menéndez invited members of the local Timucua tribe to join them for a communal meal.
Florida’s forgotten feasts: The many contenders for America’s first Thanksgiving
More than half a century before Plymouth’s famous 1621 harvest celebration, Spanish colonists in St. Augustine held a thanksgiving mass and communal meal with the Timucua people. But as historians point out, several 16th-century ceremonies—Spanish, French, and beyond—preceded the Pilgrims without evolving into the modern holiday tradition. more
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Waterfowl – not turkey – would have been the main course. Winslow Homer, 'Right and Left' (1909).
What the first Thanksgiving really looked like — and why it didn’t resemble today’s feast
Most Americans would barely recognize the meal served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Based on the only surviving eyewitness letter and Wampanoag oral histories, the feast centered on waterfowl, venison, corn-based dishes, and seafood — with none of today’s iconic sides or desserts. Waterfowl – not turkey – would have been the main course. Winslow Homer, 'Right and Left' (1909), National … more
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In the 19th century, a campaign sought to link the Thanksgiving holiday to the Pilgrims.
The first Thanksgiving is a key chapter in America’s origin story – but what happened in Virginia four months later mattered much more
While Americans celebrate the Pilgrims’ 1621 feast as a symbol of cooperation, events that unfolded months later in Virginia reveal a far more consequential origin story. The 1622 Powhatan uprising and the brutal English retaliation better reflect the dynamics that defined early colonial America. more
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‘The First Thanksgiving, 1621,’ by Jean L. G. Ferris.
How the Plymouth Pilgrims took over Thanksgiving – and who history left behind
 While Thanksgiving is often celebrated as a unifying American ritual, its popular origin story has long excluded key parts of the nation’s religious and cultural history. A fuller understanding reveals how Indigenous traditions, Puritan practices, and 19th- and 20th-century politics have shaped the holiday—and how these narratives have sometimes divided Americans rather than bringing them together. more
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Apopka and Orange County honor veterans with ceremonies, banners, and Vietnam War tribute
Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a series of events that include park and downtown ceremonies, a special tribute to Vietnam veterans, and a citywide banner program honoring local heroes. From keynote remarks by a retired Navy captain to Operation Green Light illuminating county buildings, the region is offering multiple ways for residents to recognize the sacrifices of veterans and their families. more
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A participant at an anti-war protest marches in New York City in March 2021.
Remembering Armistice Day: A veteran’s hope for peace in a world still at war
Born from the ashes of World War I, Veterans Day was once a celebration of peace — not just victory. Decades later, veterans across generations still echo the plea of those who fought “the war to end all wars”: that war should never again be a policy of choice. more
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.
Apopka to honor local veteran with ceremonial banner at City Hall
The City of Apopka will place 40 banners across the city to honor local veterans ahead of Veterans Day. Marv Suriff will receive special recognition with a ceremonial banner at City Hall for his exceptional military service. more
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D-Day Ranger and former Apopka resident awarded Congressional Gold Medal
Maj. Gen. John C. Raaen, Jr., a retired U.S. Army Ranger who once called Apopka home, received the Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony at The Mayflower in Winter Park. The 103-year-old veteran, the last surviving Ranger to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day, was recognized for his extraordinary service and lifelong contributions to the nation. more
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Honoring Courage and Sacrifice: Apopka’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
The City of Apopka will host a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, September 11, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the front steps of City Hall. The service will include lowering the American flag to half-staff and a community gathering to reflect and remember those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks. more
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The surprising connection between the "Town of Apopka City" and Labor Day
Happy Labor Day, Apopka! We at The Apopka Voice hope it's a restful and fun time off from work, filled with barbecues and good times. You may be surprised to read about the 143-year-old connection between Apopka and Labor Day in the article. more
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It took more than a century for Chicago’s Haymarket Square to get this memorial to the historic labor strife that occurred there.
Labor Day and May Day emerged from the movement for a shorter workday in industrial America
While much of the world observes May Day on May 1 to honor workers’ political and economic power, the U.S. and Canada celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday in September, emphasizing rest, leisure, and family traditions. Both holidays share roots in the 19th-century fight for an eight-hour workday, reflecting a broader struggle for workers’ control over their own time and lives. more
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'The Downtown Mural' will bring bold new art to the heart of Apopka
A dynamic new mural is taking shape at 2 E. Main Street, turning Domino’s Pizza into a canvas that celebrates Apopka’s culture and community pride. Designed by acclaimed local artist Ridge Bonnick, the piece marks a milestone in Main Street Apopka’s mission to revitalize and reimagine its historic downtown. more
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Historic Apopka Landmark Changes Hands: Rowley Family Enterprises acquires Seaboard Airline Railway Station 
The Rowley Family Enterprises has purchased the historic Seaboard Airline Railway Station on East Station Street from longtime steward Matt Jordan, marking a bold step for downtown revitalization. more
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Happy 4th of July, Apopka!
Apopka’s Independence Day event on Friday, July 4th, offers an evening of live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, and a dazzling fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to bring rain gear, as the forecast calls for a chance of showers or thunderstorms during the festivities. more
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Celebrating America’s long journey to independence
The Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a turning point that shaped the birth of the United States. From 1776 to today, it’s a day of parades, fireworks, and reflection on the country’s hard-won liberty. more
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Apopka Historical Society plans downtown green spaces and museum expansion through Brownfield partnership
Apopka leaders are working with the Brownfield Association to redevelop brownfield sites into green spaces and a larger museum that can host traveling exhibits and art galleries. The partnership aims to promote sustainable growth while preserving Apopka’s rich history. more
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Apopka celebrates 4th of July with music, family fun, and fireworks
The City of Apopka invites residents and visitors to celebrate Independence Day on Friday, July 4th, with a free, family-friendly event at the Apopka Amphitheater from 6 PM to 9 PM. The evening will be packed with live music, food, kid-friendly activities, and a dazzling fireworks finale. more
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