Steven Montiero
From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The Apopka City Commission is scheduled to ratify the appointment of Steven Montiero as the city's next Public Information Director during its July 15 meeting. Montiero, widely recognized as "Trooper Steve" from WKMG News 6 and his work with the Florida Highway Patrol, brings more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement, public affairs, and emergency communications. If approved, he will oversee the city's communications strategy as Apopka continues addressing growth, infrastructure, and redevelopment initiatives.
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The City of Apopka is poised to hire one of Central Florida's most recognizable public safety communicators.
At its July 15 meeting, the Apopka City Commission is expected to ratify the appointment of Steven Montiero, known to television viewers as "Trooper Steve," as the city's new Public Information Director.
Related: South Apopka deserves facts, clarity, and leadership.
According to the City staff report, Montiero emerged from what officials described as a comprehensive recruitment process that included application reviews, interviews, and a final evaluation by Mayor Nick Nesta and City Administrator Radley Williams.
If approved, Montiero will assume a position that City leaders describe as central to providing residents with "accurate and consistent information concerning City issues."
Montiero brings more than 15 years of experience spanning law enforcement, emergency communications, public affairs, broadcast journalism, and community engagement.
He is currently the morning traffic safety expert and anchor for WKMG News 6, where he has become a familiar face across Central Florida since joining the station in 2017. As "Trooper Steve," he created and hosts the station's "Ask Trooper Steve" and "Trooper Steve on Patrol" segments while delivering traffic reports and public safety information during the station's morning broadcasts.
Before joining television, Montiero built his career with the Florida Highway Patrol, where he has served since 2010. During that time, he worked as a road trooper across multiple Central Florida counties before becoming one of the agency's primary public information officers and executive spokesperson during major investigations and statewide incidents.
His resume highlights experience in crisis communications, executive leadership, media relations, emergency management, and community engagement — skills that align closely with the responsibilities of Apopka's public information office.
The city said the position is intended to advance its strategic goal of improving communication between the city government and residents.
Montiero's professional accomplishments include receiving the Edward R. Murrow Award for innovation in community engagement, being named the 2024 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and serving as keynote speaker at the 2025 Florida Tax Collector Convention.
In addition to his media and law enforcement careers, Montiero has served on numerous community and public safety boards, including the Osceola County School Resource Officer Task Force, the Osceola County School Safety and Security Committee, MADD Central Florida and the St. Cloud Veterans Council.
A combat veteran, Montiero served in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces from 2005 to 2009, including deployments to South Korea and Iraq.
The appointment fills one of the city's key executive communication roles as Apopka continues to navigate significant issues involving growth, infrastructure, utilities, and redevelopment. The Public Information Director serves as the city's primary communications officer, coordinating information between municipal departments, elected officials, residents, and the media.
The commission is scheduled to consider ratifying Montiero's appointment during its July 15 meeting as part of the business agenda. If approved, he will transition from his role at WKMG to become the City's Public Information Director.
Key Points:
- The Apopka City Commission is expected to ratify Steven Montiero's appointment on July 15.
- Montiero is widely known across Central Florida as WKMG News 6's "Trooper Steve."
- He has served with the Florida Highway Patrol since 2010, including as a public information officer and executive spokesperson.
- The Public Information Director serves as the city's primary communications officer, coordinating information between city leaders, departments, residents and the media.
- Montiero is a decorated communicator, combat veteran and recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award and the 2024 MADD Law Enforcement Officer of the Year honor.
