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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.

Jake Vest
OP-ED: Fathers are often last in line
June 18, 2026
There was never a man more difficult to shop for than my father. He would grin and look happy when a package was handed to him while not…
Mayor Nick Nesta
OP-ED: City managing growth to protect quality of life
June 18, 2026
Whether you're commuting to work, taking your children to school, or heading out to enjoy one of our local businesses, everyone has experienced the effects of our city's…
Mayor Nick Nesta
OP-ED: Building a budget for Apopka’s future 
June 12, 2026
One of the most important responsibilities of any city government is managing taxpayer dollars wisely. While roads, parks, public safety and infrastructure often receive the most attention, none…
Jake Vest
OP-ED: Good friends don’t have to make good sense
June 11, 2026
When I cranked up the car in the Mission Inn golf course parking lot, the dashboard temperature indicator said it was 104. That was probably an electronic typo. Either…
Jim Keck
Panfishin is on fire in most of our lakes 
June 11, 2026
Hello Folks,  It’s been a great week! I hope you had a great week, as well.   Congratulations to my granddaughter Brittney and her husband Josh on their marriage this past weekend. I’m blessed…
Representative Doug Bankson
OP-ED: Lawmakers pass budget, property tax proposal 
June 10, 2026
At the time of writing this column, I am winding down a whirlwind of an eventful week from Tallahassee. Not long after the Florida Legislature passed…
Mayor Nick Nesta
OP-ED: New culture greets a growing Apopka 
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
OP-ED: It wouldn’t hurt this bad if it didn’t matter so much
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
Bass fishin’ after shellcracker season
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
OP-ED: A few words of warning to the class of 2030
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…
Middle school mentoring program growsThe Apopka Chief
April 25, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter Over 12 years of teaching and coaching at Apopka Memorial Middle School (AMMS), Mel Bolden saw a need with the young people…
Jim Keck Goin' Fishin'
The best action has been around the padsThe Apopka Chief
April 25, 2025
Hello Folks, I hope everyone is enjoy- in’ this weather and y’all are gettin’ out and catchin’ some fish. I’m gettin’ reports that folks are still…
Keep your trees healthy and property safe with Maltby’s Tree Service and LandscapingThe Apopka Chief
April 25, 2025
Most Florida home and business owners are familiar with the damage that can come from severe storms.  If not, it is important to brush up on…
Apopka football preps for spring gameThe Apopka Chief
April 24, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter We are just a month away from seeing the new look of the Apopka Blue Darter football team during the spring football…
Wekiva faces Innovation before district tournamentThe Apopka Chief
April 24, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter The Wekiva boys volleyball team has a 3-9 record this season with just one win in their last six games, a 3-2…
A group of baseball players lay along the fall ball netting, watching a teammate at the plate.
Apopka baseball poised for great 2026 seasonThe Apopka Chief
April 18, 2025
By Marshall Tempest  Reporter    The Blue Darter Baseball team's 2025 season ended this week when they fell in the second round of the 7A District 4…
Softball team honors teachers, Faison familyThe Apopka Chief
April 18, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter This week was emotional for the Apopka softball team. They honored select teachers from Apopka High School during teacher appreciation day and…
Graceworx Community Church to Host Mini Concert as Part of Its Easter CelebrationThe Apopka Chief
April 18, 2025
The public is invited to come hear world-renowned, locally based, singer and recording artist Charles Haugabrooks present a 30-minute Easter-themed mini concert as part of the…
Jim Keck Goin' Fishin'
Bass fishin’ is still goin’ strong in most lakesThe Apopka Chief
April 18, 2025
Durin’ your time of reflection and prayer this week, I hope you have a chance to appreciate how blessed we are to live in the United…
Apopka softball extends win streak to 7 gamesThe Apopka Chief
April 17, 2025
By Marshall Tempest Reporter The Apopka softball team went 3-0 and shut out three straight opponents this week, bringing them to nine wins in their last…