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Apopka commissioners will get their first detailed look at the city's proposed FY2027 budget on Wednesday. The workshop includes a proposed property tax increase, declining development revenues, new staffing requests, and millions of dollars in capital projects that could shape the city's financial future.

Proposed tax increase, slowing growth, and major projects to dominate Apopka budget workshop

Apopka commissioners will take their first public look at the proposed FY2026-27 budget during Wednesday's workshop. The discussion is expected to focus on a proposed property tax increase, slowing development revenue growth, and competing priorities between major capital projects and city services. more

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

Florida’s school choice program has dramatically expanded since 1999.

Florida’s school choice program offers universal vouchers but cannot show systemwide academic improvement

Florida's school choice program has grown into one of the nation's largest, serving more than 500,000 students through universal education savings accounts. But a new analysis argues there is still little conclusive evidence that the program has produced statewide academic gains and says accountability concerns remain unresolved. more

By Kendall Deas, University of South Carolina | 7/7/26

APD reports five burglaries during June 28-July 4

Five burglaries were reported to the Apopka Police Department during the latest weekly reporting period. The incidents included three vehicle burglaries, a residential burglary, and a commercial burglary. more

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

Analysis: Apopka's new commission is redefining growth — and testing the limits of Florida law

Apopka's City Commission campaigned on slowing growth and prioritizing infrastructure over development. Two months into its term, a series of high-profile votes suggests it's doing exactly that—even as Florida law makes it increasingly difficult to deny compliant projects. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/6/26 | 2 comments

Lewis Kellom, Sister Ann Kendrick, Sister Teresa McElwee, Sister Gail Grimes, Community Health Centers, and Tim McKinney celebrate the Community Health Center's 45-year anniversary in 2018.

Sister Gail Grimes, co-founder of Hope CommUnity Center and advocate for farmworkers, dies at 88

Sister Monica Gail Grimes, a founding force behind Hope CommUnity Center and the Farmworker Association of Florida, has died at the age of 88. Her decades of service transformed countless lives in Apopka and across Central Florida through a legacy of justice, compassion and community leadership. more

From Staff Reports | 7/6/26

Kelly Park South rezoning, 196-home subdivision highlight July 8 DRC agenda

Growth remains the focus of the Apopka Development Review Committee's July 8 meeting, where members will consider a major amendment to the Kelly Park Interchange master plan alongside new residential and commercial developments. The agenda also includes three community events, a new AutoZone, and a proposed commercial outparcel. more

From Staff Reports | 7/6/26

From cancer survivor to homeowner: Apopka woman's journey reflects Orange County's affordable housing mission

After surviving breast cancer and overcoming years of financial and personal challenges, Apopka resident LaTonya Riley achieved her dream of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka. Her story highlights how Orange County's investment in affordable housing is helping families build long-term stability. more

From the Orange County Newsroom | 7/6/26

In Case You Missed It: Affordability, school success and water conservation lead this week's top stories

Miss one of this week's biggest stories? Here's a quick look at five headlines shaping the conversation across Apopka, Orange County, and Central Florida. more

From Staff Reports | 7/5/26

Marsha Summersill (right) files to run for Orange County Commission/District 2 with Department of Elections official Dan Helm (left).

Marsha Summersill says personal experience shapes her vision for Orange County's future

Orange County Commission District 2 candidate Marsha Summersill says her experiences growing up in Apopka, working in child protection, and practicing family law have shaped both her career and her approach to public service. In a wide-ranging interview with The Apopka Voice, she discusses growth, infrastructure, housing affordability, homelessness, South Apopka and the proposed property tax amendment on Florida's November ballot. more

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

Goodwill, WFTV launch annual summer food drive to help Central Florida families

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida and WFTV 9 Family Connection have launched their annual summer food drive to help combat food insecurity across the region. Community members can donate nonperishable food items at participating Goodwill stores through July 11. more

From Goodwill Industries of Central Florida | 7/5/26

Cash Grab: The Orange County Clerk of Courts may have money for you

The Orange County Clerk of Courts is encouraging residents, businesses, and organizations to check whether they have unclaimed money before the September 1 deadline. More than 9,100 uncashed checks—including refunds, restitution payments, vendor payments, and cash bonds—are listed online, with values ranging from one cent to $10,000. more

From the Orange County Clerk of Courts | 7/5/26

America Turns 250: Apopka celebrates with flag ceremony, fireworks, and family fun

Apopka will commemorate America's 250th birthday with two public events over the Independence Day weekend, beginning with a ceremonial flag raising at Mullinax Ford on July 3 and concluding with the city's annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4. The Apopka Fire Department is also encouraging residents to celebrate safely by attending the city's professional fireworks display and following fireworks safety guidelines. more

From Staff Reports | 7/2/26

Doug Bankson makes affordability the centerpiece of his bid for another House term

State Rep. Doug Bankson says affordability remains the defining issue facing House District 39 as he seeks another term representing Apopka and northwest Orange County. In a wide-ranging interview, Bankson outlined his positions on property tax reform, insurance, housing, healthcare, education, and the accomplishments he believes have prepared him for another two years in Tallahassee. more

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

What “Success” really looks like

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida President and CEO Ed Durkee says that success should be defined by personal goals rather than by traditional milestones such as wealth or homeownership. He highlights Goodwill's Prosperity Platform, which helps individuals create realistic plans for achieving financial stability and personal fulfillment. more

By Ed Durkee, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida | 7/2/26

OCPS earns third consecutive 'A' district grade from the state

Orange County Public Schools has earned an "A" district grade for the third consecutive year, according to the Florida Department of Education. The district also increased the number of traditional schools receiving an "A" grade and reported no schools earning a "D" or "F." more

From the Orange County Newsroom and Staff Reports | 7/2/26

Patmos Church summer camp doubles enrollment with expanded STEAM, leadership programs

Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church's Kids at the Well summer camp has doubled in size this year, drawing more than 160 children from 17 communities across Central Florida. Organizers say the expanded program combines STEAM education, athletics, leadership development, and Christian values to prepare students for success both in and out of the classroom. more

By Carlos Medley, Communications Director of Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church | 7/2/26

Anderson: Apopka must prepare, not panic

Apopka City Commissioner Nadia Anderson says she supports meaningful property tax relief but warns that cities must prepare carefully for the financial impact of reduced revenues. In her latest column, Anderson outlines priorities, including fiscal discipline, infrastructure investment, youth programs, and a permanent resource center for the unhoused, while urging residents to help shape the city's future. more

By Apopka City Commissioner Nadia Anderson | 7/1/26

Orange County Utilities encourages smart irrigation as summer watering peaks

Orange County Utilities is encouraging residents to adopt smarter irrigation practices during July's Smart Irrigation Month, when outdoor watering accounts for the majority of residential water use. Officials say following watering restrictions, checking irrigation systems, and using rain sensors can reduce water waste while keeping landscapes healthy. more

From the orange County Newsroom | 7/1/26

APD responds to 1,815 calls, makes 29 arrests during the week of June 21-27

The Apopka Police Department responded to 1,815 calls for service, investigated 31 crashes, and issued 98 citations during the week of June 21-27. Officers made arrests ranging from battery and DUI to aggravated fleeing, while several juveniles were charged in a series of alleged vehicle thefts. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 7/1/26

Florida is one of 10 states that haven't expanded Medicaid, leaving close to half a million people in the coverage gap, according to estimates.

More than 311,000 Floridians lose health coverage amid federal cuts

More than 311,000 Floridians have lost health insurance coverage over the past year, according to a new report from Protect Our Care, making Florida one of the states most affected by recent federal changes. Health policy advocates say the losses are increasing uncompensated care costs and renewing debate over whether Florida should expand Medicaid. more

By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection | 7/1/26 | 1 comment

Apopka to kick off America's 250th anniversary with City Hall ceremony and July Fourth celebration

Apopka will begin its local commemoration of America's 250th anniversary on July 1 with a presentation and cake-cutting ceremony hosted by the Apopka Historical Society and the City of Apopka. The celebration will continue July 4 with live music, family activities, food vendors, and a fireworks finale at the Apopka Amphitheater. more

From Staff Reports, the City of Apopka, and the Apopka Historical Society | 6/30/26

OCPS students post significant gains on state assessments, outpacing state averages in multiple subjects

Orange County Public Schools students showed broad academic improvement on Florida's 2025-26 state assessments, with districtwide gains of four percentage points in English Language Arts and three percentage points in mathematics. OCPS students met or exceeded statewide performance in numerous grade levels and subjects, reflecting what district leaders called the impact of high-quality instruction and sustained academic focus. more

From OCPS and Staff Reports | 6/30/26

A white-tailed deer photographed by Randy Traynor in a Florida wildlife refuge. Traynor says the refuges offer something increasingly rare: a place where animals can just be animals.

Florida's National Wildlife Refuges offer a window into wild America as funding concerns grow

Florida's 29 National Wildlife Refuges offer visitors opportunities to experience native wildlife and protected habitats throughout the state. Conservationists say proposed federal staffing and funding cuts could make it more difficult to manage these landscapes and protect the species that depend on them. more

By Trimmel Gomes Florida News Connection | 6/30/26

APD reports three vehicle burglaries during June 21-27

The Apopka Police Department recorded three vehicle burglaries during the week of June 21-27. The incidents were reported at locations on Dreamy Day Street, Marvin C. Zanders Avenue, and Twisted Tree Loop. more

From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports | 6/30/26

The DRC will review a November 21 event that has since been publicly announced as a performance by rising country singer Dylan Gossett, with Buffalo Traffic Jam and The Jack Wharff Band serving as opening acts.

Floridian Town Center, Dylan Gossett concert highlight July 1 Development Review Committee agenda

The Apopka Development Review Committee will review several development applications on Wednesday, including a plat for the Floridian Town Center mixed-use project, a 41-home subdivision, and an amendment to the Crescent Ridge residential development. more

From Staff Reports | 6/29/26

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