Orange County Animal Services has resumed all shelter services, including normal animal intake, following a temporary disruption related to construction of its new facility. To celebrate, the shelter is offering $5 adoptions for dogs and cats aged four months and older from Oct. 14–18.

The housing crisis involves more than the need to build new homes: Deferred maintenance also pushes existing affordable housing out of use. Contributors to “The Other Housing Crisis” argue that targeted repair assistance can preserve homes while reducing health problems, energy costs, and displacement.

Federal energy policy changes could increase Florida households’ annual energy costs by $630 by 2035, according to modeling by Energy Innovation. The analysis also projects economic losses, fewer jobs, and additional public health costs associated with increased air pollution.

Orange County is inviting residents and community partners to identify housing needs, service gaps, and development priorities for its next five-year Consolidated Plan. Apopka residents can participate through Engage Orange by completing a community needs survey, sharing ideas, and providing feedback.

The Apopka City Commission unanimously rejected a proposed $30,000 code-enforcement settlement for nearly eight years of violations at a rental property, totaling $5.6 million. Commissioners questioned the settlement policy and discussed concerns about the conditions tenants had endured.

Apopka’s Development Review Committee raised concerns about the Crossroads at Kelly Park commercial layout and its connection to a roadway funding agreement. The committee also reviewed upcoming events, including the Apopka Christmas Parade, K92.3’s Jingle Jam, and a Bee Gees tribute fundraiser.

Florida Power & Light and the Florida Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association are partnering to train first responders on battery energy storage systems. More than 200 firefighters and emergency personnel have completed the program this year as FPL expands its use of battery storage across Florida.

Energy decisions should work like other choices families and businesses make based on their needs, priorities, and budgets, according to Lake Apopka Natural Gas District CEO Brent Haywood. During Public Natural Gas Week, Haywood argues that preserving natural gas infrastructure gives current and future Apopka residents another option rather than requiring them to use it.

Florida residents aged 60 and older reported nearly $710 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, highlighting the financial toll of scams targeting older adults. A University of Tampa cybersecurity educator outlines six steps victims and their families can take after a scam.

Property insurance is a bigger worry than property taxes for 62% of Central Florida homeowners, according to a new University of North Florida poll. The survey also found widespread dissatisfaction with insurance reforms and substantial premium increases.

Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations, and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant.

Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.

The City of Apopka has issued a precautionary boil-water advisory for several neighborhoods and businesses following a water main break on Welch Road east of Rock Springs Road. Customers should boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes until the city lifts the advisory.

Sierra Club Florida has announced its opposition to Amendment 3, arguing that the proposed property tax changes could undermine local storm preparations and other public services. If approved by at least 60% of voters, the measure would significantly increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes.

Apopka police recorded eight burglary reports during Nov. 1-7, including six involving vehicles and two involving commercial properties. Five auto burglaries were reported on November 6, including three in the same address range on Panoramic Circle.

Florida voters approved Amendment 3, a homestead property tax reduction that state economists estimate could reduce local government revenues by as much as $12 billion annually at full implementation. Two other proposed constitutional amendments failed to reach the required approval threshold in unofficial results.

Apopka home values, seller closing costs, homestead portability and how to price in a flat 2026 market.

Selling your Apopka home this spring? Learn how roof inspections, repairs, and replacement can help prevent delays and attract buyers.

Florida’s housing market posted modest sales gains in the third quarter of 2026, with existing single-family home sales rising 0.2% and condo-townhouse sales increasing 3.1% from a year earlier. However, September sales declined in both categories as higher mortgage rates weighed on market momentum.