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Data Centers: When the decision is too big for the city

A proposed 28-year development agreement between Hermantown, Minnesota, and Google highlights the growing imbalance between small local governments and massive corporations negotiating infrastructure-heavy projects. The analysis argues that some development deals are so large and financially consequential that they exceed the institutional capacity of small cities to evaluate and manage them safely. more

By Charles Marohn, Strong Towns | 5/14/26

Why Water Survival Skills Matter So Early

Swim lessons are about far more than learning strokes or swimming across a pool. Early lessons help children build confidence, comfort, awareness, and foundational water safety skills that can stay with them for life. more

By: Valynn Sala, Owner/Director British Swim School Northwest Orlando | 5/14/26

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is urging residents to learn the warning signs of stroke during National Stroke Awareness Month.

DOH-Orange encourages residents to recognize stroke warning signs during awareness month

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is observing National Stroke Awareness Month by educating residents about stroke symptoms, risk factors, and prevention. Officials say fast recognition and emergency treatment are critical to improving survival and reducing long-term damage. more

From Staff Reports and the Florida Department of Health/Orange County | 5/14/26

Customers browse the fresh produce at a Wilkes-Barre, Pa., farmers market in June 2025.

Who shops at farmers markets in the US?

A new study examining U.S. farmers market shoppers found consumers generally fall into six categories based on their motivations, habits, and level of engagement. Researchers say most shoppers are driven by a desire for healthy food, support for local farmers, and the enjoyment of the experience itself. more

By Bret R. Shaw, University of Wisconsin-Madison | 5/14/26

At its regularly scheduled meeting, the board approved targeted attendance boundary adjustments for Kelly Park School, Wolf Lake Elementary School, Wolf Lake Middle School, and Zellwood Elementary School. The district is managing enrollment growth and balancing student populations across Northwest Orange County.

OCPS approves Apopka-area school rezonings for 2026-27 school year

The Orange County Public Schools Board approved targeted rezonings Tuesday night affecting several Apopka-area schools beginning in the 2026-27 school year. District 7 board member Melissa Byrd said the changes were designed to keep neighborhoods together while balancing enrollment between schools with available capacity. more

From Staff Reports | 5/13/26

District staff evaluated rainfall totals, aquifer levels, river flows, and drought indicators before recommending the action. Despite earlier conservation measures, conditions have continued to worsen due to a lack of rainfall, requiring additional mandatory restrictions to help protect regional water resources.

District declares Phase III water shortage as extreme drought worsens statewide

The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration in response to severe drought conditions, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows across northeast and central Florida. The order imposes stricter irrigation limits, expands restrictions into parts of Lake County, and calls on residents and businesses to immediately reduce non-essential water use. more

From the St. Johns River Water Management District | 5/13/26

Wes Hodge launches Orange County Commission campaign with rapid petition drive

New Orange County Commission District 2 candidate Wes Hodge is officially introducing his campaign to voters after collecting more than 1,100 petition signatures in just one week. The grassroots effort surpassed the threshold required to qualify for the ballot without paying a qualifying fee, signaling an early push focused on affordability, transportation, sustainable growth, and responsive local government. more

From Staff Reports | 5/13/26

Florida ranks last in reading recovery nationwide, a new Education Scorecard finds

A new Education Scorecard report found Florida ranks 24th nationally in math recovery but dead last in reading recovery among states measured between 2022 and 2025. The report also highlighted improving districts across the state, including Orange County and Bradford County, while warning that chronic absenteeism and lingering pandemic learning losses continue to impact student performance. more

From The Education Scorecard | 5/13/26

Apopka Police Department reports 18 arrests and 1,769 calls for service during the weeklong period

The Apopka Police Department reported 27 adult arrests and three juvenile arrests between May 3 and May 9, according to its weekly arrest report. The department also responded to 1,769 calls for service and documented 24 crashes during the seven-day period. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 5/13/26

Apopka’s first FY2026-27 budget workshop offers early look at Nesta’s push to reshape City Hall

Apopka’s FY2026-27 budget workshop on Wednesday night will provide the first broad public look at spending priorities and long-term planning under Mayor Nick Nesta’s new administration. Department presentations outline proposals involving staffing growth, redevelopment initiatives, technology upgrades, infrastructure planning, and expanded public engagement in the budget process. more

From Staff Reports | 5/12/26

Florida's MCR Health mobile medical unit is one of several operating in the state. This type of outreach comes as Florida's rural obstetric care access sharply declines: 18 of 21 rural hospitals no longer deliver babies and the state's uninsured rate is 10.7%.

Mobile healthcare clinics expand access for underserved Florida communities

Mobile healthcare clinics are becoming an increasingly important tool in addressing Florida’s healthcare access challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Providers say the units help patients receive medical, dental, vision, and prenatal care without missing work or school. more

By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection | 5/12/26

Orange County encourages seniors and their families to begin planning early so they can remain safe, comfortable, and connected if severe weather impacts the region.

Orange County urges seniors to prepare early for hurricane season

Orange County is encouraging older adults and their families to begin hurricane preparations early ahead of the 2026 storm season. Officials say advance planning can help seniors maintain access to medications, medical equipment, transportation, and caregiver support during emergencies. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 5/12/26

Apopka HS Award Ceremony 5/4/26 Pictured from left: AWC President Diane Harrison, AHS students Elizabeth Marshall, Kendall Walker, Ariana Serami Obregon, AWC Scholarship Chair Saudi Ellis, Principal Lyle Heinz.

Apopka Woman’s Club awards scholarships to five local students and adult learner

The GFWC Apopka Woman’s Club awarded five $1,500 scholarships during its April meeting to local students and an adult learner continuing her education. Recipients included students from Apopka High School and Orangewood Christian Academy, along with a Hope CommUnity Center employee. more

By Saudi Ellis, Education & Libraries Chair, Apopka Woman's Club | 5/12/26

Apopka Police Department reports nine burglary incidents during first full week of May

Apopka police recorded nine burglary-related incidents between May 3 and May 9, according to the department’s weekly burglary report. The incidents included commercial, residential, and vehicle burglaries reported in multiple areas throughout the city. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 5/12/26

The committee will also review a special event permit request for “Father’s Day: Best of the World,” a concert event planned for June 21 at the Apopka Amphitheater.

DRC to review amphitheater Father’s Day event, church expansion, and asphalt storage site

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will review three proposals Wednesday morning, including a church expansion, a Father’s Day concert event at the Apopka Amphitheater, and an asphalt storage and maintenance site. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the Apopka City Hall Commission Chambers. more

From Staff Reports | 5/11/26

While it’s not something voters will decide this year, Floridians might want to know where their candidates for statewide office stand on legal recreational marijuana.

Most major Florida gubernatorial candidates say state should never legalize recreational marijuana

Recreational marijuana may not be on Florida’s ballot this year, but it is emerging as a defining issue in the 2026 governor’s race. Republican candidates for governor have largely united against legalization, while Democrat David Jolly says Florida leaders should enact policies backed by a majority of voters. more

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 5/11/26 | 1 comment

Kids at the Well Summer Camp expands technology, leadership programs with new computer lab

The Kids at the Well Summer Camp is expanding its curriculum this summer with new technology-focused programs and a computer lab featuring 17 donated computers from AdventHealth. The camp, hosted at the Well Activity Center in Apopka, will also continue offering sports, field trips, creative arts, and faith-centered programming for children ages 4 to 14. more

From Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church | 5/11/26

The American Public Gas Association recognized Lake Apopka Natural Gas District with its Gold-level System Operational Achievement Recognition award for excellence in natural gas utility operations.

Lake Apopka Natural Gas District earns national gold-level operational excellence award

The American Public Gas Association has awarded the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District its Gold-level System Operational Achievement Recognition award for excellence in operating a natural gas utility. The national honor recognizes outstanding performance in system integrity, employee safety, system improvement, and workforce development. more

From the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District | 5/11/26

AAA: Florida gas prices ease after hitting a four-year high

The state average jumped 20 cents per gallon, peaking at $4.50 on Thursday. Then, prices began to ease through the weekend. The state average fell 9 cents, bringing Sunday's price to $4.43 per gallon. That is 10 cents more than a week ago, 34 cents more than a month ago, and $1.48 more than this time last year. more

From AAA | 5/11/26

The Apopka City Commission assembled for the first time at the May 6th meeting.

In Case You Missed It: Apopka’s new commission takes shape as major issues move forward

Apopka’s new commission signaled early changes in tone and priorities this week through decisions on governance, development, infrastructure, and education. The headlines included Mayor Nick Nesta’s operational changes at City Hall, a unanimous development rejection, flood mitigation updates, and recognition for 107 local Super Scholars. more

From Staff Reports | 5/10/26

Apopka to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with July 4 event and fireworks finale

The City of Apopka will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence with an evening of music, food, family activities, and fireworks on July 4. The free event at the Apopka Amphitheater will feature a performance by the Private Stock Band and conclude with a patriotic fireworks finale. more

From the City of Apopka and Staff Reports | 5/10/26

The Apopka Planning Commission at its April meeting.

Apopka’s next growth battle may not be over development projects

Apopka Commissioner Sam Ruth’s challenge to the Planning Commission structure last week extended beyond a single appointment debate and into larger questions about growth, governance, and accountability. The discussion highlighted how the city’s new commission may be preparing to reshape not just development decisions, but the process that guides them. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 5/10/26

Orange Audubon fundraiser to support Apopka Birding Park nature center project

Orange Audubon will host a fundraiser in downtown Apopka on May 16 to support construction of its future nature and special events center at the Apopka Birding Park. The evening will feature music, raffles, food options, and updates on the organization’s growing habitat restoration and conservation efforts. more

From Orange Audubon | 5/10/26

Measles begins with a blotchy red rash that typically appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.

Summer’s coming, and data show measles cases are rising

As summer travel season begins, measles cases continue climbing in Florida and across the United States amid declining vaccination rates and renewed public debate over vaccine policies. Florida has reported 150 suspected and confirmed cases so far this year, with Collier County accounting for the majority of infections tied to an outbreak at Ave Maria University. Florida Department of Health … more

By Christine Sexton, Florida Phoenix | 5/10/26

Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta introduced several structural changes during Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, including monthly workshops, earlier agenda releases, expanded public comment opportunities, and earlier budget discussions.

Nesta begins reshaping Apopka City Hall

Nick Nesta used his first mayor’s report to outline procedural changes that could reshape how Apopka’s City Commission operates. While the proposals were administrative on the surface, they reflected broader campaign themes centered on transparency, communication, infrastructure planning, and earlier public involvement. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 5/7/26 | 2 comments

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