A quilt Phylis Samuels made to celebrate her son’s law enforcement service now carries his gratitude to Seminole County Fire Station 13 in Apopka. Following her death, Steve Samuels presented the quilt to firefighters at her memorial service, honoring their care for his mother and their commitment to the community. more

The Senior Resource Alliance’s SHINE program is offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Apopka residents and others across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can get help comparing coverage, understanding costs, and reviewing prescription drug plans. more

Senior Advisors helps clients understand Medicare, compare coverage options, find potential savings and navigate changes with free, ongoing guidance. more

A taxpayer advocacy organization is recommending sweeping restrictions on a popular retirement option used by nearly 31,000 Florida public employees. The proposal could set up a contentious 2027 legislative debate over pension costs, workforce retention and benefits for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other government workers. more

Orange County has opened a new Multicultural Senior Center in Pine Hills, creating a dedicated space where older adults can participate in programs, develop friendships and connect with community resources. The 17,000-square-foot facility also houses the county’s Office on Aging and offers activities ranging from computer classes and educational workshops to arts, games and wellness programs. more

Senior Resource Alliance is helping older adults prepare for Florida’s extreme summer temperatures by offering up to $2,000 in utility assistance through the Emergency Home Assistance for the Elderly Program. The program helps eligible seniors cover energy bills, disconnection fees, and cooling-related expenses. more

The concern is not that older adults are playing pickleball, but that jumping into a fast, stop-and-start sport without the conditioning, footwear, recovery, or body awareness is leading to widespread injuries. more

Orange County is encouraging older adults and their families to begin hurricane preparations early ahead of the 2026 storm season. Officials say advance planning can help seniors maintain access to medications, medical equipment, transportation, and caregiver support during emergencies. more

Senior Resource Alliance has launched a partnership with Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures to bring miniature horse therapy visits to seniors in hospitals and care facilities across Central Florida. Organizers say the program is designed to reduce loneliness, provide emotional support, and help stimulate memory recall for older adults, including those living with dementia. more

Apopka mayoral candidate Christine Moore has released a detailed plan to improve services and quality of life for the city’s senior population. Her proposal focuses on food insecurity, public safety, housing, and expanded programming—while emphasizing partnerships over tax increases. more

Florida officials are warning residents about a scam involving counterfeit court notices that claim drivers owe fines for traffic or toll violations. The messages often include threats and fake payment links designed to steal personal and financial information. more

As 75% of older adults say they want to age in place, experts warn that independence requires intentional planning. From fall prevention to post-hospital recovery support, small proactive steps can help seniors remain safely in their homes longer. more

Florida Blue has launched a new cancer care navigation program designed to guide Medicare Advantage members and their families through every stage of a cancer diagnosis. Early results from a pilot study show a 40% reduction in hospital and emergency room visits among participating patients. more

Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a full slate of events and perks, including ceremonies at Kit Land Nelson Park and the Orange County Administration Center, as well as free admission to museums and attractions, restaurant deals, car washes, and grocery discounts. Beyond the holiday, veterans also have access to property tax relief, state park benefits, county support services, and emerging AI-driven hiring tools designed to better recognize military experience. more

Through the Emergency Home Assistance for the Elderly Program, seniors in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can now apply for up to $2,000 in aid to cover utility costs, late fees, or cooling repairs. The Senior Resource Alliance says the program helps vulnerable older adults stay safe and healthy during extreme weather. more

The Senior Resource Alliance, in partnership with Healthspan Partners of SWFL, recently introduced GUIDE—a program designed to provide individualized care and comprehensive support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The initiative connects participants to vital community services and offers caregivers access to respite care, support groups, and 24/7 assistance. more

A new Florida TaxWatch report highlights the growing need for hospice and palliative care as the state’s aging population faces more complex and costly health conditions. more

Caring for an aging loved one can feel like a full‑time job, but local programs are stepping in to help. In Orange County and across Central Florida, volunteers with RELIEF are giving thousands of hours of respite care, giving families time to rest, recharge, and keep loved ones at home longer. more

What began as one man's attempt to build four tiny homes sparked a movement that reshaped a city's zoning code to support small-scale, affordable housing. more

The City of Apopka is moving forward with its 2025–2026 matching grant program, offering funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 for schools and nonprofits serving youth and senior citizens. more

“Operation Triple Threat” took place last week in three correction facilities containing approximately 3,000 inmates to search for illegal cellphones. more

Health isn't just about reacting when things go wrong. It's about proactive care and recognizing the early whispers of trouble. more

Here I am, well into my 90th year, and I must admit that a lot of people have come and gone in my life, sadly far more than I can remember. But there are a few that I will never forget.   more

Balancing the important responsibilities of attending to ailing patients while maintaining their own well-being is a big challenge for family caregivers. Here are a few key ways to manage it and provide the best possible care. more

Medical malpractice situations can occur any time you have someone practicing medicine, but if you look at some of the situations that involve this term, you might start to see some patterns. Let’s take a moment to talk about some of the situations where medical malpractice most commonly occurs. more