By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
The Apopka City Council, in a 4-1 vote, has approved a new funding agreement with the nonprofit organization Main Street Apopka, supporting the ongoing revitalization and economic development of the city’s downtown district.
Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson was the dissenting vote.
The decision, made during the May 21st council meeting, includes a $50,000 allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. However, the approval followed public concern over missing or incomplete documentation in the organization’s submitted materials prior to the vote.
Related: Main Street Apopka wants more for the downtown and local businesses.
Main Street Apopka is a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing downtown Apopka through historic preservation, economic development, and community engagement. As an affiliate of Main Street America, it employs a comprehensive approach focusing on four key areas: economic vitality, design, promotion, and organization. The organization collaborates with local businesses and residents to transform downtown into a hub for commerce, culture, and community life. Their initiatives tend to include beautification projects, support for small businesses, and the organization of community events.
At the start of the item, Main Street Apopka Executive Director Caitlin Kasheta addressed the council with appreciation.
“Thank you so much for your support all of these two years now that we’ve been working and putting this program together,” she said. “It has meant a lot to us as volunteers to have your support backing us… it’s really exciting for us and we’re thankful it’s landed on the agenda. Thank you all so much.”
During the public comment period, residents expressed frustration with what they saw as a lack of transparency and procedural consistency. Resident Leroy Bell noted the absence of key documents.
“This has been going on for two years,” Bell said. “One main thing that we have asked for that goes with this packet but has never been produced is the IRS federal tax form, the 501(c)(3). All these documents should be checked before any money is dispensed to Main Street. And what about a copy of the roster of the board? Citizens want to know what their money is going to.”
Resident Sylvester Hall echoed these concerns, calling on the council to apply consistent standards across all projects.
“It’s very clear that we have a double standard. I am in support of Main Street 100%, but there are procedures, rules, and guidelines that we abide by,” said Hall. “Please hold a standard that will uplift all businesses when they come in here… because we definitely need it. But this isn’t the way.”
In response, Commissioner Diane Velazquez clarified that the council did have prior documentation from Main Street Apopka in their records, including a copy of the organization’s board of directors and proof of nonprofit status submitted in March. But she acknowledged that these documents were not included in the current meeting’s agenda packet and would need to be updated.
Ultimately, the council approved the agreement on the condition that the organization submit updated proof of insurance and provide “Exhibit B,” a required component of the contract.
The council approved the funding agreement with Main Street Apopka, with the condition that the organization submit updated proof of insurance and provide “Exhibit B,” a required part of the contract. The measure passed with a 4-1 vote, with Nelson casting the only vote in opposition at the last second.
When Commissioner Nick Nesta asked the mayor to clarify his reasoning, Nelson responded, “I just think that we’ve got the CRA and we’ve got our Fifth Street merchants that can handle it.”
Commissioner Nesta followed up by asking for more clarity, stating, “What is the CRA doing that is similar? And why didn’t you bring this up during the discussion? You always say there’s transparency when clearly there is none.”
Highlights of the Funding Agreement:
- Term: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
- Total Funding: $50,000, disbursed in quarterly payments
- Matching Fund Requirement: 50% (cash and in-kind contributions)
- Funding Usage: Up to 25% may be allocated toward staff salaries, wages, and benefits
- Reporting Requirements:
- Biannual updates to the Apopka CRA
- Work plan progress
- Event summaries
- Education and outreach highlights
- Digital engagement and packet traffic statistics
- Property inventory database updates
- Financial documentation and review
