The Week Ahead: Station Street’s future, Camp Wewa and a busy Wednesday at City Hall

In Summary:

Apopka’s Nov. 16-22 calendar features three Wednesday meetings, beginning with the Development Review Committee and continuing with a City Commission workshop and regular meeting. Commissioners will consider terminating the Station Street development agreement, extending the Community Redevelopment Agency and employment contracts for director positions. The weekend includes The Oak’s Turkey Trot and a ticketed Dylan Gossett concert, while Thanksgiving food donations continue at City Hall.

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A downtown redevelopment proposal could reach a turning point this week as Apopka commissioners consider mutually terminating the Station Street development agreement. The item anchors a busy Wednesday at City Hall, with development reviews in the morning, a workshop on Camp Wewa and a public safety building in the afternoon, and the regular commission meeting that evening.

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The Nov. 16-22 calendar also offers opportunities to get outside, hear live music and help local students. Saturday brings a Turkey Trot and a Dylan Gossett concert, while the city’s Thanksgiving food drive continues throughout the workweek.

Station Street agreement returns to commissioners

The City Commission meets Wednesday, November 18, at 6 pm in the City Hall Commission Chambers. Among its business items is a proposed mutual termination of the development agreement for the Station Street project.

According to the agenda, the city and Community Redevelopment Agency approved the agreement with Standard Investments and Holdings LLC on March 20, 2024. The concept covered approximately 3.49 acres within the CRA district and contemplated up to 60 affordable housing units, a public plaza and event space, public parking, infrastructure improvements, and an extension of the Downtown Apopka Trail.

The agreement established responsibilities for the developer, city and CRA, including a proposed property conveyance and construction commitments. Wednesday’s agenda identifies the proposed termination but does not explain the reasons for it or outline a replacement development plan.

Commissioners will also consider employment contracts for director positions, with Mayor Nick Nesta scheduled to present the item. The agenda does not identify the directors or summarize the proposed contract terms.

A separate consent agenda item requests approval of Resolution 2026-46, authorizing an extension of the CRA through January 1, 2034, and a second amendment to the interlocal redevelopment agreement.

Other scheduled actions include a second reading of an ordinance amending the firefighters’ retirement plan in connection with the recently approved collective bargaining agreement, amended settlement guidelines for code enforcement liens, and a nonexclusive commercial solid waste franchise agreement with Mid Florida Materials.

Camp Wewa and public safety building lead workshop

Before the regular meeting, commissioners will gather at 4:30 pm Wednesday for a discussion workshop in the same chambers. Camp Wewa and a public safety building are the two subjects listed for the commission’s discussion period.

The workshop agenda allocates 30 minutes for commission discussion and another 30 minutes for public comment. It does not provide details about specific proposals for either facility.

The comprehensive plan, software for tracking commission votes, utility infrastructure planning, and a brownfields presentation appear under future workshop topics. Those subjects are listed for future discussion rather than as the two main topics for Wednesday’s workshop.

Development Review Committee faces a full morning

Wednesday begins with a 9 am. Development Review Committee meeting at City Hall, where the agenda includes housing proposals, commercial development, a child care facility, and several events planned for 2027.

Residential items include plats for Sheeler Park and Springhaven Phase 1, along with a fifth submission for Ridgebrooke, an 86-home project. The committee will also review a 59-lot subdivision proposed within Paulucci Acres and a Sheeler Avenue development proposing 18 single-family lots and 24 duplex lots.

Other applications include Joy Child Academy at 4410 and 4420 Chandler Road, a proposed 45,000-square-foot Southern Tire Mart facility at 1291 S. Orange Blossom Trail, and a construction site plan for Gale Vista on Old Dixie Highway. The Gale Vista proposal includes 100 apartments designated as affordable housing.

The agenda also includes a Kelly Park South master plan amendment, a land use and rezoning request for 1225 S. Lake Pleasant Road, and a parking addition on South Forest Avenue.

Special event applications include a Cody Jinks concert, the Legend of the Geezers tree-climbing championship, the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, and the Orange Blossom Jazz Festival. Those events are proposed for 2027; Wednesday’s meeting concerns their applications.

Saturday starts with a Turkey Trot

The Oak’s fourth annual Turkey Trot is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, at the Northwest Recreation Complex. The city’s listing offers a 1.25-mile fun run or a 5K, with the race starting at 7:30 am.

Participants can find registration information through the city’s Turkey Trot event listing.

Dylan Gossett takes the amphitheater stage

Later Saturday, Deuterman Productions presents Dylan Gossett at the Apopka Amphitheater, with support from Buffalo Traffic Jam and The Jack Wharff Band. The city lists the ticketed event from 6–10 pm, with gates opening at 6 pm.

The amphitheater is at 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway. The listing states that the concert is rain or shine, outside coolers are prohibited, and parking is available through Gates 2-5. This is a promoter-produced event and is not sponsored by the city.

Ticket information is available through the city’s concert listing.

Thanksgiving food drive continues

Residents can also contribute to Apopka’s Thanksgiving food drive benefiting Sheeler High School’s food pantry. Donations are accepted at City Hall, 120 E. Main St., Monday through Friday from 8 am- 5 pm, excluding holidays, through November 25.

Requested items include peanut butter, jelly, pasta and sauces, rice, ramen noodles, canned meats, bread, snacks, water, and juice. The collection offers residents a way to support local students as Thanksgiving approaches.

Calendar: Nov. 16-22

Key Points:

• Commissioners will consider mutually terminating the Station Street development agreement, which contemplated affordable housing and downtown public improvements.
• A Wednesday workshop will focus on Camp Wewa and a public safety building.
• The Development Review Committee will review residential projects, a child care facility, a tire business, and proposed 2027 events.
• The Oak’s Turkey Trot and a Dylan Gossett concert are scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
• Apopka’s Thanksgiving food drive continues through November 25, benefiting Sheeler High School’s food pantry.

The City Commission workshop and regular meeting will be livestreamed on the City of Apopka’s YouTube channel. Residents attending the regular meeting should submit the appropriate intent-to-speak form before addressing the commission.

Calendar times are local. Meeting agendas and event schedules are subject to change; check the city website for updates.