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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.

Mayor Nick Nesta
OP-ED: Apopka residents deserve accurate information
August 14, 2026
Over the last several days, many Apopka residents have reached out regarding a letter discussing proposed increases to water, sewer, reclaimed water and garbage rates. I understand why the letter has…
Jim Keck
We’ve been getting a little much-needed rain here lately
August 12, 2026
Hello Folks, Last month was the hottest month on record, across the lower 48 states! The record was set in 1936 back when we had the Dust…
Jake Vest
OP-ED: Why do I have to foot this ‘medical’ bill?
August 11, 2026
Several years ago I had so much trouble with my left foot that I had to hop to the bathroom first thing in the morning. This discomforted me,…
Representative Doug Bankson
OP-ED: Bad apples in the Big Apple: An ALEC recap of NYC’s failing public schools
August 6, 2026
Last week, I had the honor and privilege of attending the Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Commission (ALEC) in Orlando. It was there that I joined state legislators…
Jake Vest
OP-ED: Thank you for your patronage…now, go away
August 4, 2026
I recently finished “Semi-Colon: The Past, Present and Future of a Misunderstood Mark.” When you can find a whole book about one piece of punctuation, you’ve got a collection worth browsing.
Jim Keck
More rain needed as fall fishing season draws near
August 4, 2026
One more month to go… and fall will soon be here! I can hardly wait! I’m tired of the heat, and I’m lookin’ for some cooler weather…. preferably sooner rather than later!
Jake Vest
OP-ED: Those who teach teachers never seem to learn
July 30, 2026
There are thousands of teachers going back to school this week, and you would be wise to give them a wide berth. They are liable to have already been pushed close to the limits of their endurance,…
Derrick Chubbs
OP-ED: Family caregivers struggling to get by
July 30, 2026
High temperatures and higher AC costs. Climbing prices at the grocery store. The competing needs of kids, grandkids and aging parents. Florida families are feeling the financial heat this summer, and the pressure is…
Mayor Nick Nesta
OP-ED: Understanding our city’s future: Bringing it all together
July 30, 2026
Over the past three weeks, we've explored one of the most significant public policy discussions taking place in Florida today. We'veexamined the role property taxes play in funding local…
Jim Keck
Buck Moon bodes well for weekend fishing
July 28, 2026
Hello Folks, I hope you are havin’ a good week, and you’re gettin’ out on the water and catchin’ some fish! We just had the full moon on Wednesday, July 29th, so the fishin’ should still be good this weekend.
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…