The Apopka City Council approved a proposed millage rate of 4.6876 for the 2025–26 fiscal year, generating over $36 million in property tax revenue. The total proposed general fund budget is $108.6 million, with public hearings set for September. more

FEMA and state officials continue to assist Florida residents recovering from Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, with more than $1.6 billion in aid approved so far. Nearly 800 FEMA staff are on the ground helping survivors navigate recovery programs, debris removal, rental assistance, and appeals. more

This article will provide valuable tips to help you get ready for the hurricane season, ensuring your home and family are as prepared as possible. more

July is Smart Irrigation Month, and Orange County Utilities encourages residents to take simple steps—like adjusting watering times, checking for leaks, and using rain sensors—to conserve water and protect this vital resource. more

Manatee County just took a courageous stand against overdevelopment, protecting wetlands and flood-prone lands from a massive housing project. Apopka should follow this example before sprawl and poor planning put the community at risk. more

As Independence Day festivities fill backyards and neighborhoods, AAA urges homeowners to prioritize safety to prevent fires, injuries, and costly insurance claims. From grilling and fireworks to pool and pet precautions, simple steps can help keep celebrations safe and enjoyable. more

This Independence Day, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District celebrates the freedom of energy choice—an essential part of American resilience and self-reliance. With natural gas, Florida families and businesses can enjoy reliable, cost-effective energy that supports local communities and protects their right to choose. more

This year’s theme, “Power of Preparedness,” underscores the critical importance of being ready before disaster strikes. The expo will offer one-on-one conversations with emergency responders, safety demonstrations, and expert guidance on hurricane readiness. more

Esvin Juarez, a longtime Apopka resident and small business owner, was deported to Guatemala despite decades of community ties and a pending visa application. His daughter is now pleading for the release of her detained mother and calling on leaders to show compassion and uphold due process. more

Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as nutrients. Pollution from nutrients harms our natural waterbodies – springs, lakes, and rivers – by causing algae blooms and poor water quality. more

Through the program, eligible customers can complete a free Home Energy Check online, by phone, or in person, where they will receive a report detailing their home’s past and current energy usage, as well as expert recommendations for improvements that will increase their home’s efficiency. more

Matthew's Hope, a nonprofit organization serving Central Florida's homeless population, introduced a unique new service to Apopka at its June 4th City Council meeting: a sleeper bus designed to provide short-term rest to individuals experiencing homelessness. more

In the past, local mitigation plans primarily focused on repairing roads or protecting property from storm damage, without acknowledging that socially vulnerable groups, such as low-income or elderly populations, were more likely to be the hardest hit and take significantly longer to recover. Ivis García , Texas A&M University and Shannon Van Zandt , Texas A&M University When powerful storms hit your city, which neighborhoods are most … more

In this article, we'll explore how this approach helps control capital expenses, streamline permitting, and ensure long-term compliance with Florida's evolving water regulations. more

In Florida, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re a longtime resident or facing your first storm season, knowing what to do before, during, and after a hurricane can make all the difference. more

Pittman: “How did we get here? Bear in mind that we’re a state surrounded on three sides by water, so we’re especially vulnerable to a rising sea level. Yet our state has seen rampant overdevelopment in flood-prone spots in recent years.” more

Last week's tabletop exercises and drills, which run ahead of the June 1 start of hurricane season, bring together state and local agencies to practice response coordination. This year, discussions are shadowed by federal proposals to overhaul disaster recovery, leaving officials focused on shoring up state and local resources. more

Home and business owners can take steps to make sure the trees can withstand tropical storm- and hurricane-force winds and rains. more

Access to affordable housing remains a pressing issue in Orange County, where more than 40% of renter households are considered cost-burdened—spending over 30% of their income on housing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. more

In this article, you will find a checklist of important details to consider before, during and after a storm. From a plan with your family, to building an emergency kit, preparing your home, and more, this will help you get through it more safely. more

According to the most recent data available, there are approximately 53 million caregivers in the United States. more

LANGD’s growth over the past decade has been remarkable, with a 93% expansion in service area as more homeowners and businesses turn to natural gas as their preferred energy source. more

Due to the temporary disruption in water service, a precautionary boil water advisory is being issued for all residents in Winding Meadows and Laurel Oaks. more

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a nationwide effort to help fight food insecurity by connecting the nation’s network of mail carriers with local food banks. more

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was the third costliest, with $129.7 billion in damages and multiple Category 5 hurricanes. This staggering level of destruction underscores how preparedness is the key to minimizing future risks. more