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It's Debate Day! Stream the 2026 Apopka Mayoral Debate. Visit WESH.com to watch the live stream starting at 5:30PMIt's Debate Day! Stream the 2026 Apopka Mayoral Debate. Visit WESH.com to watch the live stream starting at 5:30PM

Author

  • JC Derrick

    J.C. Derrick is publisher for The Apopka Chief. He spent 18 years covering sports, education, and politics in Texas and Washington, D.C., before joining The Apopka Chief in 2025. J.C. is a member of the Florida Press Association Board of Directors.

Preseason game was very valuable for Apopka, Osceola
August 25, 2023
The Darters survived an Osceola march deep into Apopka territory late in the fourth quarter, but a 30-yard field goal try went wide left with about…
Missing elderly man found, police say
August 25, 2023
Brian Darikio Beathea, a 65-year-old Black man, was last seen in the area of AdventHealth Apopka.
Graceworx Community Church Commends, Cheers on Region’s Students and Teachers
August 18, 2023
Throughout our nation, August is the month when students either return to school for the fall term or get ready to be welcomed back shortly after…
Changing driving habits and vehicle maintenance can help reduce your gas costs
August 18, 2023
Gas prices continue to rise, with no relief in sight. And if you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, you’ll find car prices…
Looking back at you
August 18, 2023
The Apopka Chief/The Planter publisher John Ricketson found this Polyphemus moth on his car last week. The moth is named after Polyphemus, the Greek mythological giant…
Darter Flight Tuesday
August 18, 2023
Time to kick start Darter Flight Tuesday for this new school year at Apopka High School! A veteran teacher was selected as the first recipient, someone…
Apopka Police Department adds two more new officers
August 18, 2023
These two officers, Officer Dalton Whigham and Officer Matthew “Matt” Baker, took an oath to serve and protect. Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley administered the oath.…
Winn-Dixie opens 2nd Apopka location at City Center
August 18, 2023
Following over a year of construction, the long-awaited Winn-Dixie has opened its doors at the Apopka City Center as the supermarket chain’s second Apopka location.
Apopka Run Club donates to VFW
August 18, 2023
The Apopka Run Club (ARC) presented VFW Post 10147 with a donation to be used for a meaningful impact on the lives of local veterans.
Anhinga’s meal at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
August 18, 2023
An anhinga feasts on a fish at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, located on the North Shore of Lake Apopka. The drive is free and open to…
Police find body behind a dumpster, seek a witnessThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
Apopka police and Orange County are investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered behind a dumpster at the Wekiva Riverwalk Plaza in Apopka.
Gas district given grant for repairs, equipmentThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
The U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) presented a check to Lake Apopka Natural Gas District at its Winter Garden offices…
Jim Keck Goin' Fishin'
Bluegills are bitin’ across our area’s lakes and riversThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
Hello Folks, I hope everyone had a great weekend and, hopefully, you got a chance to do some fishin’. We have a new moon at the…
Mustangs will travel to face vaunted SeminolesThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
The Wekiva Mustangs football team got what it wanted when it scheduled an opponent that can provide a top-tier challenge for the 2023 spring game. See…
Intrasquad game; spring game ahead for DartersThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
The end of spring football practice is just around the corner as the Apopka Blue Darters will visit the Jones Tigers for the spring game. See…
Season ends in region game for AHS softballThe Apopka Chief
May 19, 2023
An up-and-down season for the Apopka Blue Darters softball team ended with a loss to Port Orange Spruce Creek in a Class 7A-1 regional quarterfinal playoff…
Bill Cowles CorrectionThe Apopka Chief
May 12, 2023
CORRECTION: Our story in today's Friday, May 12 page 6A edition of The Apopka Chief was in error. It should have read Orange County Supervisor of…
Graceworx Community Church Offers Six Suggestions for High-School GraduatesThe Apopka Chief
May 12, 2023
High-school seniors across the nation will soon be bombarded with advice from parents, teachers and/or commencement speakers. Here’s what we at Graceworx would like to say…
New panther license plate features famous female and her kittenThe Apopka Chief
May 12, 2023
The Protect the Panther License Plate will soon have a new design featuring a stunning photograph taken by photographer Carlton Ward. Read more on page 12A.
Musician drops albumThe Apopka Chief
May 12, 2023
Matti Veldhuis is a singer/songwriter from Central Florida. Her debut album, “Perpetual June,” was recorded in Los Angeles, Calif., and was released on April 27. It…