What does it mean to be a 'true' Christian?

The first time that I read St. Augustine’s profound injunction, “Love God and do anything that pleases you,” the words struck my somewhat orthodox mind as being contradictory.

Back on the streets of Apopka after pandemic pause

While the organization is not yet back to knocking on doors, local congregations have also resumed free in-person Bible studies along with personal visits to those who have invited them back to their homes.

Injured Apopka firefighter's first round of surgeries are successful

Tragedy struck the community this holiday weekend when Apopka Fire Department Firefighter/EMT Austin Duran was seriously injured, but now there is a way to help the family.

Apopka Professional Firefighters Association releases name of injured firefighter

A firefighter from the Apopka Fire Department is in serious but stable condition at the Orlando Regional Medical Center after an apparatus called a sand trailer fell on top of him.

Apopka firefighter hospitalized in stable condition awaiting surgery after "serious work-related injury"

A firefighter from the Apopka Fire Department awaits surgery at the Orlando Regional Medical Center after the jack from an apparatus called a sand trailer fell on top of him.

Fireworks, food, and C'Nergy highlight Apopka's Independence Day celebration

The City of Apopka will host its annual Fourth of July celebration next week at the Apopka Amphitheater. The event will include fireworks, food, and a concert performance.

AAA activates 'Tow to Go' for Independence Day holiday weekend

AAA will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road for Independence Day weekend. The Auto Club Group is reactivating its ‘Tow to Go’ program for the holiday period.

Men suffer about 70 percent of fireworks injuries – and other 4th of July facts

Americans shoot off almost 1 pound of fireworks each year for every adult. And this figure has grown rapidly in recent years, from half a pound per adult in 2000.

Florida Highway Patrol urges caution on the roads during record-breaking Fourth of July travel

Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday period, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is urging drivers to exercise caution when traveling on Florida roads.

Florida orange production up, cost of OJ below other food prices despite inflation

Florida’s orange production is expected to surpass more than 40 million boxes in the 2021-2022 season, according to a USDA May production forecast, an increase of 2 million boxes from its April forecast.

Central Florida's heatwave puts area farmworkers' health in danger

Summer temperatures in the area are already posing a health threat to farmworkers and agricultural workers who work in local nurseries, tree farms, and greenhouses around the Central Florida area and …

Apopka Police Department Arrest Report

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 June 27th.

Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: June 19th-25th

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles.

Wendover sues City of Apopka for blocking its proposed affordable housing project on City Center parcel

Wendover Housing Partners is suing the City of Apopka for declining a permit to build affordable housing on land that is part of the Apopka City Center project.

New program promotes Black homeownership as a means to financial freedom

There's been little change in the homeownership rate for Black families in 50 years, so some lenders are rethinking their practices to make buying a home more a reality than a dream.

Teacher, artist, and problem solver: All in a day's work for the life-changing profession of Pediatric Dentistry

As a dentist, I get to be a teacher and an artist. I get to problem solve, plan treatments, and most importantly, I can change people's lives.

Brewers savor the candy flavor of some Florida-grown hops

Brewers like the flavor and aroma that come from Florida-grown Cascade hops, says a University of Florida Extension agent. They say it tastes a little like candy.

Culver's Food Truck coming to Apopka next week

Culver’s, a national chain with 16 Orlando-area locations and plans to open an Apopka location, famous for its ButterBurgers and Fresh Frozen Custard is bringing its food truck to Apopka next …

Despite inflation, Porkie's Original BBQ drops prices

The next inflation update is scheduled for release on June 10 at 8:30 a.m. ET, but one Apopka business isn't waiting for the most current figures to take action.

AMIkids sponsoring a Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the John Bridges Community Center

AMIkids Orlando in partnership with Lennar Homes will be providing a free Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at John H. Bridges Community Center on Wednesdays (10 am -12 pm) beginning June 8th.

Timber! Lumber prices are falling hard

A shifting macroeconomic environment has left many dealers stumped, with lumber futures dropping 52% since early March after significant increases in 2021.

The Apopka Voice hires Megan Garcia as Digital Sales Associate

After a brief search, The Apopka Voice is proud to announce Megan Garcia as its new Digital Sales Associate.

Cybersecurity should be more complex than 123456

Today more than ever, it's important to protect yourself against cyber attacks. Here's just one example that should make you think twice about better security.

Sparklers: Florida Doctors Warn Against “Kid-Friendly Fireworks”

If you’re planning on lighting sparklers this Fourth of July, believing they are among the safest fireworks, think again. Doctors with HCA Florida Healthcare say they are actually among the most dangerous.

Should you get a COVID-19 booster shot now or wait until fall? Two immunologists help weigh the options

While COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death, it has become clear that the protection offered by the current vaccines wanes over time.

Bellies, Babies and Beyond: DOH-Orange offers classes for moms and dads this summer

From parenting to baby basics to childbirth, these classes are free and some are held virtually, while others are held in person this summer in Orange County.

Americans are really struggling with medical debt

In the United States, 41% of American adults carry medical debt, according to research from Kaiser Health News and National Public Radio.

At least seven deaths in Florida from meningococcal disease; one of the worst outbreaks in US history

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday reported at least seven deaths among gay and bisexual men from the serious meningococcal disease outbreak in Florida and at least 24 cases of the disease.

Committees, workshops and commissions are great, but action is better

Call it growing pains, or a need to manage its growth, but there are issues that could thwart Apopka's success if not dealt with soon.

At last, COVID-19 shots for little kids – 5 essential reads

The following collection of articles from The Conversation’s archives traces the winding path of the development of COVID-19 vaccines for the youngest children.

Tips to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion

Summer is here and so are the high temperatures that can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages residents and visitors to beat the heat.

Pandemic's social distancing took heavy toll on Florida seniors

The report found depression among seniors is up 9%, suicides have increased by 13%, and drug deaths among people over 65 have doubled in the last 10-12 years.

As monkeypox outbreak expands in Florida, elsewhere, health experts weigh in on how virus is transmitted

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization are tracking the 2022 outbreak of the rare monkeypox disease.

Research study aims to aid early detection, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

This pilot study uses online digital cognitive assessment tools and a new blood test with the goal of earlier detection of the disease, allowing at-risk patients to begin treatment earlier.

Department of Health in Orange County schedules immunizations for June

No appointment is needed for the immunizations but a parent/guardian with a valid ID is required to accompany their child along with their completed consent forms.

Monkeypox outbreak expanding in United States and across the globe

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 21 cases of the rare monkeypox disease have now been confirmed in 11 states, including Florida.

Masked’ cancer drug stealthily trains immune system to kill tumors while sparing healthy tissues, reducing treatment side effects

Cytokines are proteins that can modulate how the immune system responds to threats. One way they do this is by activating killer T cells, a type of white blood cells that can attack cancer cells.

Demings supports bi-partisan legislation for Advanced Research Projects Agency Health Act

Today, Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) voted for the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Health Act, which will supercharge medical R&D, expand competition, and bring down costs for health care.

Wendover opens affordable housing complex in Pine Hills

Orange County Government and Wendover Housing Partners announced the grand opening of Hawthorne Park, a new senior affordable community in Pine Hills.

Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: June 12th-18th

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles.

Apopka receiving $800,000 in grants from state

The CDBG program, administered by DEO, primarily benefits low- and moderate-income residents. The grants help fund workforce housing, training, sustainability, broadband infrastructure, and planning.

APD still investigating deceased man found in Apopka

According to a statement from the Apopka Police Department, at approximately 1:15 pm on Saturday, June 18th, APD officers located the deceased man.

Apopka Police Department Arrest Report

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 June 20th.

In case you missed it: The Apopka news week in review

In case you missed it. The Apopka news week in review includes five articles that shaped the city last week... all in one place, including details on the special election for Seat #3 on the Apopka City Commission.

Apopka Police Department Arrest Report

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 June 13th.

Apopka Police Department asking for help to find missing man

Matthew Mark Hall Jr. was last seen approximately three weeks ago walking eastbound on Main Street from his prior place of employment, A-OK Tire Mart - 200 West Main Street.

UF/IFAS offering summer programs for residents, businesses, children... even backyard chickens!

UF/IFAS provides education and information to residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media in family life, youth development, natural resources, horticulture, and agriculture.

DEP Accepting comments on proposed springs restoration funding projects

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is accepting comments on the springs restoration projects under consideration for funding in FY 2022-23.

Summer Meals All Summer Long: OCPS extends its free meals program

The school year may be over, but as inflation, rising rent, and the mounting cost of gas take a financial toll on Central Florida families, the season for food insecurity is just beginning.

During a difficult period, Wheatley Elementary gives the community a reason to smile

There are few greater sounds than that of children's laughter. It is a kind of gift that signifies trust, joy, and the type of detachment from the troubles of the world that allows children to simply play without fear or worries.

Baptiste Orthodontics building long-lasting relationships with patients and the community

Baptiste Orthodontics has formed long-lasting relationships with the community we serve by partnering with over 40 public schools and community groups in Orange County.

Goodwill Industries invests in employees by covering costs of college tuition or vocational certification

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida recently announced a prepaid tuition program that will cover the cost of college or vocational school for its employees.

iPromise: Over 40 businesses and community members take the pledge in Apopka

The iPromise Garden project has taken Apopka by storm, starting with famous TikTok personality and gardening enthusiast Marcus Bridgewater, @gardenmarcus, taking the pledge.

Take the pledge Apopka to advance equity and empower the underserved

Re-imagine Communities is on a mission to advance equity by empowering the underserved and at-risk youth of Central Florida, with a large focus in Apopka. Through mentoring and coaching, education …

Apopka residents graduate at Western Governor's University ceremony

Local residents, LaKeda Jones, and Antonio Medeiros received their Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelors of Business Administration – Marketing degrees (respectively) from WGU.

UF/IFAS receives $1 million grant to engage low-income students in geomatics

The National Science Foundation has awarded the geomatics faculty at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) a grant to boost enrollment of talented low-income students.

A 21% increase in tax base is the perfect time to move Apopka forward

The City Council has a modest windfall of $3.7 million to put in the direction of the FY22-23 budget. That is cause for celebration, and thanks Mayor Nelson for announcing it well ahead of the budget workshops.

2.5 hours and 25,000 words later, Apopka City Council still treading water

It's been five days since the Apopka City Council took on public comments. That should be enough time to take a breath, separate the emotion from the details and fully digest Ordinance 2931 and Resolution 2016-16.

Public Comments Ordinance: Decorum? Or will democracy die on our watch?

I am not one to sound alarms pointlessly, so you can trust me when I tell you that it is time to pay close attention to the business that is taking place in the Council Chambers at Apopka City Hall

In honor of Shireen Abu Akleh and the 17 journalists in 2022 who lost their lives covering the news

In just the first five months of 2022, 17 journalists have died, including seven in Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Since 1992, 1,443 have been killed.

Becker did more than collect data for the Apopka City Council

It's human nature to assess people based on a prominent characteristic, label them, and put them in an easy-to-sort box. It's called pigeon-holing, and it usually is a far cry from an accurate description of a person.

Plan for new Central Florida toll road would split Split Oak Forest, a treasured park

The subject of this struggle is a sweet slice of Central Florida’s landscape known as Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area. It’s owned by you, the Florida taxpayer.

City Council approves Florida Gopher Tortoise Day in Apopka; but will the gopher tortoises survive?

The Apopka City Council, at its April 6th meeting, passed Resolution #2022-14, which makes April 10th Florida Gopher Tortoise Day in Apopka.

Community First: It's time for changes on the Rock Springs Ridge HOA Board

A good community is a safe, cohesive, confident, prosperous, and happy place to reside. Rock Springs Ridge, no doubt, started out as a great community.

A connection formed through music and events rings loud and clear in Apopka

The City of Apopka has recently begun hosting a series of concerts through community event partners that feature artist categories that one would have only imagined showing up on their TV screen.