By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
The Apopka community has lost an icon.
John Ricketson, the longtime publisher of The Apopka Chief and Planter, has died at age 84.
According to the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ricketson was born in Dixie Camp, Florida, in 1940. He grew up in Winter Park, graduated from Winter Park High School, and moved to Apopka in 1958. He enlisted in the Army, became a paratrooper, and married his wife Eileen in 1964.
Mr. Ricketson bought The Apopka Chief and Planter in 1979. During that time, he and his staff published a weekly newspaper without fail for over 44 years, a testament to their dedication. Last year, The Apopka Chief accomplished a milestone that very few companies in the United States have managed—over 100 years in operation.
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I first met John in 2015 at a City Council meeting. Although The Apopka Voice was brand new, he treated me with respect and welcomed me to the media table. In the coming years, we would talk about the events of the day or the news of Apopka.
That was his favorite subject.
John loved Apopka. Maybe more than anyone in this community. No one knew more about John Land and his time as mayor than John. I heard dozens of anecdotes and interesting details about his years in office. John seemed to recall every City Council meeting, no matter how far back in time.
Although we took different paths to arrive in Apopka, it turned out that John and I had a connection along the way. Both of us worked at The Clearwater Sun newspaper — he, as a Publisher, and I, as a proofreader/paste-up artist a few years later.
John told me how proud he was of the Sun's coverage of the Skyway Bridge collapse and how his smaller staff outdid the larger St. Petersburg Times newspaper coverage of the catastrophe.
He also told me about an investigation The Clearwater Sun did on the Church of Scientology (which was headquartered in Clearwater) and their attempt to discredit him and his reporters. At the time, I thought it sounded a bit far-fetched, but it turns out John's account was not only accurate, but he actually underplayed the story.
I did not always agree with John on issues, both local and abroad, but I admired his ability to keep an iconic newspaper successful at a time when many local weekly publications are falling by the wayside.
I have said it before, but it has always been my belief that excellent journalism, published independently, locally, and accurately, can help a community prosper. Despite the current stigma attached to journalism, local community newspapers and online news sites have the power to bring about great good and make a profound difference within their communities.
We at The Apopka Voice wish to send our deepest condolences to the Ricketson family and the employees of The Apopka Chief and Planter.
And a profound thanks to you, Mr. Ricketson, for your kindness, professionalism, and legacy in local journalism. Your example will never be forgotten. You left Apopka a better place.
