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Dr. Jarod Fox enters House District 39 race with a physician's perspective and focus on affordability

In his first run for public office, Orlando Health physician Dr. Jarod Fox says his experience in medicine has shaped his approach to tackling Florida's biggest challenges, from health care access to housing affordability. The Democratic candidate also discusses education, growth, infrastructure, and why he believes local governments should retain more decision-making authority. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/29/26

Leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals is safer and more spectacular.

Fireworks, heat and drought make this July 4th a recipe for wildfires

As millions celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, experts warn that widespread drought and hot weather have created elevated wildfire risks across much of the United States. Human-caused fires traditionally spike on July 4, making professional fireworks displays the safest option. more

By Lauren Lowman, Wake Forest University | 6/29/26

Cracker cattle grazing at the Dudley Farms state historic site near Newberry, Florida.

Florida at 250: Heritage cattle connect the state's colonial past to the future of sustainable ranching

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Florida's heritage cattle are serving as a living reminder of the state's agricultural roots, tracing their lineage to Spanish livestock introduced in the 1500s. Today, ranchers and UF/IFAS researchers are preserving the hardy breed while applying its traits to more sustainable, climate-resilient ranching. more

From UF/IFAS | 6/29/26

In Case You Missed It: Apartment proposal, scholarship award, South Apopka opinion, free state parks, and Hispanic Heritage art call

It's been another busy week across Apopka and Central Florida. Here's a quick look at five stories worth catching up on, including a major apartment proposal, a local scholarship recipient, an opinion on South Apopka, free admission to Florida State Parks, and a call for artists. more

From Staff Reports | 6/28/26

2650 Foundation announces third annual 15 Days of Hope campaign honoring Austin Duran

The 2650 Foundation is inviting the community to participate in its third annual 15 Days of Hope campaign, honoring the life and legacy of fallen Apopka firefighter Austin Duran. The 15-day initiative includes tribute events, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and community gatherings that support first responders and firefighter training. more

From the 2650 Foundation | 6/28/26

Orange County lifts burn ban after week of improved drought conditions

Orange County has officially lifted its burn ban after steady rainfall reduced drought conditions across the area. Recreational open burning is once again permitted in unincorporated Orange County and communities served by Orange County Fire Rescue. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 6/28/26

Three weeks after the Florida Legislature placed a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption, a political committee has launched a campaign opposing the measure.

Committee launches campaign opposing Florida's proposed property tax amendment

A newly formed political committee has launched a campaign opposing Amendment 3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly expand Florida's homestead property tax exemption. The group argues the measure would reduce local government revenues by billions of dollars while shifting costs to renters, businesses, and consumers. more

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 6/28/26

The meeting's lone business item is a quasi-judicial public hearing on The Ridge Phase 3 Major Development Plan, the next phase of the mixed-use Ridge Planned Development.

363-unit apartment project tops July 1 Apopka City Commission agenda

The Apopka City Commission will meet on Wednesday to consider several development proposals, including a 363-unit apartment community that is expected to draw the most attention. Commissioners will also review a proposed child care facility, an annexation request, and several routine consent agenda items. more

From Staff Reports | 6/25/26

A teacher works with elementary school students to improve literacy skills.

Florida ranks last again in national report on legislative support for public schools

A new report from the Network for Public Education ranked Florida last in the nation in legislative support for public schools for the third consecutive year, citing low funding, low teacher pay, and extensive school privatization. However, other national rankings and student achievement data suggest Florida's education system performs better under different evaluation criteria. more

By Merrilee Gasser, The Center Square | 6/25/26

Former Apopka City Commissioner Alexander Smith (from left), Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez, Apopka High School graduate Jayden Safford, and Lake Apopka Natural Gas District General Manager and CEO Brent E. Haywood, P.E., pose following a scholarship presentation Thursday. Safford received a $3,000 LANGD Skilled Trades Scholarship to pursue a career in welding.

Apopka High graduate earns $3,000 LANGD scholarship to pursue welding career

Recent Apopka High School graduate Jayden Safford received a $3,000 scholarship from the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District to pursue a career in welding. The scholarship is part of LANGD's effort to support students entering high-demand skilled trades and strengthen the region's future workforce. more

From LANGD | 6/25/26

Tests by UF scientists found Gemini Springs in Volusia County had some of the worst PFAS contamination in Florida. The cancer-causing chemical has turned up all over the state.

Opinion: Florida lobbyists shouldn't play both sides of the PFAS fight

A new investigation alleges that several prominent lobbying firms are simultaneously representing chemical industry groups opposing stricter PFAS regulations while also working for Florida local governments coping with contaminated drinking water. The column argues that such dual representation raises ethical concerns as communities struggle to address the costly cleanup of "forever chemicals." more

By Craig Pittman, Florida Phoenix | 6/25/26

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help manage symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Non-surgical options include core-strengthening exercises, bladder training, and lifestyle changes.

Survey: Many Florida women are unaware pelvic prolapse is treatable

A new survey suggests millions of women are living with pelvic organ prolapse without realizing the condition can be effectively treated. Specialists say both nonsurgical therapies and minimally invasive surgery can restore quality of life and help prevent serious complications. more

By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection | 6/25/26

In the Heights: OCPS launches inaugural Summer Production Series

Orange County Public Schools is debuting its first Summer Production Series with the Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights. Among the cast is Apopka High School student Leiana Miller, who joins more than 90 students from across the district in a collaborative celebration of theater, community, and belonging. more

From Staff Reports | 6/24/26

When the temperature soars inside homes, being outside even on very hot days can feel less uncomfortable than being indoors.

Heat waves can leave homes dangerously hot – even for young, healthy adults

Most people assume the greatest danger during a heat wave is outside, but experts say indoor temperatures can become even more deadly when air conditioning fails. New research shows many homes can quickly reach dangerous conditions during prolonged power outages, especially older, poorly insulated houses. more

By Zoltan Nagy, Eindhoven University of Technology | 6/24/26

Florida State Parks to offer free admission July 3-5 for America's 250th anniversary

Floridians and visitors can enjoy free admission to most Florida State Parks during the July Fourth holiday weekend. The fee waiver, offered July 3-5, is part of Florida's celebration of America's 250th anniversary and encourages residents to explore the state's natural and historic treasures. … more

From Florida State Parks | 6/24/26

Pediatric Associates is suing the DeSantis administration alleging it used bad math when calculating new managed care rates to account for the costs of covering applied behavioral analysis services for children with special needs or autism. This kind of care in Florida has exceeded $2 billion in the past, according to the state.

Largest Medicaid pediatric provider sues DeSantis administration over pay rates

Florida's largest pediatric Medicaid provider is challenging the DeSantis administration over changes to Medicaid payment rates that it says have dramatically reduced funding for children's healthcare. Pediatric Associates argues the state's methodology contains significant errors that could jeopardize access to care for more than 300,000 Medicaid-enrolled children. more

By Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix | 6/24/26

Apopka police made several notable arrests during the week of June 14-20, including cases involving sexual battery, robbery, DUI, and narcotics-related offenses.

APD reports arrests in battery, robbery, DUI, and drug cases

The Apopka Police Department reported multiple arrests involving sex crimes, robbery, DUI offenses, drug possession, and domestic violence during the week of June 14-20. Officers also responded to 1,657 calls for service and investigated 33 crashes during the reporting period. more

From the Apopka Police Department | 6/24/26

Former pro and Orlando native brings free youth basketball clinic to Apopka

Time to Train Athletics Foundation will host a free youth basketball clinic for boys ages 7–17 on June 28 at The Well Activity Center in Apopka, featuring coaching from former professional player Jonathon Thompson. more

By Johanne Thompson, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Time to Train Athletics Foundation | 6/23/26

Central Florida artists invited to submit work for 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit

Central Florida artists have until July 31 to submit original works for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit. This year's theme, "Unidos, Somos Más" ("Together, We Are More"), highlights the strength, resilience, and shared experiences that unite Hispanic cultures. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 6/23/26

Passengers and drivers alike have been assaulted on rideshare platforms. State legislators are fighting to keep survivors' access to the courts.

Eskamani joins hundreds of female lawmakers opposing rideshare liability shield

State Rep. Anna V. Eskamani is joining a nationwide effort to block a proposed federal liability shield for rideshare companies. Opponents say the measure would limit the ability of sexual assault survivors to hold Uber and Lyft accountable in court. more

By Trimmel Gomes, Florida Phoenix | 6/23/26

Condominiums and hotels line the Atlantic coastline in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Natalie Chandler / The Center Square

Florida TaxWatch warns Iran conflict could slow Florida economy, tourism growth

A new Florida TaxWatch report says the conflict involving Iran has created a "severe shift" in Florida's short-term economic outlook. Rising energy costs and disruptions to global oil shipments are expected to impact tourism, unemployment, and overall economic growth in the years ahead. more

By Merrilee Gasser, The Center Square | 6/23/26

Five burglaries reported in Apopka during June 14-20

The Apopka Police Department reported five burglary-related incidents between June 14 and June 20. The incidents included burglaries targeting a residence, three vehicles, and a commercial property. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 6/23/26

South Apopka deserves facts, clarity, and leadership

The Apopka City Commission made the right decision by approving a feasibility study for South Apopka annexation. The study won't answer every question, but it can move the conversation beyond fear, assumptions, and decades of delay. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/22/26

Led by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Annie-Grace Funderburg, BAT Days was created to remove barriers such as transportation, work schedules, and affordability that often prevent residents from accessing care.

Monthly BAT Days initiative connects Orange County residents with health care, recovery services, and essential resources

Better Access to Treatment (BAT) Days brings multiple health and social service providers together each month to serve residents facing barriers to care. The initiative offers free testing, health resources, recovery support, case management and essential items to help individuals build healthier, more stable lives. more

From the orange County Newsroom | 6/22/26

Father Jose Rodriguez’s story reflects a pattern seen across the country. According to the CDC, men are nearly 12% more likely than women to go without seeing a doctor for an entire year. And in some cases, men don’t have insurance at all.

As stroke risks persist among men, one Florida survivor highlights the importance of coverage and care

Father Jose Rodriguez survived two strokes and credits maintaining health insurance coverage with helping him access the specialists, medications and support needed for recovery. His story highlights the importance of preventive care and continuous coverage as Florida continues to face challenges with uninsured residents. more

From Florida Blue | 6/22/26

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