The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is recognizing January as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, urging women to prioritize prevention and routine screening. Health officials say early detection through Pap and HPV testing can prevent or cure cervical cancer before symptoms appear. more

The race for Apopka mayor has shifted from the campaign trail to the courtroom after Mayor Bryan Nelson filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Christine Moore from the ballot. The legal challenge raises questions about residency requirements and campaign qualifying procedures just weeks before the March election. more

A Florida bill that would prohibit drivers from holding or using handheld devices while driving has been refiled ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Supporters say the measure would strengthen the state’s distracted driving laws and align Florida with more than 30 other states that already require hands-free driving. more

As viruses continue to evolve and spread in a warming, highly mobile world, health experts are warning of several viral threats that could emerge or resurface in 2026. An infectious disease physician outlines why influenza, mpox, and insect-borne viruses such as Oropouche warrant close attention in the year ahead. more

Every January, many wellness resolutions fade by mid-month, but a University of Florida expert says lasting change comes from small, realistic steps. Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez of UF/IFAS Extension offers practical guidance for turning ambitious goals into sustainable daily habits in 2026. more

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly arrest report that includes arrests, crashes, calls for service, and traffic citations. This report is for the week ending January 3rd. more

As Apopka continues to wrestle with how it grows and how it moves, the Apopka City Council will meet on January 7 with an agenda packed with consequential policy and development decisions. Council members are set to consider a significant transfer of roadway jurisdiction, multiple rezonings, and long-term strategic planning initiatives. more

Quest, Inc. is expanding arts programming at Quest Kids Academy thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation. The funding will support music and dance classes as well as field trips throughout the school year. more

The Auto Club Group is urging drivers to make safety their top priority in 2026 as preventable crashes continue to claim tens of thousands of lives each year. The organization is calling on Floridians to commit to safer habits behind the wheel, including slowing down, staying focused, driving sober, and buckling up. more

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles.  more

 State lawmakers across the country are increasingly stepping in to regulate kratom, a controversial herbal supplement often used for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. A new podcast episode explores Louisiana’s push to ban kratom products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine and the broader national debate surrounding the substance. BY: STORIES FROM THE STATES - JANUARY 6, 2026 10:45 AM   Stories From The States is a weekly podcast from States … more

The Apopka Development Review Committee will meet on Wednesday, with the proposed 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in South Apopka headlining the agenda. Committee members will also review special event requests and several major development and subdivision plans. more

The unusual weather patterns of summer 2025—deadly inland flooding paired with a quiet U.S. hurricane season—were largely driven by shifts in the polar jet stream. Scientists say a weakened, wavering jet stream stalled storms over the same regions while steering hurricanes safely away from the mainland. more

Local entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to attend the Opportunity Apopka Business Expo on Friday, January 9, at the Apopka Community Center. The event will connect startups and established businesses with regional, state, and national organizations offering guidance, financing, and growth resources. more

The Orange County Corrections Department has been named the winner of Corrections1’s national poll for Best Recruitment Video of 2025. The department’s in-house production, Step into Something Bigger, topped entries from agencies across the country, earning national recognition after a public vote. more

While recent developments in Venezuela have drawn attention, oil prices remain relatively stable. Friday’s closing price for U.S. crude oil was $57.32 per barrel, up just 58 cents from the previous week. more

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 Mayor Jerry Demings pressing federal officials to reimburse Orange County for ICE detention costs. more

The Apopka High School Blue Darter Marching Band and the Wekiva High School Marching Mustangs spent the holidays representing Apopka on two of the world’s most prestigious parade stages. From London’s New Year’s Day Parade to the Sugar Bowl Parade in New Orleans, Apopka students showcased their talent, discipline, and hometown pride. more

Residents considering a run for the Apopka City Commission have one last opportunity to enter the 2026 race. The qualifying period for the special election to fill Seat 4 runs Jan. 5–7, with Election Day set for March 10. more

Florida medical marijuana patients could see fewer doctor visits and expanded access under legislation filed this week in the state Senate. The proposal would significantly reduce renewal requirements, increase allowable prescription limits, and eliminate registration fees for some veterans. more

Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026, completing a series of annual raises approved by voters five years ago. Supporters say the increase has helped workers and businesses, while critics continue to warn of higher prices and potential job losses. more

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that 52 black bears were harvested during Florida’s recently concluded 2025 bear hunt, the first such hunt in nearly 10 years. State officials described the hunt as a success rooted in scientific wildlife management, while critics continued to question the data and motivations behind its approval. more

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is reflecting on a year of significant progress in 2025, marked by expanded educational access, strengthened family support initiatives, and professional development for juvenile justice leaders. more

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly arrest report that includes arrests, crashes, calls for service, and traffic citations. This report is for the week ending December 27th. more

Updated: The APD reports that missing and endangered Apopka resident Carlos Zigrovic has been located. "Carlos was located this morning, safe and sound. Thank you!!" APD Sergeant Jennifer Rudich said in an email to The Apopka Voice. more