Seat #4 Commissioner-Elect Yesenia Baron.
From Staff Reports
Editor's Note: As four members of the Apopka City Commission prepare to take the oath of office on April 28 and then take their seats on the dais for their first meeting on May 6, the city's direction will begin to take shape. The Apopka Voice asked each commissioner, commissioner-elect, and mayor-elect a simple question: What are your top priorities for the coming year? Their responses, presented in this five-part series, offer an early look at how each intends to lead—and what residents can expect as a new chapter begins at City Hall.
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In Summary:
Apopka City Commissioner-Elect Yesenia Baron outlined her priorities ahead of the April 28 swearing-in, emphasizing intentional leadership, transparency, and responsible growth. She pointed to unfinished projects such as Golden Gem Road and downtown CRA initiatives as areas needing immediate review. Baron also stressed the importance of accessibility, saying residents should feel heard and included in the city’s decision-making process.
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Apopka City Commissioner-Elect Yesenia Baron says the year ahead will be defined by how deliberately the city chooses to move forward, as a new City Commission prepares to take office.
“The City of Apopka is at a pivotal moment, and one of my top priorities is supporting a clear vision that moves our city forward,” Baron said.
Baron, who will represent Apopka from Seat #4, said that vision is rooted in a more intentional approach to decision-making. She emphasized that progress should not come at the expense of transparency or accountability, and that each decision should be measured against its long-term impact on residents and the city as a whole.
“For me, this does not mean rubber-stamping decisions, but ensuring every action aligns with progress, transparency, accountability, and heart,” she said.
Like other members of the incoming commission, Baron cited unfinished work as an immediate concern and said the City must take a closer look at stalled projects.
“The new commission has inherited several challenges requiring immediate attention,” she said. “We must assess the status of unfinished projects, including Golden Gem Road, and address the reclaimed water retention pond situation, as both have seen little meaningful progress over the past few years.”
Baron also called for a review of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) projects in downtown Apopka that were budgeted but never completed, saying transparency will be critical in understanding where they stand.
“We must review the funding and completion of CRA projects in downtown Apopka that were budgeted but never completed," she said. "My priority is to make sure the city is positioned to address these challenges while being honest and transparent about the true state of our city."
Her focus on transparency and accountability extends to how the City evaluates growth. Baron said development decisions must be carefully reviewed to make certain they serve residents and contribute to a stronger long-term future.
“Achieving this requires thoughtful planning, responsible development, and a very careful review of projects that come before the commission,” she said. “These projects should be reasonable, create opportunities for residents and small businesses, and intentionally help Apopka grow into a city we can all be proud of.”
Baron said availability will also be a priority, adding that residents should have a voice and be respected when they engage with their elected officials.
“I will also prioritize being accessible to residents with questions or concerns, ensuring they feel heard and that their thoughts, opinions, and perspectives are taken seriously,” she said.
As she prepares to take office, Baron acknowledged that they will face challenges, but said the guiding principle should remain clear.
“While this commission may not always get everything right, I can say that, collectively, the goal should always be what is best for the residents and the City of Apopka,” she said.
Key Points:
- Baron says Apopka is at a pivotal moment requiring intentional leadership
- She highlighted unfinished projects, including Golden Gem Road and a reclaimed water issue
- She called for a review of downtown CRA projects that were funded but not completed
- She emphasized responsible growth and careful evaluation of development proposals
- She said accessibility and listening to residents will be a top priority
Feature photo by Isabel Lecompte (@ISASBEL.LECOMPTE), Interning Photographer for The Apopka Voice.
