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The new federal classification of marijuana regulates only medical use; recreational use is still determined by state laws.

Reclassification of marijuana opens doors for much‑needed medical research into the benefits and risks of the drug

A federal proposal to reclassify medical marijuana as a Schedule III drug could unlock new research opportunities and reshape how cannabis is regulated. The move marks a major policy shift, but experts caution it should not be interpreted as a sign the drug is risk-free. more

By Carey S. Cadieux, Binghamton University, State University of New York | 4/30/26

Measles outbreak shapes Florida’s vaccine debate as lawmakers clash in special session

Florida’s growing measles outbreak is reshaping a high-stakes political fight over vaccine policy in Tallahassee. Lawmakers are resisting efforts to expand exemptions even as cases rise and public health concerns mount. more

From Staff Reports | 4/30/26

Winn-Dixie urges early storm preparation, announces $150,000 Red Cross donation ahead of hurricane season

With National Hurricane Preparedness Week beginning, Winn-Dixie is encouraging residents to prepare early for storms and other emergencies. The company also announced a $150,000 donation to the American Red Cross to support disaster relief efforts. more

From Winn Dixie | 4/30/26

Know the Language: Low health literacy costs billions, leaving millions struggling to navigate care and coverage

Nearly 9 in 10 adults struggle to understand basic health care and insurance terms, contributing to an estimated $238 billion in unnecessary costs each year. Experts say improving health literacy could help consumers avoid surprise bills and make better care decisions. more

From Florida Blue | 4/30/26

OCPS warns of “critical decisions” ahead as budget pressures and declining enrollment converge

Orange County Public Schools leaders say the district is approaching a critical point as declining enrollment, rising costs, and uncertainty from the state budget collide. The warning comes as Florida ranks last in the nation for teacher pay, intensifying concerns about staffing and long-term stability. more

From Staff Reports | 4/29/26 | 1 comment

Fire crews responded to dozens of wildfires burning in Georgia and northern Florida on April 23, 2026.

Why the Southeast is burning – extreme drought is only part of the cause

An exceptional drought across the Southeast is driving a surge in wildfires in Florida and Georgia, burning tens of thousands of acres and destroying homes. Meteorologists point to a combination of dry fuels, low humidity, and persistent high-pressure systems as the key factors behind the dangerous conditions. Fire crews responded to dozens of wildfires burning in Georgia and northern Florida on April 23, 2026. … more

By Zachary Handlos, Georgia Institute of Technology | 4/29/26

Orange County opens $25 million film incentive program application portal

Orange County Government has opened applications for its Film Incentive Program, a $25 million effort to attract productions to the region. Officials say the initiative is designed to create jobs, boost tourism, and position the county as a competitive destination for the entertainment industry. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 4/29/26

APD logs busy week: 24 arrests, 118 citations, and more than 1,500 calls for service

The Apopka Police Department recorded 24 arrests and issued 118 citations during the week of April 19 through April 25. The report also includes 1,568 calls for service and a range of charges from theft and trespassing to drug trafficking and violent offenses. more

From the Apopka Police Department | 4/29/26

Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta speaks shortly after taking the oath of office.

The Times They Are A-Changin': A new chapter begins in Apopka as leaders take the oath of office

Power changed hands, but the message that carried through the ceremony was less about who won and more about what comes next. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 4/28/26

Developing Story: Rep. Dan Webster to retire, opening Florida's 11th Congressional District that includes Apopka

U.S. Rep. Dan Webster announced he will not seek re-election, ending a decades-long career in public office. His departure opens Florida’s 11th Congressional District, which includes all of Apopka. more

From Staff Reports | 4/28/26

As lawmakers prepare for a special session on Florida's budget starting May 12, teachers remain among the lowest-paid in the nation. Florida ranks 50th out of 50 states in average teacher salary, according to the National Education Association.

Florida ranks last in teacher pay for third straight year, report finds

Florida ranks 50th in the nation for average teacher pay for the third consecutive year, according to a new report. Educators say low salaries are contributing to staffing shortages and disrupting student learning. more

By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection | 4/28/26 | 1 comment

Auto burglaries lead Apopka police report

Auto burglaries made up the majority of reported incidents in Apopka during a recent seven-day period. Police documented 17 burglary-related cases, including a concentration of vehicle break-ins in the Apopka Reserve area. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 4/28/26

A New Chapter Begins: Apopka’s 2026 City Commission takes the oath of office on Tuesday

Apopka’s newly elected leaders will be sworn in on Tuesday during an oath of office ceremony at the Apopka Community Center. The event marks the official start of a new governing period led by Mayor Nick Nesta and commissioners Diane Velazquez, Sam Ruth, and Yesenia Baron. more

From Staff Reports | 4/27/26

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algae toxins in the NW Recreation Complex  Pond (E Shore). The alert is in response to water samples taken on April 22, 2026.

Health alert issued for blue-green algae at NW Recreation Complex pond

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County has issued a health alert for harmful blue-green algae at the NW Recreation Complex Pond (East Shore). Residents are advised to avoid contact with the water and keep pets away from the area. more

From the Florida Department of Health in Orange County | 4/27/26

Orange County receives $150,000 grant to add financial stability resources to emergency response plan

Orange County will expand its emergency response plan after receiving a $150,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. The funding will support financial counseling and assistance services to help residents prepare for and recover from emergencies. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 4/27/26

AAA: Florida gas prices down as market pressures linger

Last week, US oil prices surged $10.55 per barrel (13%), while gasoline futures rose 46 cents per gallon. Those gains reflected ongoing global supply concerns tied to the tensions with Iran and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. more

From AAA | 4/27/26

In case you missed it: The Apopka news week in review

In case you missed it. The Apopka News Week in Review includes five articles that shaped the City... all in one place, including details on the incoming Apopka City Commission. more

From Staff Reports | 4/26/26

Apopka breaks ground on new soccer fields at Northwest Recreation Complex

Apopka officials have broken ground on six new soccer fields at the Northwest Recreation Complex. The expansion is expected to increase field availability and support larger athletic events. more

From Staff Reports and the City of Apopka | 4/26/26

Florida battles drought, risk of wildfires

Florida is facing widespread drought conditions, with more than half the state under extreme or exceptional levels. Officials warn the dry conditions are fueling a heightened wildfire risk and prompting restrictions across multiple regions. more

By Merrilee Gasser, Ther Center Square | 4/26/26

American Rivers named Florida’s most famous river, the Suwannee, to its list of the top 10 most endangered rivers in the U.S. The cover image of the report shows the Suwannee River and a pipe dumping waste from a chicken-processing plant.

Way down upon this Florida river, pollution and water withdrawals spell double trouble

The Suwannee River has been listed among the nation’s most endangered rivers, highlighting mounting environmental concerns. Pollution, excessive water withdrawals, and proposed wastewater projects are raising alarms among scientists and local leaders. more

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

What Comes Next: Shared priorities, different paths for Apopka’s new City Commission

Apopka’s incoming City Commission largely agrees on the city’s biggest challenges, including transparency, communication, and stalled projects. But their responses reveal different strategies for how—and how quickly—those issues should be addressed. more

From Staff Reports | 4/23/26

Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns with roots dating back more than six decades

The Apopka Art and Foliage Festival returns this weekend, continuing a tradition that dates back more than six decades. The two-day event celebrates the city’s artistic heritage and its long-standing role in the foliage industry. more

From Staff Reports and the Apopka Art&Foliage Festival | 4/23/26 | 1 comment

Orange County commissioners voted unanimously to terminate a key portion of the county’s agreement with ICE, ending the use of the Orange County Jail to house federal immigration detainees.

Orange County Commission votes to end ICE detainee agreement

Orange County commissioners voted unanimously to end a key ICE detention agreement, with District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore—who represents Apopka—supporting the move. Apopka-based Hope CommUnity Center played a leading role in the advocacy effort behind the decision. more

From Staff Reports | 4/23/26

Students experience the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park.

Blue School Grant brings the springs to life

This grant made it possible for students to explore Silver Springs State Park as part of their “Spring Life” unit, turning classroom lessons into real-world discovery. Applications open this summer to help give students hands-on access to Florida’s natural ecosystems. more

From the St. Johns River Water Management District | 4/23/26

Orlando Magic great Nick Anderson will be the featured speaker at the Apopka Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on May 7.

Orlando Magic legend Nick Anderson to headline Apopka Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast May 7

Orlando Magic great Nick Anderson will serve as the keynote speaker at the Apopka Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 7. The annual event gathers the community for reflection, prayer, and fellowship on the National Day of Prayer. more

From the Apopka Christian Ministerial Alliance | 4/22/26

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