Apopka police responded to four burglary incidents during the week of Sept. 20–26. The reports involved a business, a residence, and two vehicles.

More than 30 Apopka firefighters joined Sunday’s Tunnel to Towers run in New York City despite travel delays and stormy conditions. Former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale called the group “relentless” in its commitment to honoring those lost on September 11.

Mayor Nick Nesta invited Apopka service organizations to help shape a proposed resource center for people experiencing homelessness and other hardships. Participants welcomed the chance to coordinate their work but urged the city to set realistic goals and follow through.

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.

Florida gas prices rose 18 cents last week before falling 6 cents over the weekend, AAA reported. The statewide average stood at about $4.37 per gallon on Sunday, roughly $1.42 more than a year earlier.

Apopka’s four commissioners responded to the departure of interim City Administrator Radley Williams and Finance Director Blanche Sherman. Their statements offer different views on the changes underway at City Hall and what should happen next.

Orange County Commission District 2 candidates Kamia Brown and Mike Crabb agreed that infrastructure, traffic, water quality, and public safety are among the district’s most pressing concerns. Their debate revealed sharper differences over growth, government spending, economic development, and how broadly county government should respond to community needs.

Commissioner Nadia Anderson alleges that last Wednesday’s debate over discretionary spending and a proposed amphitheater event was part of a broader political effort against her.

The Apopka Police Department reported six burglaries between September 16 and September 19. The incidents included three auto burglaries, two commercial burglaries, and one residential burglary.

Health officials have confirmed two additional locally acquired dengue fever cases in the Apopka area, prompting a mosquito alert for Orange County. Mosquito Control is expanding surveillance and targeted treatment in Apopka, Pine Hills, and other parts of the county.

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.

Orange County Mosquito Control has added new laboratory technology to detect viruses in mosquito samples more quickly. The PCR testing capability could deliver same-day results, reduce costs, and improve mitigation efforts.

Florida public safety leaders are opposing Amendment 3, warning that its reduction of local property tax revenue could mean fewer first responders and slower 911 response times. They say meaningful tax relief should be paired with a clear and sustainable plan for funding police, fire and emergency medical services.

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.

A proposed 312-unit apartment development at Floridian Town Center must return to Apopka’s Development Review Committee after staff recommended denial because several issues remain unresolved. The DRC also advanced a 78-lot Crossroads at Kelly Park plat and reviewed three upcoming special events.

Quest, Inc. has been selected as a 2026 AdventHealth grant partner to help reduce transportation barriers for people with developmental disabilities. The funding will allow the Central Florida nonprofit to enhance its accessible transportation fleet and improve connections to healthcare services.