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Duran's emotional and powerful remarks call Apopka Fire Department's "perfect" performance reviews into question
It has been almost ten months since the devastating death of Apopka firefighter Austin Duran, and his father is still seeking justice and accountability from the City. 
Wendover vs. The City of Apopka, and the definition of a balcony
Have you ever asked yourself, “what is a balcony?” According to Merriam-Webster it is “a platform that projects from the wall of a building and is enclosed by a parapet or …
Save water and money — watch the weather, wait to water this summer
Summer afternoon showers and tropical rainfall mean that Mother Nature may be able to handle much of your lawn sprinkling over the next few months, saving water and money.
This summer, storm prep is critical for Florida’s food banks
As Central Florida’s emergency food supply, Second Harvest Food Bank starts working on its storm prep checklist well in advance. When the new year begins, we’ve already begun stocking up.
Mangrove massacre wipes out Florida angler’s joy
Pittman: "Along the 3,394-foot shoreline, someone had chopped down the mangroves on 951 feet of it. The choppers had cut a swath 15 to 26 feet deep along the shore."
Local News
Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: May 28th-June 3rd
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Creative Hub makes its mark in Apopka art scene
The Creative Hub of Apopka held their Art Alive event which consisted of the Maker’s Demo, the Plein Air painting competition, and a supply drive. The Plein Air art competition invited artists …
Orange County deputies find dead body in South Apopka
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office responded to a call in South Apopka that ultimately led them to discover a dead body.

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Business
It all started in 2002 when Porkie's Original BBQ owners Steve & Mike traveled all over Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas searching for the perfect BBQ flavor.
The United States has the most dynamic economy in the world. Where it once was symbolized by the auto and steel industries, it's now the world's technology colossus.
The feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families took place in the Appalachian Mountains between 1863 and 1891. But they have nothing on the range war going on in Apopka.
Health

Orange County health officials issue mosquito-borne illness advisory

Several sentinel chickens from a single flock have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus infection. The risk of transmission to humans has increased.

Floods, warm temperatures promote mosquito production, UF/IFAS expert explains what to expect, how to protect

Hurricane Season 2023: Flooding can cause mosquito eggs laid in the soil by floodwater mosquitoes during previous floods to hatch. This can result in very large populations of floodwater mosquitoes.

Highs, and lows for Florida's seniors in health rankings report

America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare ranked Florida 25th in health outcomes for people age 65 and older.

Take precautions while enjoying water activities during the summer months

The Department reminds families to be safe when enjoying water activities, especially the week before Memorial Day, which is recognized as Healthy and Safe Swimming Week - May 22nd–28th.

Second Harvest expands health and hunger programming

With Second Harvest’s MTM program's inception, local healthcare providers can now refer eligible patients with chronic kidney disease to the food bank.

The U.S. is undergoing its worst bird flu outbreak ever. Is a poultry vaccine the answer?

Some lawmakers are warming to the idea of a vaccination campaign, long considered a fringe idea due to the cost and potential consequences.

Florida’s fertilizer addiction leads to ban on sales bans, roads that glow

Two of the worst things that survived the session are related to our ongoing water pollution woes. Both are likely to make things a lot worse. Both came as something of a surprise.

Government
 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 3rd.
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 an iconic Apopka restaurant closing.
It is empowering and encouraging to see our communities and corridors improve. All it takes is an engaged citizenry and a municipal government with sufficient dollars for proper maintenance.
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Apopka honors the soldier's sacrifice
Memorial Day serves as a time for the nation to remember and pay tribute to all fallen service members, regardless of their era or conflict. It is a day of reflection and remembrance.
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 Southwick Commons development.
Breaking News: APD looking for missing Apopka woman
The Apopka Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Jay Ruth Sheppard. Ms. Sheppard was last seen on 5/9/23 after being discharged from Advent Health Apopka.
Opinion

New Florida study says recycling can help combat climate change

Pittman: "I’m glad my city still runs a curbside (or alley-side) recycling program. Some Florida cities and counties have canceled theirs."
"Fortunately, in 2017, the City of Apopka created a CRA plan. This plan has many aspects and details, which, if followed, would result in a successful rebirth of downtown Apopka."
Today, rhetoric is often associated with one-sided arguments that cater to a particular corner of an echo chamber. Writing something off as “rhetoric” is often a power play.
I’m supremely interested in improving towns, cities, corridors, and neighborhoods. I have reported regularly in columns and on social media about sources that present best practices for growth and improvement.
Rod Olsen is a former HOA President of Rock Springs Ridge and an Apopka resident who often contributes his opinions at the Apopka City Council meetings during the public comments.
Bonus Content

Radiant and resilient: Nourish your skin this summer with top dermatologist tips

(BPT) - As the sun’s warm embrace calls people outdoors, the beauty of summer weather is undeniable. While there are near endless possibilities for outdoor activities, this season can also have …

15 major cities where homebuyers can have the upper hand

Homebuyers have an advantage in some cities. Rocket Homes used internal listing data to see where homes are selling below asking price.

How technology could help restaurants streamline amid continuing staffing crisis

Next Insurance dug into the continuing food service staffing shortage and explored the ways restaurants are using technology to fill in the gaps.

How technology could help restaurants streamline amid continuing staffing crisis

Next Insurance dug into the continuing food service staffing shortage and explored the ways restaurants are using technology to fill in the gaps.