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Apopka approves $12.7 million Golden Gem pump station, advancing long-delayed reclaimed water project

The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $12.7 million contract to build the long-awaited Golden Gem reclaimed water pump station, a project city leaders say is critical to expanding reclaimed-water service. Commissioners also heard questions about lost grant funding and concerns from residents experiencing low reclaimed-water pressure. more

From Staff Reports | 7/16/26

Rick Singh says Orange County Clerk's Office needs a CEO, not simply a caretaker

Rick Singh is asking Orange County voters to return him to public office, this time as clerk of courts. The former property appraiser says his experience in government, business, and the military would help him build a more accessible and service-oriented agency. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/16/26

As tropical weather systems begin to form, many Orange County residents are turning to a tried-and-true defense against flooding: sandbags. Whether you have used them before or this is your first time, here is what you need to know to make the most of this simple but effective tool.

Prepare for the Storm: How to use sandbags for flood protection

As tropical systems begin to form, Orange County residents can use sandbags to reduce the risk of minor flooding around their homes. Bags should be filled halfway and stacked in a staggered pattern, preferably over a plastic tarp for additional protection. Orange County opens self-service distribution sites before major storms, but officials caution that sandbags are no substitute for evacuating when instructed. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 7/16/26

Developing Story: Apopka delays preliminary tax-rate vote after commission deadlocks over proposed 0.75-mill increase

The Apopka City Commission postponed setting its preliminary property tax rate after failing to reach a unanimous agreement on a proposed 0.75-mill increase. The delay extends budget negotiations as commissioners debate new spending, staffing levels, and how best to prepare for the potential impact of a statewide property tax amendment. more

From Staff Reports | 7/15/26

The Apopka Police Department made 31 arrests during the week of July 5-11, according to its weekly arrest report.

DUI, burglary among incidents in Apopka police weekly report

The Apopka Police Department made 38 arrests during the week of July 5-11, according to its weekly arrest report. The report also details the department's calls for service, crashes, citations and the range of charges filed during the reporting period. more

From the Apopka Police Department | 7/15/26

Child care proposal, nonprofit grants, and infrastructure projects lead City Commission agenda

The Apopka City Commission's July 15 agenda features a mix of land-use proposals, infrastructure investments, and governance issues as the city continues its summer legislative agenda. Among the highlights are a proposed child care facility on Chandler Road, nonprofit grant awards, and an ordinance establishing procedures for CRA board appointments. more

From Staff Reports | 7/14/26

Commission to set preliminary property tax ceiling as budget process moves forward

The Apopka City Commission will take its first formal vote on the FY2026-27 budget on Wednesday by setting a preliminary property tax rate under Florida's Truth in Millage law. Although the proposed 0.75-mill increase is not final, the decision will establish the highest rate the commission can adopt during the remainder of the budget process. more

From Staff Reports | 7/14/26 | 2 comments

So far, 523,083 registered Democratic voters in Florida have requested vote-by-mail ballots, compared to 391,149 registered Republicans. An additional 217,849 Non-Party-Affiliated voters and 25,193 from other political parties have made such requests.

First vote-by-mail ballots for 2026 Florida primaries have already been returned

Florida voters who plan to cast their ballots by mail have until August 6 to submit a vote-by-mail request for the August 18 primary election. More than 1.1 million Floridians have already requested mail ballots, with supervisors of elections beginning to send them to domestic voters this week. more

By Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix | 7/14/26

Kelly Park South rezoning, residential growth headline DRC agenda

The Apopka Development Review Committee will review another busy agenda on Wednesday, featuring residential subdivisions, commercial construction, and the first technical review of the Kelly Park South master plan amendment. The meeting also includes site plans for an AutoZone, a commercial outparcel, and three community events. more

From Staff Reports | 7/13/26

Tiffany Moore Russell says experience, affordability and collaboration define her campaign for Orange County mayor

After serving eight years on the Orange County Commission and nearly 12 years as Clerk of Courts, Tiffany Moore Russell believes she has the experience to lead Orange County through its next chapter. In this candidate profile, she discusses affordability, growth, infrastructure, property taxes, and her vision for partnering with cities like Apopka. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/13/26

AAA: Florida gas prices are 5 cents higher than a week ago

Florida motorists could see higher gas prices in the coming weeks as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East push crude oil prices upward. AAA says uncertainty surrounding global oil supplies has already contributed to recent increases at the pump. more

From AAA | 7/13/26

In Case You Missed It: Budget reset, growth debate, infrastructure, Sister Gail Grimes remembered

From a new direction in Apopka's budget discussions to the City's evolving growth policies, this week's stories examined the issues shaping the community. Readers also followed the passing of Sister Gail Grimes and an in-depth interview with Orange County Commission candidate Marsha Summersill. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26

"Trooper Steve" nominated as Apopka's Public Information Director

The City of Apopka is expected to appoint Steven Montiero, known to television audiences as "Trooper Steve," as its next Public Information Director. The veteran Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson and WKMG News 6 traffic safety expert would become the City's chief communications officer pending commission approval. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26 | 1 comment

First Planning Commission meeting since chairman's resignation puts Apopka's growth debate back in the spotlight

Apopka's Planning Commission returns Tuesday for its first meeting since Chairman William Gusler resigned after criticizing the public scrutiny placed on the advisory board. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26

Orange County to begin Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget work sessions July 15

Orange County commissioners will kick off two days of budget work sessions on July 15 as they review funding priorities for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The meetings will culminate in approval of a tentative budget and millage rates before final public hearings in September. Orange County is committed to maintaining its fiscal strength by managing resources responsibly and making strategic investments that support the community’s future. The … more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 7/12/26

Water shortage restrictions remain in place as drought recovery continues

Summer storms have brought welcome rainfall to much of Central Florida, but water officials say the region is still far from recovering from the prolonged drought. The St. Johns River Water Management District is urging residents to continue conserving water as mandatory restrictions remain in place. more

From the St. Johns River Water Management District | 7/12/26

Analysis: Nesta resets Apopka's budget debate

A proposed 1-mill property tax increase sparked criticism before Apopka's budget workshop even began. But as the discussion unfolded, Mayor Nick Nesta steered the conversation toward a smaller increase and a larger question: how should the city pay for years of deferred infrastructure needs? more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/9/26 | 1 comment

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle and Super Bowl Champion Jalen Carter will host a Free Youth Football Camp on Saturday, July 11 at Apopka High School.

Jalen Carter returns home to host free youth football camp at Apopka High School

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle and Apopka native Jalen Carter is returning home to host a free youth football camp Saturday at Apopka High School. The camp will offer football instruction, mentorship, lunch, giveaways and performance training for boys and girls ages 7-17. more

From Staff Reports | 7/9/26

OCPS moves student enrollment online, making registration easier for families

Orange County Public Schools has replaced its paper enrollment process with a new online registration system. Families can now enroll students, upload required documents, and monitor their application status entirely online. more

From OCPS | 7/9/26

As a major heat wave grips much of the US, here’s how to stay safe – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for

A dangerous heat wave is pushing heat index values above 100 degrees across much of the United States, prompting cancellations of outdoor events and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. This expert guide explains the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what you can do to protect yourself and your family. more

By Brian Bossak, College of Charleston | 7/9/26

Florida’s population continues to grow, but the current growth rate may not be enough to support the state budget if the proposed amendment to property taxes passes.

Florida’s proposed property tax cuts rely on a population boom that has slowed dramatically

Florida is still growing, but not nearly as fast as it was just a few years ago. Researchers say slowing migration, an aging population, and declining immigration could reshape the state's economy, housing market, and public finances. more

By Matt Brooks and Karin Brewster, Florida State University | 7/8/26 | 1 comment

Strong Towns brings infrastructure conversation to Apopka

Strong Towns is coming to Apopka, bringing a national conversation about infrastructure, growth, and fiscal sustainability to the local level. In her latest column, Christine Moore explains why she believes residents and elected officials should pay closer attention to how communities build—and pay for—their future. more

By Christine Moore | 7/8/26

What Central Florida patients should know about prior authorization changes

Changes taking effect across the healthcare industry are designed to make prior authorization faster, simpler, and more predictable for patients. Florida Blue explains what prior authorization is, why it exists, and how new technology and national reforms are changing the experience. more

From Florida Blue | 7/8/26

APD responds to nearly 1,800 calls during busy holiday week

The Apopka Police Department made 25 adult arrests and responded to nearly 1,800 calls for service during the latest weekly reporting period. The report includes arrests involving DUI, battery, theft, drug possession, and other offenses. more

From Staff Reports and the Apopka Police Department | 7/8/26

Orange County Animal Services launches summer adoption promotion as shelter tops 350 pets

With more than 350 dogs and cats in its care, Orange County Animal Services is launching a summer adoption campaign to help more pets find permanent homes. Adoption fees have been reduced through August, with an even bigger discount available during a special one-day event on July 12. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 7/8/26

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