Updating Breaking News: Nesta and Anderson prevail, but will March elections survive?

Apopka voters made their voices heard today, re-electing Commissioner Nick Nesta to Seat #4 on the city commission and welcoming Nadia Anderson to Seat #3. But will the March election date survive after such a low voter turnout?

Nesta's victory sets a trend, marking the fourth consecutive win for an incumbent on the Apopka City Council. He successfully defended Seat #4, securing 61.05% of the vote (2,754) against Eric Mock, a current planning commission member, who received 1,757 votes. This mirrors Nesta's 2022 victory over Mock, where he also garnered 61.5% of the vote.

Nesta thanked the Apopka voters for their support after back-to-back wins with over 60% of the vote.

"Thank you, Apopka, for your continued support!" Nesta said. "This was a huge win and another step in the right direction for our great city. Thank you to the donors, endorsers, and volunteers for making this campaign season another big success. As always, my biggest gratitude goes to my wife, Lauren Nesta, for her unwavering support and encouragement, all while holding down our fort and making a beautiful life for our little girls. I am so excited to continue to do the necessary work for this great city. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Apopka! I can't wait to see what we can accomplish!"

Anderson defeated Darryl Richardson with 55.01% (2,494) of the vote in the Seat #3 election. Richardson received 2,040 votes. Both candidates were running in their first campaigns for elected office.

She too, was thankful to her supporters.

"I am immensely grateful for the trust and support that the Apopka community has shown me," Anderson said. "This victory is a testament to the collective efforts of all who have tirelessly worked towards positive change. I am dedicated to serving with unwavering integrity, passion, and commitment. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter future for every resident of Apopka. My heartfelt thanks go out to the entire community for their unwavering belief in me. I am profoundly aware that this achievement would have been impossible without the guidance and grace of God."

Only 4,534 Apopka voters cast ballots in this election, representing approximately 12.86% of the city's registered voters, according to voter totals (35,243) in the 2022 election. It marked the lowest turnout for a March election in Apopka since 2012, and it will certainly amplify the calls during charter review meetings to move municipal elections to November to coincide with presidential and national midterm elections.

Mock was gracious in his congratulations to Nesta and his supporters.

"I’d like to congratulate Nick Nesta on his victory for Apopka City Council, Seat 4," he said. "As I stated before, Apopka voters will decide who they want on the council for the next 4 years. The voters have spoken. I want to thank all my supporters. You are all wonderful, giving your time, campaign donations, and volunteering. I am a fortunate man. I have made lifelong friends. I’d like to last of all thank my wife, Rhonda. Your support and encouragement are what mean the most to me in my life. On to tomorrow, picking up signs!!"

Richardson acknowledged that Apopka voters had spoken.

"Today the City of Apopka should be satisfied with their choices for representation for the commissioner seats," he said. "The city has elected who they feel is best suited for those seats. As a country we should accept the results of a properly run election and move on. Emotional ties to elections should never be the reason there is such a divide. We can hope that the elected officials represent the city and not some self serving interests that benefits them outside of being a resident as well. Elected officials need to remember "Who" elected them, and "Why" they were elected. Too many elected officials seem to forget this as their tenure moves forward. I did contact Nadia and congratulate her, I also went to her election party and personally congratulated all involved in her campaign. Let's move forward, the City of Apopka needs to remember the past, but always be looking to the future. As for my political ambitions, that ended on election day. I put forth a message of unity, teamwork, and moving the needle forward, the city voted for a different message. I wish the best for the city, I am not too hard to find, as everyone knows by now. Good Luck Apopka!:"

Anderson and Nesta will begin their terms after the 2024 Oath of Office ceremony on April 30th.

Editor's Note: Richardson and Anderson's responses were received and included after the initial publication.