News in Apopka

AAA urges Floridians to book holiday trips before prices rise
AAA is encouraging Floridians to start planning Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's vacations, as rising fuel costs could put additional pressure on airfares. A new survey found that 49% of residents who delayed booking a trip later paid more than they would have if they had…

Real Faces of Homlessness with Katie
Commission meeting spirals into accusations and threats of legal action
A discussion about limiting city spending on commissioner-led events descended into accusations, threats of ethics complaints, and warnings of possible lawsuits. Commissioner Nadia Anderson said the proposed guardrails were meant to target her, while other commissioners denied…
How the American revolt against Flock cameras mirrors the Boston Tea Party of 1773
A growing bipartisan backlash against automated license plate readers has prompted communities to cancel contracts and some opponents to damage the cameras. A historian argues that the movement echoes colonial resistance to British surveillance and government intrusion before the…

Florida county officials try to eliminate public comment on development
Lee County residents organized against a sweeping growth-plan rewrite they said was rushed, poorly publicized, and designed to diminish their influence over development. Their successful opposition is especially relevant in Apopka, where the placement, livestreaming, and official…

Florida first responders warn Amendment 3 could slow 911 response
Florida public safety leaders are opposing Amendment 3, warning that its reduction of local property tax revenue could mean fewer first responders and slower 911 response times. They say meaningful tax relief should be paired with a clear and sustainable plan for funding police,…
Apopka adopts $237 million budget after months of debate
The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $237.25 million budget and a 4.6761 millage rate for fiscal year 2026-27. The final hearing also revived discussion of forensic audits as commissioners questioned city reserves, impact fees, and future financial reviews.
DRC denies 312-unit Floridian Town Center apartment plan
A proposed 312-unit apartment development at Floridian Town Center must return to Apopka's Development Review Committee after staff recommended denial because several issues remain unresolved. The DRC also advanced a 78-lot Crossroads at Kelly Park plat and reviewed three…
AdventHealth grant helps Quest expand transportation access for people with developmental disabilities
Quest, Inc. has been selected as a 2026 AdventHealth grant partner to help reduce transportation barriers for people with developmental disabilities. The funding will allow the Central Florida nonprofit to enhance its accessible transportation fleet and improve connections to…
A busy week for APD brings 24 arrests across Apopka
The Apopka Police Department reported 24 arrests, including one juvenile, during the week of September 6-12. Battery, controlled-substance possession, DUI, and outstanding warrants were among the allegations listed.

Making a Mark: Six Orange County Businesses Shaping the County's Growth in 2026
From a new $15 million emergency room in Apopka to a Michelin-recognized sushi bar in Winter Park, here are six Orange County businesses that expanded, opened, or made news in 2026.
One day, three meetings: Apopka confronts growth, taxes and its downtown future
Three meetings on Wednesday will offer a wide-ranging look at the forces shaping Apopka's future. City officials will review proposed development, adopt the FY2026-27 budget, and decide whether the Community Redevelopment Agency should receive seven more years to complete its…