Runoffs for Seat #1 and Seat #2 set for April 10th

The results of yesterday's Apopka General Election were in many ways stunning, but for four Apopka candidates, it's time to recover from the shock and move forward.

For the fourth straight election cycle, there will be runoffs for the city commission in Apopka.

In the Seat #1 election, Suzanne Kidd led all candidates with 2,308 votes (37.44%), but was unable to gain a majority, and therefore will go up against runner-up Alexander Smith who received 1,851 votes (30.03%). In third place was Gene Knight with 1,196 (19.4%) votes, followed by Theresa Mott with 809 (13.12%).

Despite a second place finish, Smith was excited to move forward.

"I want to thank God for how He has kept this campaign team covered thus far. I want to thank my wife Linda for all of her support, and for both of our daughters. I want to thank my three sisters who stood on the street corners both morning and afternoon waving signs, the hardest working campaign manager/Treasurer this side of the Mississippi, Ms. Monique Morris, my entire church family that has supported me from the beginning of this campaign in February of 2017 physically, financially and spiritually, and to Mr. Hooper and his family who are present with me tonight to celebrate this first step in the campaign. I want to also thank my many supporters who have given and sacrificed many hours of labor, love, and finance to support me as a candidate for Apopka City Council Seat 1. For the next 27 days, we will continue to work hard to become the next Apopka City Commissioner to represent and be a voice for ALL the people. Once elected I will still need your support and attendance at City Council meetings to make sure that your voice is heard. Again thanks to all of the citizens of Apopka."

In the Seat #2 race, Alice Nolan edged incumbent Commissioner Diane Velazquez, but neither candidate was able to achieve the 50%-plus-one standard to gain victory. Nolan received 2,478 votes (39.7%), while Velazquez received 2,340 votes (37.49%). In third place was Leroy Bell with 1,206 votes (19.32%), and Alicia Koutsoulieris received 218 (3.49%).

Nolan was looking ahead to next month's runoff.

"I first would like to thank everyone who voted and everyone who came out to support their candidates. I am humbled by the amount of support and will continue to work with Apopka as we head into the runoff. I will see everyone again at the polls April 10."

Velazquez was congratulatory of Bryan Nelson, but also focused on Apopka's future.

"Attending both election sites, I was thrilled to see the steady flow of voters showing up to the polls. It was the largest turnout for Apopka City Elections. I feel confident as the City continues to grow and move forward the residents have proven their voices/votes matter in the process of governing.

Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Bryan Nelson on his victory to lead our city. His platform was clear and straightforward, addressing issues the people were and are concerned with. Our residents made their choice and now it’s time to continue to work on Apopka’s future. I am certain Mayor Elect Nelson’s primary concern is to without splintering and ensuring that we focus on the health of our City. I will continue to do my best and will commit to serve for the betterment of Apopka.It is my opinion that we need to work together and concentrate on how our residents perceive our growth and make it happen. Apopka belongs to all who call it home and we as elected officials should not forget we answer to our constituents. This election turnout by our residents showed their voices/votes made an impact in choosing the next mayor to guide our city into the future. I want to thank ALL the residents who took part in this election cycle. There is still one more election (Runoff) on Tuesday, April 10th, for Seats #1 & #2, where the residents of Apopka will vote for the leadership of their commissioners. It is my honor and privilege to serve and represent all the people of Apopka."

According to Orange County Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles, vote-by-mail ballots will be sent on Monday, March 19th to all voters that received a ballot for the general election. Voters can still request a vote-by-mail ballot up until Wednesday, April 4th at 5 pm. Early Voting will be April 2nd-April 6th from 8 am to 5 pm at the Elections Office.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 10th at the VFW/Apopka Community Center, and the Northwest Recreation Facility from 7 am to 7 pm.