News

Featured Most recent

5778 results total, viewing 251 - 275

If you want to celebrate Florida history, you ought to know what it is

While Americans prepare to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, Florida's Revolutionary War history is often overlooked. In 1776, Florida was a British colony that remained loyal to the Crown throughout the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the complicated and often contradictory nature of history. more

By Diane Roberts, Florida Phoenix | 6/22/26

Florida gas prices are on a streak of declines. Through the last 11 days, the state average fell 32 cents per gallon. That cuts the cost of filling an average-size gas tank by nearly $5.

AAA: Florida gas prices declined 20 cents last week

Florida gas prices have fallen 32 cents in 11 days as more than 4 million residents prepare for Fourth of July road trips. Apopka drivers are finding some of the region's lowest prices at $3.35 per gallon. more

From AAA | 6/22/26

In Case You Missed It: South Apopka study, affordable housing initiative lead this week's top Apopka stories

This week's top Apopka stories focused on growth, community investment, public safety, and workforce development. Highlights included approval of a South Apopka annexation feasibility study, affordable housing initiatives, a major donation to Orange Technical College, reports of vehicle burglaries, and an opinion piece on bike-friendly infrastructure. more

From Staff Reports | 6/21/26

The Apopka Development Review Committee will meet Wednesday, June 24, at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers at Apopka City Hall to consider a revised major development plan for a proposed cold storage facility on West Orange Blossom Trail.

Revised cold storage project returns to DRC for second review

The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider revised plans for a proposed 168,180-square-foot cold storage facility at 2560 W. Orange Blossom Trail during its June 24 meeting. The project, known as Cold Link Apopka, is returning for a second review as a major development plan. more

From Staff Reports | 6/21/26

Mayra Uribe launches campaign for Orange County Mayor

Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe has announced her candidacy for Orange County mayor ahead of the August 18 primary election. Uribe, who has represented District 3 since 2018, says her campaign will focus on affordable housing, transportation improvements, job creation, and responsible growth. more

From the Campaign of Mayra Uribe | 6/21/26

South entrance of McCarty Hall D. Photo taken 07-24-19.

UF students turn invasive plants into mushroom-growing medium through art and science collaboration

A team of University of Florida students is studying whether invasive plant material can serve as an affordable growing medium for oyster mushrooms. The project combines scientific research, recycling, and public art to raise awareness about invasive species and sustainable food systems. more

From UF/IFAS | 6/21/26

Cannabis flower rests on a rolling tray, surrounded by a pack of rolling papers, a grinder, and a lighter. Lawmakers in a handful of states this year have introduced legislation to impose stricter THC limits on certain cannabis products.

High-potency cannabis fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks

A growing number of states are considering limits on THC potency as research raises concerns about the risks associated with high-strength cannabis products. Supporters of restrictions point to increasing rates of cannabis use disorder and psychosis, while industry groups argue that education and regulation are more effective than potency caps. more

By Amanda Watford, Florida Phoenix | 6/21/26 | 1 comment

Developing Story: City Commission approves South Apopka annexation feasibility study

The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $44,500 contract to study the feasibility of annexing portions of unincorporated South Apopka. The decision launches a months-long process focused on service levels, infrastructure needs, community input, and whether annexation should ultimately be presented to residents for a vote. more

From Staff Reports | 6/18/26 | 2 comments

Students and teachers pose outside a National Freedmen’s Bureau school in Beaufort, S.C., in 1865.

Juneteenth reminds us of Black Americans’ long struggle for education following end of slavery

The Apopka Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Apopka Community Center and concludes at Alonzo Williams Park, where a community celebration will feature live entertainment, food, educational exhibits, and family activities. more

Rodney Coates, Miami University | 6/18/26

This summer, food banks are keeping an eye on the horizon

While Central Florida avoided major hurricane impacts last year, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida warns that storms, inflation, and shrinking food supplies are creating a growing risk of hunger across the region. The organization is encouraging residents to volunteer, donate, and support local hunger-relief efforts ahead of hurricane season. more

By Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida | 6/18/26

As Orange County grapples with growing traffic congestion and limited options for expanding roadways, former Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore believes communities should focus on simpler solutions. Drawing on ideas from the Strong Towns movement, she argues that investments in walking and biking infrastructure can improve mobility, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long-term economic benefits.

Apopka can build a stronger future one bike ride at a time

As Orange County grapples with growing traffic congestion and limited options for expanding roadways, Christine Moore believes communities should focus on simpler solutions. Drawing on ideas from the Strong Towns movement, she says that investments in walking and biking infrastructure can improve mobility, strengthen neighborhoods, and create long-term economic benefits. more

By Christine Moore | 6/18/26

Biologists with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are holding a 17-foot, 148 lb female python they captured in an armadillo burrow last fall near the start of mating season. They use “scout snakes” to track down gigantic female pythons before they can lay eggs.

Python captures by Florida scientists overshadowed by hoopla over annual amateur contest

As Florida prepares for the annual Python Challenge, researchers warn that the invasive Burmese python population continues to grow and spread beyond the Everglades. Experts say the highly adaptable predators are threatening native wildlife and could become an increasing concern for Central Florida. more

By Craig Pittman, Florida Phoenix | 6/18/26

In much of the industrialized world, daily life is increasingly organized around the nuclear family.

Why fatherhood matters more than ever before

Fathers are more engaged in their children's lives than ever before, with many identifying parenthood as a central part of their identity. Researchers say this growing involvement benefits children and families, but changing social structures and unequal access to family-friendly policies are making it harder for many dads to be present. more

By Darby Saxbe, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences | 6/17/26

Although beachside fireworks shows are entertaining to people, the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds, especially for nesting species like this Black Skimmer family

Skip the Sparklers: Audubon Florida urges beachgoers to protect nesting birds this Fourth of July

Audubon Florida is urging residents and visitors to avoid using personal fireworks on beaches this Independence Day weekend to protect nesting shorebirds and their chicks. Fireworks, litter, pets, and other disturbances can cause adult birds to abandon nests, leaving vulnerable chicks exposed to predators and extreme heat. more

From Audubon Florida | 6/17/26

AAA: 4.6 million Floridians expected to travel for Independence Day

AAA projects that 4.6 million Floridians will travel during the Independence Day holiday period, marking one of the busiest Fourth of July travel seasons on record. With millions expected to hit the roads, travelers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and prioritize safety. more

From AAA | 6/17/26

Orange Technical College receives $110,000 donation to expand automotive career training

Orange Technical College has received a $110,000 donation to strengthen its automotive career training programs and expand opportunities for students entering the workforce. The investment will help enhance hands-on instruction and ensure students are prepared for the evolving demands of the automotive industry. more

From the Orange Technical College | 6/17/26

APD makes 37 arrests, responds to more than 1,600 calls during the week of June 7-13

The Apopka Police Department responded to 1,677 calls for service and made 37 arrests during the week of June 7-13, according to its latest media arrest report. The week's cases included multiple drug and weapons charges, two DUI arrests, five juvenile arrests, and incidents involving aggravated assault and child-related offenses. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 6/17/26

Golden Gem reclaimed water project headlines June 17 Apopka City Commission workshop

Apopka commissioners will spend much of their June 17 workshop discussing the Golden Gem Reclaim Water Facility, a long-term regional project designed to expand reclaimed water capacity and support future growth. The update will include construction progress, environmental benefits, and plans to address issues with the facility's storage ponds. more

From Staff Reports | 6/16/26

Orange County lowers heat activation threshold to expand access to cooling resources

Orange County is lowering its heat index activation threshold from 108 degrees to 103 degrees as Central Florida enters the hottest months of the year. The change triggers free LYNX transportation to designated cooling locations while reinforcing that air-conditioned facilities and splash pads remain available year-round. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 6/16/26

Experts at British Swim School of Northwest Orlando say swim lessons should focus first on building comfort and safety in the water rather than advanced swimming techniques. Foundational skills such as floating, reaching the wall, and responding to instructor cues help children gain confidence through consistent, year-round practice.

Building Confidence: Why swim skills are a year-round commitment

As families spend more time around water during the summer months, swim instructors are reminding parents that water safety starts earlier — and lasts longer — than many realize. Beyond learning strokes, swim lessons help children develop confidence, awareness, and essential survival skills that grow over time. more

From British Swim Schools of Northwest Orlando | 6/16/26

PhenoSeg focuses on segmenting individual strawberry plants from drone imagery – essentially isolating each strawberry plant from the background so scientists and growers can count plant-level fruit and flowers more precisely.

UF researchers develop AI-powered tools to help strawberry and tomato growers predict yields

University of Florida researchers have developed two web-based applications that use artificial intelligence and drone imagery to help strawberry and tomato growers predict yields. The tools, known as PhenoSeg and PhenoSnap, aim to reduce the time and labor required for traditional crop counting while improving forecasting accuracy. more

From UF/IFAS | 6/16/26

Five vehicle burglaries reported in Apopka during one-week period

Vehicle burglaries accounted for the majority of burglary reports filed with the Apopka Police Department during the week of June 7-13. The department's latest report shows seven incidents citywide, including one residential burglary and one commercial burglary. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 6/16/26

Among the most significant items is the first submittal for the Floridian Town Center Multi-Family Phase 1 major development plan. The proposal calls for a new apartment community on Southfork Drive, adding another residential component to the growing corridor.

Floridian Town Center apartment community, and tire facility among projects on Apopka DRC agenda

The Apopka Development Review Committee will discuss plans for a new apartment community, Southern Tire Mart, multiple residential projects, and infrastructure improvements during its June 17 meeting. more

From Staff Reports | 6/15/26 | 1 comment

Orange County's Office of Emergency Management will host the 2026 Hurricane Expo: Power of Preparedness on June 20 at Oak Ridge High School. The free event will connect residents with emergency responders, safety vendors, and preparedness resources. National Weather Service meteorologist Brendan Schaper will provide an update on the 2026 hurricane outlook.

Orange County to host free Hurricane Expo with forecasts, safety tips and emergency resources this weekend

Hurricane season is underway, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before a storm forms. The free Hurricane Expo on June 20 will feature expert forecasts, preparedness tips, and giveaways while supplies last. more

From Staff Reports and the Orange County Newsroom | 6/15/26

Audubon report says Everglades restoration gaining ground but warns of growing threats

Audubon Florida's Spring 2026 State of the Everglades report highlights restoration progress, $645 million in state funding, and concerns over development, water management, and conservation policy. more

From Audubon Florida | 6/15/26

« Prev | 1 … 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 … 232 | Next »

Currently viewing stories posted within the past 5 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.

FEATURED SPOTLIGHT

OP/ED: Energy choice starts with giving people options

Sleeper Buses in Action - Matthew's Hope Podcast Series

Sleeper Buses in Action - Matthew's Hope Podcast

In this episode of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, Pastor Scott and Shelley share what they have experienced and learned over the first few weeks that their sleeper buses have been in action.

Click here for more Straight Talk, No B.S. Podcasts by Matthew's Hope