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UF/IFAS Extension Orange County’s November schedule features eight programs ranging from financial education for renters and homebuyers to backyard chicken care and wildlife habitat. Events run Nov. 4-19, with registration required and fees ranging from free to $12.51.
UF/IFAS Orange County offers November classes on housing, gardening and backyard chickens
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County’s November schedule features eight programs ranging from financial education for renters and homebuyers to backyard chicken care and wildlife habitat. Events run Nov. 4-19, with registration required and fees ranging from free to $12.51. more
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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.
Orange County Animal Services resumes full operations, offers $5 adoptions
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. more
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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.
The other housing crisis: How neglected repairs erode affordable housing
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. more
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Florida households are projected to pay an additional $630 per year for energy by 2035 and $710 by 2040 under federal energy policies enacted since January 2025, according to an Energy Innovation analysis.
Analysis projects higher energy bills, job losses for Florida under federal policy changes
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. more
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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.
Orange County seeks input on housing and community development priorities
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. more
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The Apopka City Commission unanimously rejected a proposed $30,000 code-enforcement settlement for nearly eight years of violations at a rental property. Commissioners questioned the settlement policy and discussed concerns about the conditions tenants had endured.
City Commission rejects $30,000 settlement for longstanding code violations on apartment complex
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. more
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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.
DRC raises concerns over Crossroads at Kelly Park plans
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. more
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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.
FPL partnership provides Florida firefighters training on battery storage systems
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. more
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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.
OP/ED: Energy choice starts with giving people options
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. more
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Senior citizens are valuable and vulnerable targets for cybercriminals.
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime – here’s what to do if you or a loved one has been scammed
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. more
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Despite the ferocity of storms like Hurricane Milton, which destroyed Florida homes like this one in 2024, 80 percent of Central Floridians believe their homes are at medium to low risk for severe damage in a given year.
Insurance costs eclipse property tax worries for Central Florida homeowners
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. more
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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.
Water conservation rebates open early for Apopka-area groups and properties
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. more
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Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how it plants, protects, and maintains trees over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.
Orange County begins work on first Urban Forest Master Plan
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. more
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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.
Boil-water advisory issued for Welch Road area after water main break
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. more
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The coastline in Steinhatchee remains covered in debris on October 3, 2024, following Hurricane Helene.
Sierra Club warns Amendment 3 could weaken Florida’s storm defenses
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. more
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A Honda Mimo automatic robotic lawnmower at the West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay, Florida.
Robotic mowers could produce healthier Florida lawns, UF/IFAS study finds
UF/IFAS research found that robotic lawn mowers can maintain and improve Florida turf, including St. Augustine grass, despite their lower cutting height. Their frequent mowing removes small amounts of grass at a time, encouraging healthier and denser lawns. more
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Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes.
Orange County targets mosquito spraying after locally acquired dengue case
Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes. more
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An aerial view shows a coal-fired power plant with cooling towers and smokestacks. Photo: Kelly / Pexels
Environmental groups challenge federal order keeping Orlando coal plant open
Three environmental groups are asking a federal appeals court to overturn a U.S. Department of Energy order keeping an Orlando coal unit operating beyond its planned retirement. The groups argue the extension is unnecessary and could cost ratepayers an average of $21 more per month. more
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Southwick Commons has opened 192 affordable apartments in Apopka after years of litigation and permitting disputes with the City. Rents at the community begin at approximately $1,103 for one-bedroom units, $1,440 for two-bedroom units, and $1,647 for three-bedroom units.
After years of legal battles, Southwick Commons opens in Apopka
Southwick Commons has opened 192 affordable apartments in Apopka after years of litigation and permitting disputes with the City. Rents at the community begin at approximately $1,103 for one-bedroom units, $1,440 for two-bedroom units, and $1,647 for three-bedroom units. more
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Rapid population growth in cities such as Charlotte, Austin, and Phoenix has brought new investment but also intensified housing costs, displacement, and homelessness. Tiny house villages are emerging as one community-based response, increasing nationally from 34 in 2019 to 123 in 2024.
Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast‑growing cities
Rapid population growth in cities such as Charlotte, Austin, and Phoenix has brought new investment but also intensified housing costs, displacement, and homelessness. Tiny house villages are emerging as one community-based response, increasing nationally from 34 in 2019 to 123 in 2024. more
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Simple Ways to Make Your Florida Home More Comfortable for the Whole Family
Practical tips for Florida homeowners to create a more comfortable, functional and family-friendly home through maintenance, organization and flexible spaces. more
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UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50.
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County announces September classes and workshops
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County will offer a full schedule of educational programs in September covering health, housing, gardening and urban agriculture. Classes are available online and in person, with costs ranging from free to $50. more
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The Apopka CRA will consider a $7.8 million budget, two property acquisitions, and a program offering homebuyers up to $30,000 in down-payment assistance. Monday’s agenda also includes decorative lighting for East 5th Street, an extension of the agency’s term and future design standards.
Apopka CRA to consider $7.8 million budget, property purchases and homebuyer assistance
The Apopka CRA will consider a $7.8 million budget, two property acquisitions, and a program offering homebuyers up to $30,000 in down-payment assistance. Monday’s agenda also includes decorative lighting for East 5th Street, an extension of the agency’s term, and future design standards. more
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An Apopka homeowner who spent three years living with Hurricane Ian damage has returned to a fully renovated, wheelchair-accessible home through the Orange County Recovers program. The federally funded program continues to accept applications from Orange County homeowners with unresolved damage from Hurricanes Ian and Milton.
Orange County program restores Apopka man’s hurricane-damaged home
An Apopka homeowner who spent three years living with Hurricane Ian damage has returned to a fully renovated, wheelchair-accessible home through the Orange County Recovers program. The federally funded program continues to accept applications from Orange County homeowners with unresolved damage from Hurricanes Ian and Milton. more
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A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform.
New UF/IFAS app helps Floridians choose plants and support pollinators
A new UF/IFAS app helps Floridians select plants suited to their landscapes while supporting pollinators, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The free FFL Plants & Pollinators App combines three previously separate Florida-Friendly Landscaping resources into one web and mobile platform. more
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