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Commissioners' discretionary spending debate turns contentious

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Eligible Duke Energy Florida customers can earn a $7.50 monthly bill credit by charging their electric vehicles during designated off-peak hours. The program requires a Level 2 charger and allows customers to enroll up to two EVs per account.
Duke Energy offers monthly bill credits for charging EVs during off-peak hours
Eligible Duke Energy Florida customers can earn a $7.50 monthly bill credit by charging their electric vehicles during designated off-peak hours. The program requires a Level 2 charger and allows customers to enroll up to two EVs per account. more
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Miami Traffic Collisions: The Details That Can Shape a Claim
Learn what evidence to preserve after a Miami car accident, from crash scene photos and medical records to insurance documents and legal deadlines. more
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The Senior Resource Alliance’s SHINE program is offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Apopka residents and others across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can get help comparing coverage, understanding costs, and reviewing prescription drug plans.
SHINE offers free Medicare counseling during open enrollment
The Senior Resource Alliance’s SHINE program is offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Apopka residents and others across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can get help comparing coverage, understanding costs, and reviewing prescription drug plans. more
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Florida households are projected to pay an additional $630 per year for energy by 2035 and $710 by 2040 under federal energy policies enacted since January 2025, according to an Energy Innovation analysis.
Analysis projects higher energy bills, job losses for Florida under federal policy changes
Federal energy policy changes could increase Florida households’ annual energy costs by $630 by 2035, according to modeling by Energy Innovation. The analysis also projects economic losses, fewer jobs, and additional public health costs associated with increased air pollution. more
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The Apopka City Commission unanimously rejected a proposed $30,000 code-enforcement settlement for nearly eight years of violations at a rental property. Commissioners questioned the settlement policy and discussed concerns about the conditions tenants had endured.
City Commission rejects $30,000 settlement for longstanding code violations on apartment complex
The Apopka City Commission unanimously rejected a proposed $30,000 code-enforcement settlement for nearly eight years of violations at a rental property, totaling $5.6 million. Commissioners questioned the settlement policy and discussed concerns about the conditions tenants had endured. more
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Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta said Amendment 3 could reduce city revenue by $7 million in its first year and $11.5 million in its second. Speaking alongside four other municipal leaders, he discussed potential effects on city services and residents’ expectations.
Nesta projects millions in Apopka revenue losses if Amendment 3 passes
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta said Amendment 3 could reduce city revenue by $7 million in its first year and $11.5 million in its second. Speaking alongside four other municipal leaders, he discussed potential effects on city services and residents’ expectations. more
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Private luxury jet at the airport terminal runway
New vs. Pre-Owned Private Jets: Which Acquisition Strategy Makes More Sense?
Compare new and pre-owned private jets, including purchase price, customization, availability, maintenance, depreciation and total ownership costs. more
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Senior citizens are valuable and vulnerable targets for cybercriminals.
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime – here’s what to do if you or a loved one has been scammed
Florida residents aged 60 and older reported nearly $710 million in cybercrime losses in 2025, highlighting the financial toll of scams targeting older adults. A University of Tampa cybersecurity educator outlines six steps victims and their families can take after a scam. more
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Despite the ferocity of storms like Hurricane Milton, which destroyed Florida homes like this one in 2024, 80 percent of Central Floridians believe their homes are at medium to low risk for severe damage in a given year.
Insurance costs eclipse property tax worries for Central Florida homeowners
Property insurance is a bigger worry than property taxes for 62% of Central Florida homeowners, according to a new University of North Florida poll. The survey also found widespread dissatisfaction with insurance reforms and substantial premium increases. more
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Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant.
Water conservation rebates open early for Apopka-area groups and properties
Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations, and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant. more
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Orange County commissioners approved a roughly $9 billion budget that directs more than $1.1 billion to the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, and Corrections. The county also set aside $19.5 million for affordable housing while warning that Amendment 3 could reduce future property tax revenue.
Orange County approves $9 billion budget with $1.1 billion for public safety
Orange County commissioners approved a roughly $9 billion budget that directs more than $1.1 billion to the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue and Corrections. The county also set aside $19.5 million for affordable housing while warning that Amendment 3 could reduce future property tax revenue. more
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A proposed three-year contract would give Apopka firefighters a $12,000 first-year raise, additional annual increases, and a uniform 4% pension accrual rate. Union members overwhelmingly ratified the agreement, which now awaits City Commission approval.
Proposed firefighter contract includes $12,000 raises, pension increase and new pay incentives
A proposed three-year contract would give Apopka firefighters a $12,000 first-year raise, additional annual increases, and a uniform 4% pension accrual rate. Union members overwhelmingly ratified the agreement, which now awaits City Commission approval. more
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Florida is projected to run multibillion-dollar surpluses over the next two fiscal years before expenditures exceed available general revenue by about $1 billion in 2029-30. The state’s long-range outlook says lawmakers will need to adjust revenue or spending to avoid the projected shortfall.
Florida projects $1 billion budget deficit by 2030
Florida is projected to run multibillion-dollar surpluses over the next two fiscal years before expenditures exceed available general revenue by about $1 billion in 2029-30. The state’s long-range outlook says lawmakers will need to adjust revenue or spending to avoid the projected shortfall. more
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AAA is encouraging Floridians to start planning Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s vacations, as rising fuel costs could further pressure airfares.
AAA urges Floridians to book holiday trips before prices rise
AAA is encouraging Floridians to start planning Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s vacations, as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airfares. A new survey found that 49% of residents who delayed booking a trip later paid more than they would have if they had booked earlier. more
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The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $237.25 million budget and a 4.6761 millage rate for fiscal year 2026-27.
Apopka adopts $237 million budget after months of debate
The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $237.25 million budget and a 4.6761 millage rate for fiscal year 2026-27. The final hearing also revived discussion of forensic audits as commissioners questioned city reserves, impact fees, and future financial reviews. more
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Making a Mark: Six Orange County Businesses Shaping the County's Growth in 2026
From a new $15 million emergency room in Apopka to a Michelin-recognized sushi bar in Winter Park, here are six Orange County businesses that expanded, opened, or made news in 2026. more
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Uri Poliavich, co-founder of the Yael Foundation
Strategic Educational Philanthropy of the Yael Foundation and the Role of Uri Poliavich
The mission and scale of the Yael Foundation, strategic support for schools, infrastructure investments and educational initiatives of Uri Poliavich more
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The Apopka City Commission will hold its final FY2026-27 budget hearing Wednesday after a summer of debate over taxes, services and deferred needs. The proposed 4.6761-mill rate would restore nearly all of last year’s quarter-mill reduction but remain slightly below the rate adopted two years ago.
Apopka City Commission approaches final budget vote with familiar choices and mounting needs
The Apopka City Commission will hold its final FY2026-27 budget hearing Wednesday after a summer of debate over taxes, services, and deferred needs. The proposed 4.6761-mill rate would restore nearly all of last year’s quarter-mill reduction but remain slightly below the rate adopted two years ago. more
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The Florida Blue Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits working to improve maternal health outcomes across the state.
Florida Blue Foundation offers $3 million for maternal health initiatives
The Florida Blue Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits working to improve maternal health outcomes statewide. Approximately $3 million will support programs addressing chronic health conditions, maternal mental health, and barriers to care in rural and under-resourced communities. more
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Online Bingo Made Fun: Game Formats, Winning Patterns, and Multi-Card Tips
Get familiar with online Bingo rules, exciting formats, winning patterns, multi-card play, and responsible gaming tips. more
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Apopka’s elected officials want to keep the millage rate low while preserving community programs, filling staff vacancies, and addressing years of deferred needs. Eventually, they must acknowledge that rejecting recurring revenue means cutting services, drawing on reserves, or letting today’s problems become tomorrow’s more expensive emergencies.
The Price of Saying No: Apopka cannot have a bare-bones budget without feeling the cuts
Apopka’s elected officials want to keep the millage rate low while preserving community programs, filling staff vacancies, and addressing years of deferred needs. Eventually, they must acknowledge that rejecting recurring revenue means cutting services, drawing on reserves, or letting today’s problems become tomorrow’s more expensive emergencies. more
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The Apopka City Commission will consider a $228.85 million tentative budget and a 4.6761-mill property tax rate during a public hearing Thursday. The compromise rate ended two earlier deadlocks, but commissioners can still reduce taxes or adjust spending before the final September 16 hearing.
City Commission to consider $228.9 million tentative budget, millage rate Thursday
The Apopka City Commission will consider a $228.85 million tentative budget and a 4.6761-mill property tax rate during a public hearing Thursday. The compromise rate ended two earlier deadlocks, but commissioners can still reduce taxes or adjust spending before the final September 16 hearing. more
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The Apopka City Commission will review a proposed $228.9 million citywide budget during a workshop on September 1. The meeting follows a weeks-long millage dispute and shifts the focus to departmental spending and potential reductions before the final hearings.
Commission to review $228.9 million tentative budget at September 1 workshop
The Apopka City Commission will review a proposed $228.9 million citywide budget at a workshop beginning at 1 pm Tuesday, September 1. The meeting follows a weeks-long millage dispute and shifts the focus to departmental spending and potential reductions ahead of the final September hearings. more
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How to Choose a Moving Company in Los Gatos: Helpful Tips
Planning a move to Los Gatos? Learn how to choose a reliable moving company, compare estimates, protect your belongings, and prepare for a stress-free move. more
Florida homeowners paid an average of $8,292 for insurance in 2025, more than twice the national average. Insurify projects the state’s average premium will increase another 2% to $8,458 by the end of this year.
Florida homeowners insurance costs remain highest in the nation
Florida remains the country’s most expensive state for homeowners insurance after average premiums increased 18% in 2025. Orange County and Apopka homeowners may pay less than the statewide average, but local costs vary considerably depending on the house, coverage level, insurer and method used to calculate the rate. more
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