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AAA: Florida gas prices decline for a second straight week

The recent drop in gas prices follows a sharp decline in oil prices over the past few weeks. Crude prices fell roughly 18% over a two-week period before rising about 4% last week, reflecting continued volatility in the global energy market. more

From AAA | 6/8/26

Updating Breaking News: 90-year-old Apopka man dies after crash on Kelly Park Road

A 90-year-old Apopka resident died Sunday evening after his vehicle veered off Kelly Park Road and struck a fire hydrant. Florida Highway Patrol investigators believe a possible medical episode may have played a role in the crash. more

From Staff Reports | 6/8/26

In Case You Missed It: Sand trailer controversy, downtown setback, and Apopka's next chapter

This week's top stories included a deeply emotional City Commission discussion about the disposal of a sand trailer, new insights into Mayor Nick Nesta's priorities for Apopka, and a major setback for a downtown redevelopment project. Readers also followed a local healthcare appointment and a statewide property tax proposal headed to voters. more

From Staff Reports | 6/7/26

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings speaking in Tampa on March, 19, 2026

Jerry Demings suspends Democratic gubernatorial bid following cancer diagnosis

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has suspended his campaign for Florida governor after being diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer. Demings said he will continue serving as mayor through the end of his term while prioritizing his health and family. more

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 6/7/26

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers the 2026 State of the County Address.

Demings reflects on nearly eight years of growth, challenges and legacy projects in his final State of the County address

In his final State of the County address, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings reflected on the accomplishments and challenges that defined his administration, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian, affordable housing initiatives, and transportation investments. He highlighted progress across five key priorities while expressing confidence in Orange County's future growth and prosperity. more

From the Orange County Newsroom and Staff Reports | 6/7/26

UF/IFAS shares hurricane preparedness checklist as forecasters predict active season

UF/IFAS experts have released a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist to help Floridians get ready for what forecasters expect to be an active hurricane season. The guidance covers disaster supplies, communication plans, food storage, generator safety, pet preparedness, and private well protection. Now that Hurricane Season is here, it’s best to get your home and business ready for one of the fierce storms before … more

From UF/IFAS | 6/7/26

A banded Roseate Spoonbill stands in shallow water. Audubon Florida researchers are encouraging birdwatchers to report banded spoonbill sightings to help scientists better understand the species' movements and population trends.

Roseate Spoonbill nesting rebounds in Florida Bay, Audubon reports

Audubon Florida researchers recorded improved nesting success among Roseate Spoonbills in Florida Bay this season, with 157 of 244 monitored nests successfully fledging chicks. Scientists say public reports of banded spoonbills can help expand critical research on the species' movements and health. more

From Audubon Florida | 6/7/26

Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta speaks to a group of players from the Bunt Force Academy.

Nesta turns his attention to growth, public safety, and Apopka's future

As Apopka continues to grow, Mayor Nick Nesta says city leaders must focus on planning ahead rather than reacting to challenges after they arise. In the final installment of a three-part interview series, Nesta discusses public safety facilities, economic development, redevelopment, and the city's long-term future. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/4/26

Apopka Fire Department - Fire Station #1

A sand trailer, a tragedy, and a failure of trust

The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved the destruction of the sand trailer involved in the 2022 death of firefighter Austin Duran. But the larger story is why the trailer remained on city property for nearly four years and what that says about the city's handling of one of its darkest chapters. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/4/26

Subsidized flood insurance lowers the cost of living in coastal waterfront homes at high risk of flooding.

Hurricane season is here: Federal flood insurance carries 2 moral hazards – which you face depends largely on how wealthy you are

Flood insurance was designed to help Americans recover from disasters, but critics say the system creates unequal outcomes. While some homeowners benefit from subsidized coverage, many lower-income families remain uninsured or underinsured and struggle to recover after major floods. more

By Ivis García, Texas A&M University | 6/4/26

As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular, AAA is launching a new safety campaign to help families reduce the risk of serious crashes.

AAA launches e-bike and e-scooter safety campaign as injuries surge nationwide

As e-bikes and e-scooters become increasingly popular, AAA is launching a new safety campaign aimed at helping families reduce the risk of serious crashes. The initiative comes as emergency room visits linked to micromobility devices have quadrupled nationwide since 2017. more

From AAA | 6/4/26

Audubon birdwatchers gather along one of the Stormwater Treatment Areas in the Everglades to observe the birds roosting there. The STAs are manmade marshes built to filter pollution before it reaches the River of Grass, but they’re not eliminating nearly enough of it.

Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup

For decades, Florida leaders have promised to restore the Everglades, but a key piece of the effort remains unfinished. New concerns about phosphorus pollution are raising questions about whether the state can meet long-promised water quality standards. more

By Craig Pittman, Florida Phoenix | 6/4/26

Nesta wants a more transparent budget process and a closer look at city reserves

As Apopka begins preparations for its next budget cycle, Mayor Nick Nesta says residents should expect a more transparent and collaborative process than in previous years. The administration plans to show commissioners which departments requested what, what was removed to balance the budget, and how spending priorities are ultimately determined. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/3/26

City Commission issues default notice for stalled Station Street redevelopment project

Frustrated by years of delays, the Apopka City Commission has moved to declare the developer of the Station Street project in default of its development agreement. The action could ultimately reopen one of downtown Apopka's most important redevelopment sites if the developer fails to provide an acceptable cure within 30 days. more

From Staff Reports | 6/3/26

Jarod Fox to launch House District 39 campaign with Apopka kickoff event

Dr. Jarod Fox is bringing his campaign for Florida House District 39 to Apopka this week with a kickoff event in the heart of downtown. The physician and first-time candidate is seeking to unseat Republican incumbent Doug Bankson in one of Central Florida's most closely watched legislative races. more

From Staff Reports | 6/3/26

Sen. Bryan Avila closes on the resolution he sponsored to reduce property taxes during a special session on June 2, 2026.

It’s up to the voters now: Legislature OKs DeSantis property tax proposal

Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly restrict how local governments use property tax revenue, sending the issue to voters in November. The measure was revised to protect public school funding but continues to draw criticism from local governments and policy groups that warn it could force cuts to essential services. more

By Christine Sexton and Jay Waagmeester, Florida Phoenix | 6/3/26

Apopka police made more than 20 arrests during the final week of May, with drug offenses, traffic violations, and theft-related charges among the most common allegations. The department also responded to more than 1,700 calls for service during the seven-day reporting period.

Drug charges, DUI arrest among cases reported by APD last week

Apopka police made 25 arrests during the final week of May, with drug offenses, traffic violations, and theft-related charges among the most common allegations. The department also responded to more than 1,700 calls for service during the seven-day reporting period. more

From the Apopka Police Department | 6/3/26

This is the first installment of a three-part series examining Mayor Nick Nesta's first month in office. In a wide-ranging interview with The Apopka Voice, Nesta discussed everything from City Hall culture and employee empowerment to budgeting, growth, economic development, and major infrastructure projects.

Nesta says changing City Hall culture is his top priority

Mayor Nick Nesta says the future of Apopka depends on changing how City Hall operates. One month into office, he is focused on empowering employees, streamlining decision-making, and fostering a culture in which departments can solve problems without waiting for approval from the mayor's office. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 6/2/26

The initial $250,000 property tax exemption would cost counties an average of $4.8 billion annually, or $8.65 billion if homestead taxes are fully eliminated by fiscal year 2030-31, according to the Florida Policy Institute.

Florida cities, counties warn DeSantis property tax plan could slash local revenues

Local government leaders across Florida are sounding alarms over a proposed property tax overhaul backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They warn that the measure could significantly reduce revenues for cities and counties while creating uncertainty about how essential services would be funded in the future. more

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 6/2/26 | 1 comment

Build your hurricane emergency kit now, Orange County officials stress

Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 6/2/26

UF/IFAS offers summer activities that keep kids learning long after school ends

Looking for ways to keep kids curious and engaged this summer? UF/IFAS offers a variety of educational resources that combine outdoor exploration, reading, science, gardening, and creative activities into fun learning experiences for children of all ages. more

By Rolando Negron and Jamie Groh, UF/IFAS | 6/2/26

APD reports seven burglaries during the final week of May

Apopka police recorded seven burglary reports last week, with vehicle burglaries accounting for the vast majority of incidents. The reports include cases on Dunbridge Street, Whitetail Loop, Songbird Way, Laurel Site Loop, East Semoran Boulevard, and Hogshead Road. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 6/2/26

The Apopka City Commission will meet Wednesday afternoon to consider several items affecting development, infrastructure, and city operations. The agenda includes a notice of default involving the Station Street Development Agreement, acceptance of a $195,000 state stormwater planning grant, and proposed changes to the city's property maintenance code.

Station Street development dispute, stormwater grant highlight Apopka City Commission agenda

A potential development dispute and a major stormwater planning grant headline Wednesday's Apopka City Commission meeting. The agenda also includes code enforcement updates, a commercial annexation request, and a fiscal year budget amendment. more

From Staff Reports | 6/1/26

The largest project on the agenda is Paulucci Acres Pod 1 A/B & 4, a proposed subdivision containing 502 single-family lots on property located along Vick Road and Ponkan Road.

DRC to consider over 740 residential units on Wednesday

Three major residential projects are scheduled for review by the Apopka Development Review Committee on Wednesday. The agenda includes proposals for hundreds of new homes and a multi-family development as growth continues across the city. The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider three sizable … more

From Staff Reports | 6/1/26

Apopka resident named to Community Health Centers Board of Directors

Apopka resident Richard Cieslak has joined the Community Health Centers Board of Directors as the organization continues expanding healthcare access across Central Florida. The announcement coincides with the completion of a major renovation and expansion of the Apopka Family Health Center. more

From Community Health Centers | 6/1/26

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