Orange County Public Schools will host its Parent Academy School Choice Expo on Saturday, October 17, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at Lake Buena Vista High School. Apopka families and others across the district can explore magnet schools, scholastic academies, virtual learning, and alternative education programs.

Orange County Animal Services has resumed all shelter services, including normal animal intake, following a temporary disruption related to construction of its new facility. To celebrate, the shelter is offering $5 adoptions for dogs and cats aged four months and older from Oct. 14–18.

Two additional locally acquired dengue cases have brought Orange County’s total to five, according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. Health officials and Orange County Mosquito Control are expanding prevention efforts, including planned aerial spraying in affected communities.

Orange County is inviting residents and community partners to identify housing needs, service gaps, and development priorities for its next five-year Consolidated Plan. Apopka residents can participate through Engage Orange by completing a community needs survey, sharing ideas, and providing feedback.

The Mammolink Mammography bus will visit Apopka on October 29 to provide free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for eligible women. The mobile unit will be at the Community Health Center, 225 E. Seventh St., from 8 am to 4 pm.

Orange County Public Schools students will get new opportunities to read, create, and experience live theater during the 2026–27 school year through a collaboration between the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance (PSC).

Orange County’s Green PLACE Hiking Spree invites residents to explore 40 trails and earn rewards for completing three, 10, 15, or more hikes. The program runs through Earth Day, April 22, 2027, and also offers free monthly guided hikes.

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 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.

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.

Orange County maintains more than 2,700 miles of sidewalks that connect residents to schools, parks, neighborhoods, and transit stops. Public Works completed 1,072 sidewalk repairs last year and encourages residents to report hazards through the Orange County 311 app.

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.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is sharing his experience with Stage 1 prostate cancer to encourage men to discuss screening and risk factors with their doctors. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, Demings says early detection gave him more treatment options and helped save his life.

Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural exhibitions, student awards, and other community events. The 2026 celebration carries the theme “Unidos, Somos Más,” meaning “Together, We Are More.”

Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.

Apopka Involved Voters will host forums on Sept. 21 and 22 for candidates in the Orange County mayoral and District 2 commission runoffs. Both events will begin at 7 pm at Victory Church and will be open to an in-person audience, with a livestream.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County will offer free or low-cost mammograms in Winter Garden on September 30. Eligible women can receive screenings aboard the 3D Mobile Mammography bus from 8 am to 4 pm.

Orange County has increased mosquito surveillance and targeted treatments following reports of elevated West Nile virus activity and a locally acquired dengue case. Officials are asking residents to help reduce the risk by eliminating standing water and taking precautions against mosquito bites.

Orange County Mosquito Control is concentrating spraying efforts in targeted areas after health officials confirmed a locally acquired case of dengue fever. Residents are encouraged to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate standing water around their homes.