Annexing South Apopka requires better leadership - and the right timing

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Sarasota County intended the Celery Fields to manage stormwater runoff, but it’s turned into a popular bird sanctuary that draws 130,000 visitors a year.
Bird-defending Audubon chapter defeats Florida development planned by nation’s largest homebuilder
The Sarasota Audubon Society outlasted homebuilding giant D.R. Horton in a three-round battle to protect the Celery Fields bird sanctuary from development. The unanimous votes against rezoning mark a rare and inspiring environmental victory in Florida’s fast-growing landscape. more
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A rendering for a starter home being constructed is on display during a groundbreaking ceremony in Plain City, Utah, in 2024. High prices and low availability of starter homes is increasingly driving young would-be buyers out of the market.
Young homebuyers lose more ground in the housing market as states struggle to help
A new report from the National Association of Realtors shows the share of first-time homebuyers has dropped to 21%, while their median age has climbed to 40. Rising home costs, limited inventory, and stalled affordability programs are squeezing younger buyers out of the market, especially in states like Florida and regions such as Orange County. more
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Property tax reduction referendum sought for 2026 midterms
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for a 2026 ballot measure that could give homeowners a property tax cut. The governor said local governments have grown too dependent on rising real estate revenues. The governor emphasized that the amendment must be written in clear language and designed to prevent wasteful spending by cities and counties. more
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End of daylight saving time signals once‑a‑week watering across Apopka, Orange County, and the district
With daylight saving time ending Nov. 2, central and northeast Florida shifts to once‑a‑week watering to conserve groundwater and protect springs. Residents and businesses are encouraged to follow the seasonal schedule and adopt efficient irrigation practices for healthier lawns and a sustainable water supply. more
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Halloween on a Friday: AAA warns of dangerous mix of foot traffic and impaired driving
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, AAA warns that more parties, increased foot traffic, and impaired driving make the night especially dangerous. Parents and drivers are encouraged to follow safety tips for pedestrians, costumes, and sober driving to protect children and reduce traffic risks. more
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Humans and nature can find balance in each other.
An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself
As we turn our clocks back this weekend, an Indigenous perspective invites us to rethink daylight saving time itself. Rather than controlling time to maximize productivity, the change in seasons reminds us to slow down, rest, and reconnect with nature’s cycles. more
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Florida County Association warns property tax cut proposals could gut local budgets
The Florida Association of Counties is warning that new legislative proposals to eliminate non-school property taxes could devastate local budgets and cripple basic public services. House Speaker Daniel Perez wants to put several property tax measures on the 2026 ballot, but critics — including Gov. Ron DeSantis — question their feasibility. more
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Aerial view of Pasco County wetlands surrounded by urban sprawl development.
‘You betrayed us’: Manatee County residents beg for repeal of Florida’s SB-180 planning restriction law
Senate Bill 180, signed this summer, restricts cities and counties from adopting land-use rules stricter than pre-storm regulations, sparking lawsuits and public outcry. Apopka must decide whether to challenge the law through protest, join ongoing legal efforts, or wait for legislative adjustments. more
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Orange County’s Surplus Lots Program helps family build stability
Chelethia “Chelly” Helmes turned the dream of homeownership into reality thanks to Orange County’s Surplus Lots Program and Habitat for Humanity. The initiative is transforming vacant county-owned land into affordable homes, giving families stability, security, and a foundation for the future. more
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The Florida Capital
Florida House proposes referendum to eliminate non-school property taxes
Florida lawmakers are proposing a constitutional referendum that would let voters decide whether to eliminate nonschool property taxes, which make up more than half of the state’s property tax revenue. The sweeping package of bills would phase out or cap these taxes, provide exemptions for seniors, and protect law enforcement funding. more
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A backyard cottage peeks out from behind a larger house in Tallahassee, Florida.
How Tallahassee made backyard cottages a real housing option
Tallahassee turned frustration into action by scaling its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to fit the size of backyard cottage projects rather than treating them like major developments. The result: simpler permitting, more flexibility for homeowners, and over 40 new ADUs built in just one year. more
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New legislation proposed by Bracy Davis would let survivors of abuse break leases without penalty
A new bill filed by Florida Senator LaVon Bracy Davis would give survivors of abuse the legal right to end their leases without financial penalty, ensuring they can escape dangerous homes safely and confidentially. The legislation would take effect July 1, 2026, and includes provisions to protect survivors’ privacy and hold perpetrators accountable. more
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Home repair program gives veteran a second chance at a safe and stable home
U.S. Army veteran Michael Owens spent sleepless nights listening to rainwater drip through his roof and struggling with electrical failures in his longtime home. Thanks to Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and community partners, those worries are over — replaced by a revitalized home and renewed dignity. more
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Slow-moving Atlantic storm could bring heavy rain and gusty winds to Florida this weekend
A slow-moving storm forming off the Georgia coast later this week could deliver days of rain and gusty winds to Florida, including Orange County and Apopka. While the strongest impacts are expected further north, local residents should stay alert for showers, breezy conditions, and minor urban flooding through the weekend. more
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A housing development in Kissimmee.
A second lawsuit has been filed to overturn Florida's planning-restriction law by an Orange County resident and an environmental group
An environmental group and an Orange County resident have filed a lawsuit challenging Senate Bill 180, arguing the new law unconstitutionally strips local governments of their ability to regulate land use and protect natural resources. The suit, the second in two weeks, claims the measure—tied to hurricane recovery—overreaches and silences local voices in growth and environmental planning. more
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Lake Apopka Natural Gas District celebrates Public Natural Gas Week
Public Natural Gas Week highlights the value of locally owned utilities like Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, which provides safe, efficient, and affordable energy to Central Florida communities. From October 6–10, residents can stop by offices in Apopka, Winter Garden, or Clermont for refreshments and information on the benefits of public natural gas. more
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Orange County partners with Pathlight Home to create housing for disabled veterans
Orange County has committed $84,100 to help Pathlight Home transform a former Hilton Inn near John Young Parkway into six new affordable units for disabled veterans. The project is part of Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ Housing For All Initiative, which has already supported nearly 2,400 affordable housing units since 2020. more
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The Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, a power plant managed by TECO (Tampa Electric Co.) at sunset.
Florida utilities 'slow to move off fossil fuels,' risking climate goals
A new Sierra Club report gives most Florida utilities failing marks for their slow shift away from fossil fuels, citing coal and gas dependence as a major risk in a state highly vulnerable to climate change. Advocates say affordable solar and battery storage could provide cleaner, more reliable alternatives. more
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Orange County helps fill gaps in affordable housing as residents await more options
Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is critical to addressing the housing shortage. It supports projects like Southwick Commons in Apopka and Catchlight Crossings near Universal Orlando. Developers say the fund, combined with fee waivers and federal support, allows working families to keep rents lower. more
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Orange County Public Works Roads and Drains crew repairing Park Avenue in front of Apopka Memorial Middle School on Saturday.
From potholes to apps: How Apopka and Orange County residents can solve problems fast
Apopka, Orange County, and the Florida Department of Transportation are making it easier than ever for residents to report problems like potholes, drainage issues, and graffiti. With apps like SeeClickFix and the county’s 311 hotline, solutions can often happen within days instead of weeks. more
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‘Waste is in the eye of the beholder’: Local officials push back on property tax accusations
At a Florida House hearing, local officials countered Gov. Ron DeSantis’ accusations of financial abuse, defending property taxes as essential for schools, fire stations, and law enforcement. Lawmakers said the testimony underscored the complexity of property tax reform and the unlikelihood of a one-size-fits-all solution. more
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This Halloween, celebrate with a “HalloWedding” ceremony 
The Orange County Clerk of Courts is offering Halloween-themed wedding ceremonies on Friday, October 31, 2025, complete with festive décor and optional costumes. Couples can book appointments or walk in, but spots are limited for this one-day-only event. more
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Florida lawmakers target ‘most hated tax’ in property tax committee meeting
Florida lawmakers continue exploring ways to cut property taxes while balancing the need to fund schools, firefighters, and local governments. Experts warned that reducing property taxes without new revenue sources could cost counties billions and complicate funding for essential services. more
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Apopka approves 15% water rate hike despite resident pushback over meter issues
Apopka residents will see a 15% increase in their water utility bills for the next two years after the City Council approved the hike on September 17. While commissioners cited expert analysis and the need to sustain essential services, residents voiced frustration over broken meters and called for cost-cutting measures instead of higher rates. more
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Ready to Recommit to Your Financial Goals? It’s okay to ask for help 
With nearly half of Americans saying their cost of living feels unaffordable, financial stress is becoming increasingly common. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s free Prosperity Platform offers one-on-one coaching and resources to help residents set goals, manage money, and build financial stability. more
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