Apopka’s next City Administrator: A promise, a placeholder, and unanswered questions

Mayor Nick Nesta says Apopka’s permanent city administrator is lined up, but a public records request produced only interim administrator Brian Mater’s application and résumé. The city confirmed the position was publicly posted but left questions about the candidate, an anticipated March start, and Mater’s possible move to chief of staff unanswered.

Planning Commission weighs open space rules and data centers, approves child care permit

Apopka planning commissioners examined tree preservation, connected open spaces, and the potential costs and benefits of future data centers during a Tuesday workshop. During their regular meeting, they approved a child care permit and recommended approval of a commercial land use amendment and residential rezoning.

The Apopka Planning Commission examined tree preservation, connected open spaces, and the potential costs and benefits of future data centers during a Tuesday workshop. During their regular meeting, they approved a child care permit and recommended approval of a commercial land use amendment and residential rezoning.

Winn-Dixie and Second Harvest bring Thanksgiving meals to Apopka families

Winn-Dixie, the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida partnered with Patmos Chapel for a Thanksgiving food distribution in Apopka on Thursday. The effort aimed to help 500 families prepare a holiday meal amid continued demand for food assistance.

Blue Darters coach looks ahead to 2027 after missing playoffs

Apopka finished the 2026 football season with consecutive victories but missed the FHSAA playoffs, leaving head coach Neeson questioning the state’s new ranking system. The Blue Darters now turn their attention to getting stronger, developing returning players, and helping college prospects take their next steps.

When Arguments turn to Gunfire: Apopka faces hard questions about youth gun violence

An argument outside Apopka’s Fall Family Festival left a 21-year-old dead and a 17-year-old facing a murder charge. The case renews questions about how young people obtain firearms and what the community can do before another confrontation turns deadly.

Pocket park initiative, pedestrian improvements on CRA agenda

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency will meet Thursday, November 12, to consider downtown initiatives involving a pocket park, historic markers, and pedestrian improvements near Kit Land Nelson Park. The 2 pm meeting also includes Fifth Street lighting, termination of the Station Street agreement, and a CRA work plan update.

I'm dead, now what?

Planned giving can have a major impact on how an organization like Matthew’s Hope plans for its future and sustains itself in the long run. This is also an excellent way for people to create a legacy and help others, no matter what resources they have now.

Florida Lottery urges adults to gift responsibly

The Florida Lottery is encouraging holiday shoppers to leave lottery tickets off children’s gift lists. Through the 2026 Gift Responsibly Campaign, the agency is joining a broader effort to raise awareness about youth gambling risks and promote responsible play.

From traffic stops to felony charges: A week on Apopka’s police blotter

Apopka police recorded 1,449 calls for service, 49 crashes, and 55 citations during Nov. 1-7. The weekly arrest report includes juvenile firearm charges, a murder charge, battery allegations, theft cases, drug offenses, and DUI arrests.

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Apopka scored early and often Friday night, building a 35-0 halftime lead over Wekiva and preserving the shutout to claim the Mayor’s Cup. Mayor Nick Nesta capped the celebration by presenting his alma mater with his first rivalry trophy.

Strong finish, no playoff ticket: Apopka’s season ends at 5-5

Apopka closed the regular season with consecutive victories, but its 5-5 finish wasn’t enough to earn a playoff berth. The Blue Darters’ season highlights how computer rankings weigh more than wins and losses when determining postseason opportunities.

The APD recorded eight burglary reports during Nov. 1-7, including six involving vehicles and two involving commercial properties. Five auto burglaries were reported on November 6, including three in the same address range on Panoramic Circle.

Vehicle break-ins dominate Apopka’s burglary report

Apopka police recorded eight burglary reports during Nov. 1-7, including six involving vehicles and two involving commercial properties. Five auto burglaries were reported on November 6, including three in the same address range on Panoramic Circle.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Apopka prepares to honor veterans with ceremony, community support and special offers

Apopka will honor veterans at 11 am. The ceremony will be held Wednesday, November 11, at Kit Land Nelson Park, with Vietnam veteran Loretta Forlaw serving as the guest speaker. The surrounding week includes a job fair, community programming, and special offers, including free meals and haircuts, discounted groceries, and complimentary attraction admission.

Open space workshop, daycare proposal lead Planning Commission agendas

Apopka’s Planning Commission will hold an open-space workshop at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, November 10, followed by its regular meeting at 5:30 pm. Three public hearings concern a proposed Chandler Road daycare, a future land-use amendment near Kelly Park Road, and a rezoning request on Sir Arthur Court.

North Shore Birding Festival returns Dec. 3-7 with 60 trips and an Apopka museum mission

The North Shore Birding Festival returns Dec. 3-7 with 60 trips exploring Lake Apopka and other Central Florida birding destinations. Registration is open, with proceeds supporting the planned Orange Audubon Natural History Museum at Apopka Birding Park.

Orange County launches 16th annual toy drive to brighten holidays for local families

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has launched the county’s 16th annual toy drive, continuing an effort that has collected more than 110,000 toys and gifts since 2011. Donations will support children from infancy through their teenage years through local youth and family agencies, schools and nonprofit organizations.

Florida gas prices fall to four-month low as AAA sees potential for more relief

Florida’s average gas price fell to $3.80 per gallon Sunday, its lowest level in four months and about 22 cents below the national average. AAA says falling oil and gasoline futures could bring additional savings, although drivers are still paying more than they did a year ago.

In Case You Missed It: City Hall tensions, election upsets, and a milestone for the APD

A heated City Commission exchange and election victories for Kamia Brown and Jarod Fox lead this week’s “In Case You Missed It.” Catch up on those stories: Mayor Nick Nesta’s call for accountability, our post-election analysis, development concerns, and the Apopka Police Department’s reaccreditation.

The Apopka Amphitheater will host “Love Story,” an unofficial Taylor Swift tribute, from 5 to 7 pm on Saturday. The concert is part of the city’s free Saturday Sounds series.

The Week Ahead: Planning hearings, Veterans Day and a CRA meeting on Apopka’s calendar

Apopka’s Nov. 9-15 calendar includes Planning Commission hearings, a Veterans Day ceremony and a rescheduled CRA meeting Thursday at 2 p.m., with no agenda available yet. Saturday brings a morning park cleanup and a free Taylor Swift tribute concert at the Apopka Amphitheater.

Anderson’s 2023 call for collegial government contrasts with clash over Heart and Soul Music Festival funding

Three years after criticizing City Commission bickering and advocating for collegial government, Commissioner Nadia Anderson clashed with Mayor Nick Nesta over the city's support for the Heart and Soul Music Festival. The exchange included accusations of dishonesty, but commissioners unanimously approved the related budget amendment.

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