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Downtown Deland
The transformation of Deland: Part Two
"We broke up into three teams to better discuss the tactics Deland employed. We discussed who could be responsible for similar improvements. We learned Deland was intentional about collaboration."
Duke Energy Florida receives approval to lower rates for the second time this year
The savings are in addition to the $11.29 monthly decrease, or about 6%, that went into effect in January.
Florida teacher salaries sink in national rankings to #50
New data released shows Florida’s average teacher pay dropped from being ranked #48 in the nation last year to #50 in the latest study.
Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: April 28th-May 4th
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Updating Breaking News: Missing and endangered Apopka woman located
On Monday, April 15th Hilary Patricia Ramos Acosta, a 26-year-old Hispanic female, departed her residence on East Lisa Lane in Apopka. She was located on May 7th.
Local News
Innovative technology to evaluate forest damage helps with rapid response after hurricanes
When hurricanes careen through Florida, they not only damage homes and businesses but also destroy forests and timber farms.
The Community Health Center in Apopka is located at 225 East 7th Street.
Florida's Community Health Centers step up as Walmart closes rural healthcare services
Community Health Centers are in all of Florida's 67 counties, serving patients in more than 800 locations - including Apopka, and dozens of mobile units and school-based sites statewide.
AAA: Florida gas prices jump to 2024 highs; relief may be in sight
The state average has since declined 3 cents per gallon. Sunday's state average was $3.61 per gallon. That's only 3 cents more than what drivers paid this time last year.
In case you missed it: The Apopka news week in review
In case you missed it. The Apopka News Week in Review includes six articles that shaped the City... all in one place, including details on a new housing development coming to Apopka.
Is the apocalypse coming to Apopka?
Is Apopka about to experience an apocalypse? Are college kids learning how to defend themselves against zombies starting to make sense? Are Preppers beginning to sound like pragmatic realists?
At the urging of Velazquez, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission to be retooled
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are essential for creating a more equitable and just society. However, implementing these programs in the United States has been challenging.
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive on Saturday, May 11, 2024. NALC's food drive, which was first held in 1983, helps feed millions of Americans.
Business
Wekiwa Springs ranked as the 11th-best suburb in Orlando
The Wekiwa Springs neighborhood is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Now, it has a ranking to match.
Labor Department cites Florida contractor for lack of heat prevention after heat stroke claims 26-year-old worker's life
As average temperatures rise across the U.S., heat illness is a growing safety and health concern for workers indoors and outdoors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that environmental heat exposure claimed the lives of 36 workers in 2021 and 56 in 2020.
Many cities prohibit duplexes and high-rises. Although residents enjoy the extra space, it contributes to housing costs.
Worried about housing shortages and soaring prices? Your community’s zoning laws could be part of the problem
When households pay more than 30% of their income toward housing, the census calls those households “cost-burdened.”
According to Wallet Hub, Apopka is ranked #58 in the United States among small towns for starting a business. The study analyzed 1,334 small towns across the country.
British Swim School, the nation’s leading “learn-to-swim” franchise with a stellar 40-year track record, is thrilled to expand its locations with the grand opening on March 25th in Apopka.
Planet Fitness has firmly established itself as a top choice for those in search of a comfortable yet effective workout experience.
The problem with boredom at work is its negative effects can linger. You might power through a mind-numbing task, but in doing so, you harm your ability to accomplish subsequent tasks.
Health

Advocacy groups urge Florida to apply for 2025 summer meal programs for low-income kids

In participating states, low-income families will receive $40 each month for each eligible school-aged child, up to $120, to buy groceries, beginning in the summer of 2024.

While Florida was one of 15 states that opted out of the Summer EBT program this year, according to the department's guidelines, state officials have until August 15th to notify the U.S. Department of Agriculture whether Florida will participate in the summer of 2025.

DOH-Orange highlights National Water Safety Month

Florida offers countless opportunities to enjoy water recreation in pools, lakes, and other surrounding bodies of water. That is why water safety is critical.

AdventHealth Apopka debuts $26.3 million expansion 

This new floor will address the increasing demand for complex care within the community. The 30,230-square-foot expansion adds 38 inpatient beds, including cardiovascular progressive care beds and four dialysis bays.  

Cannabis legalization has led to a boom in potent forms of the drug that present new hazards for adolescents

Many of today’s cannabis products barely resemble the ‘weed’ that most middle-aged adults grew up with.

Arguments are for and against increasing the legalization of cannabis for adult use in the U.S., but expanded access to legal cannabis may also have unintended consequences for adolescents.

Removing PFAS from public water systems will cost billions and take time – here are ways you can filter out harmful ‘forever chemicals’ at home

PFAS are showing up in water systems across the U.S.

Under the new EPA rules, public water systems have until 2027 to complete monitoring for PFAS and provide publicly available data.

Dozens of groups call on DeSantis to veto bill denying heat protections for outdoor workers

A farmworker in Immokalee harvests tomatoes.

he groups have penned two separate letters in recent days to the governor, who received the bill (HB 433) on Tuesday from the Legislature.

Florida Blue Foundation announces 2024 Food Security Grant

Research has shown that when people have reliable access to fresh, local foods, they are more likely to make healthier choices, leading to better health outcomes. 

4Roots joins partners to establish Culinary Health Institute

The Culinary Health Institute on the 4Roots Farm Campus in the Orlando Packing District.

In collaboration with founding partners AdventHealth, Florida Blue Foundation, and Gordon Food Service, CHI strives to understand how different growing methods impact nutrient quality and how consuming high-nutrient-quality foods can impact chronic illness. 

Government
Austin Duran's tragic death in 2022 shocked the community and tore apart the morale of the Apopka Fire Department. Now, he will be honored nationally at a weekend ceremony.
Olsen: "They're saying we're going to be adding 500,000 people. How many of those are coming to Apopka? What's our 2025 plan, or 2026 plan, or 2050 plan? We need to be thinking in advance."
At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero.
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly arrest report that includes arrests, crashes, calls for service, and traffic citations. This report is for the week ending April 27th.
Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: April 21st-27th
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Apopka City Hall Council Chamber
Apopka City Council begins a new era
Apopka voters made their choices for the Seat 3 and 4 City Commission elections on March 19th, and now they will watch as Nadia Anderson and Nick Nesta take their oaths and begin their four-year terms.
Operation Best Foot Forward begins April 30th to promote pedestrian safety around Central Florida's Parks and Trails
Law enforcement agencies will conduct a two-week high-visibility crosswalk enforcement campaign from Tuesday, April 30 to Friday, May 10th, across six Central Florida counties.
Opinion

The environmental education of Bob Graham offers lessons for Florida today

Bob Graham, on his first workday after being elected governor, handles sod for a Tallahassee road project, working eight hours in a light rain.
The environment wasn’t even an issue that Graham ran on, not at first.  In seeking election as governor in 1978, he focused on education and crime. But then, well into his first term, a national magazine slammed him on his environmental record.
Bob Graham — two-term governor, three-term U.S. senator — was always thinking about Florida, how to preserve Florida’s waters and save the Everglades, how to improve K-12 education, how to promote civic engagement, how to alleviate poverty.
A forensic audit of a City's finances focuses on examining the financial records, transactions, and processes of municipal government entities such as departments, agencies, or public funds. Opinion by The Apopka Voice Managing Editor Reggie Connell.
Becker was a generational leader. People with his skill set usually skip municipal politics and aim for a fast track to a CEO role in a Fortune 500 company or a higher office. 
Bonus Content

5 consejos para aprovechar al máximo sus vacaciones en familia este verano

(BPT) - ¡El verano está a la vuelta de la esquina! Ahora que los niños terminaron el año escolar y con buen clima en camino, es hora de empezar a planificar sus vacaciones …

Choosing Supplements That Hit the Mark

(BPT) - There are over 80,000 vitamins and dietary supplements on the market, but not all are created equal. Seventy-four percent of Americans take dietary supplements to improve their quality of …

10 tips to dial in your fishing to catch more and bigger fish this summer

(BPT) - From South to North, from West to East, anglers are hitting the water in pursuit of their favorite pastime — fishing. As temperatures start to rise, fish are on the move, and so are the …

Smart isn’t just for technology — welcome to the smart communities of tomorrow

(BPT) - In the ever-changing landscape of urban and suburban living, mixed-use developments have emerged as an example of smart communities. Blending convenience, sustainability, and a vibrant social …