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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

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Author

  • Ronnie Lovler

    Ronnie Lovler has 40 years of experience in journalism, including assignments all over Latin America for CNN and CBS. Ronnie teaches journalism at UF and public speaking at Santa Fe College. She was a recent fellow in the Gerontological Society of America’s Journalists in Aging Fellows Program and a previous Knight International Journalism Fellow in Bogota, Colombia. She is an editor and contributor for the book titled, Local Lives in a Global Pandemic: Stories from North Central Florida and a contributing author to the anthology Alone Together: Tales of Sisterhood and Solitude in Latin America. She began her career in journalism at the San Juan Star in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ronnie resides in Gainesville and loves to travel.

Nick Nesta
The Apopka Chief
June 4, 2026
By Mayor Nick Nesta  Apopka has always been a city built on hard work, community and opportunity. What began as a small agricultural town has grown into one…
Jake Vest
The Apopka Chief
June 4, 2026
If I had an extra car, I would paint it orange and saw it in half.          That’s what Tennessee linebacker Jack Reynolds did after a disappointing loss to Ole Miss…
Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
June 3, 2026
Hello Folks,  It was really nice to finally get some rain, and I don’t wanna seem ungrateful, but I sure do wish we’d get some more!  I hope…
Jake Vest
The Apopka Chief
May 29, 2026
Much of the scene last week was similar enough to verge on déjà vu. “Pomp and Circumstance” played while a long procession of young people made its…
Representative Doug Bankson
The Apopka Chief
May 28, 2026
With the state budget being finalized as I write this, we will be taking a small detour this week to discuss one of my policy priorities from the 2026 legislative session.
Melissa Byrd
The Apopka Chief
May 27, 2026
As I shook hundreds of hands again this year, I tried to stop as many graduates as I could and ask about their cords or medals they were wearing or what…
Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
May 27, 2026
Congrats to Dave Lefebre on his win up at Orange Lake. Dave was able to win the MLF tournament by catchin’ the most bass and the biggest bass durin’ the…
Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
May 21, 2026
The 37th annual Wolfson Children's Hospital Bass Tournament was held last weekend up around Palatka City on the St. Johns River. Congrats to the team of…
Jake Vest
The Apopka Chief
May 21, 2026
Despite what you might see in the advertisements, Memorial Day is not a particularly good occasion for a picnic, going out on the boat, or having a…
Melissa Byrd
The Apopka Chief
May 20, 2026
As we have discussed the budget landscape over the last few weeks, we mainly focused on the operational budget. This week, I’d like to discuss the school district capital…
Wekiva’s quarterback gets a pass off just in time as a Lyman defensive end wraps around his leg after breaking into the pocket. 
Coach Doug Gabriel optimistic despite 16-7 spring loss as Wekiva rebuildsThe Apopka Chief
May 29, 2025
By Marshall Tempest  Reporter  The Wekiva Mustangs fell 16-7 to the Lyman Greyhounds in their annual spring game last week, providing the first look at how…
Don’t forget to check your tires, brakes and battery before your summer travelThe Apopka Chief
May 23, 2025
J&K Automotive, Inc. reminds their neighbors to make sure your car maintenance is up to date as we head into the hottest months of the year.…
Apopka softball turns corner with strong seasonThe Apopka Chief
May 23, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter Last week marked the end of Apopka athletics for the 2024-2025 school year with the softball team's loss to Lake Brantley in…
Jim Keck Goin' Fishin'
The Harris Chain has been on fire…The Apopka Chief
May 23, 2025
I hope everyone is havin a great week and you got a chance to get out and do some fishin’’. I don’t want to sound like…
3 Apopka basketball stars to play college ballThe Apopka Chief
May 22, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter Three 2024-2025 Apopka basketball team members signed letters of intent to play college ball and further their education this week. Seniors Jermichael…
Apopka quarterback Tyson Davison eyes big senior seasonThe Apopka Chief
May 22, 2025
By Marshall Tempest   Reporter   With three years as a varsity starter under his belt, Apopka football's rising senior quarterback, Tyson Davison, is on a mission to…
Rolson makes adjustments after blue and white gameThe Apopka Chief
May 20, 2025
By Marshall Tempest   Reporter   The Apopka football team's annual blue and white scrimmage provided a stage for Blue Darter athletes last week. The game focused on…
Jim Keck Goin' Fishin'
Recent rain a welcome sight on local lakesThe Apopka Chief
May 16, 2025
Well, we finally got some rain this week. What a bles- sin’ that was, and hopefully, you got a good bit, too! Our lakes and our…
Apopka first responders to face off in charity basketball gameThe Apopka Chief
May 16, 2025
By Marshall Tempest  Reporter   Apopka’s first responders will face off in a charity basketball game later this month to finally answer the age-old question: Who’s better—firemen…
Try Charles Pyburn’s Potato/Leek Soup from visit to Dublin pub during Ireland tripThe Apopka Chief
May 16, 2025
Barbecue Ribs and Sauce from Emily Meggett’s recipe comes from her book, Gullah Geechee Home Cooking. This treasure is done right in your kitchen! No trudging…