From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The Apopka Professional Firefighters Association and Commissioner-elect Yesenia Baron have endorsed Nick Nesta for mayor. The firefighters' union cited his support for staffing, training, and first responders. Baron emphasized accountability, responsible growth, and a shared vision for Apopka’s future.
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Apopka City Commissioner and mayoral runoff candidate Nick Nesta announced two endorsements from the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association (APFA) and Commissioner-elect Yesenia Baron.
Related: Moore, Nesta clash in mayoral runoff forum.
Apopka mayoral candidate Nick Nesta receives the endorsement of the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association.
In a March 25 letter addressed to residents, the APFA said Nesta has consistently supported firefighters and first responders during his two terms on the city commission.
“Over two consecutive terms as commissioner, Nick Nesta has consistently shown strong, principled support for our firefighters and all first responders,” wrote APFA President Kyle Lampp.
The association pointed to Nesta’s involvement following the death of Apopka firefighter Austin Duran, stating that he advocated for changes, supported affected families, and worked toward reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents.
The letter also cited Nesta’s positions on staffing levels, training standards, organizational structure, and funding for public safety services. According to the association, Nesta has regularly engaged with department personnel, attended collective bargaining meetings, and addressed operational concerns directly.
“Nick understands that recruitment and retention of experienced public safety personnel are critical to protecting our community,” Lampp wrote. “He is committed to practical, fiscally responsible solutions that strengthen emergency response and improve services.”
The association urged residents to participate in the April 14 runoff election.
Commissioner-Elect Yesenia Baron.
In a separate announcement, Baron, who was elected to the Apopka City Council in March to represent Seat 4, also endorsed Nesta.
In her statement, Baron said she has known Nesta since 2020, when both ran for the same commission seat, and described his record on the dais as consistent and resident-focused.
“He asks the hard questions, holds the city accountable, and leads with a genuine desire to make Apopka a place we can all be proud to call home,” Baron said.
Baron also referenced policy priorities she said align with Nesta’s approach, including protecting natural resources, supporting small businesses, and managing growth through long-term planning. She said Nesta has demonstrated a focus on “thoughtful, solution-oriented leadership” and described him as prepared to implement changes within city government.
Baron’s endorsement follows her election victory in March, where voters chose her to complete Nesta's remaining term for Seat 4 on the Apopka City Council. Nesta vacated the seat to run for mayor.
The mayoral runoff election is scheduled for April 14.
Key Points:
- Firefighters' union endorses Nesta for mayor
- Union cites support for staffing, training, and public safety reforms
- Yesenia Baron also backs Nesta following Seat 4 victory
- Baron highlights accountability and responsible growth
- Runoff election scheduled for April 14
