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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.

Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
July 21, 2026
Hello Folks, Sorry I missed y'all last week. I had a health issue, but all is well, and it’s back to goin’ fishin’! If you want to catch some panfish I would…
Jake Vest
The Apopka Chief
July 15, 2026
Sometimes I feel like we all went to Taylor Swift’s wedding. Except this time, instead of being dragged along by my wife, I was dragged along by…
Mayor Nick Nesta
The Apopka Chief
July 14, 2026
Last week, I discussed the important role property taxes play in funding local government and some of the challenges cities could face if that revenue source was eliminated. This week,…
Zeke Williams is a regular customer at Angel's Diner in Palatka.
The Apopka Chief
July 13, 2026
Old school restaurant remains in operation after 94 years
Representative Doug Bankson
The Apopka Chief
July 10, 2026
A while back I wrote about SB 382 (HB 243), legislation sponsored by Sen. Truenow and Rep. Benarroch that proposed new safety protocols for electric bicycles,…
Mayor Nick Nesta
The Apopka Chief
July 9, 2026
One of the most talked-about issues in Florida today is the possibility of eliminating property taxes. If this proposal ultimately reachesthe ballot, the decision will rest with Florida's voters.…
Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
July 8, 2026
Hello Folks, I hope everyone had a great Independence Day with their family and friends on the day that some of us identify simply as the “4th of July!” We…
Jake Vest
The Apopka Chief
July 7, 2026
Soccer is fun to watch – at recess. You get 40 kids running 37 different directions, screeching, waving arms, kicking when there’s no ball anywhere near them, jumping,…
Mayor Nick Nesta
The Apopka Chief
July 2, 2026
If you’ve been following recent news, you’ve likely heard discussion about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to significantly reduce and potentially eliminate property taxes on homesteaded properties in Florida. This is one of the most far-reaching…
Jim Keck
The Apopka Chief
July 1, 2026
Happy Birthday, America! This Saturday will be our 250th year of independence from British rule. I hope you and your family enjoy the celebrations safely here…
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…