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.
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OP-ED: Area gains monument to Four ChaplainsThe Apopka Chief
Last Saturday about 50 people gathered at American Legion Post 243 in Oviedo to dedicate a monument to the Four Chaplains, World War II heroes previously…
Apopka police conclude murder-suicide investigationThe Apopka Chief
APD says incident involved two adult siblings.
OP-ED: Apopka Chief team expandsThe Apopka Chief
This week marks an incredible milestone for Jim Keck: the 42nd anniversary of his first fishing report in The Apopka Chief. We are grateful for his faithful service over all these…
OP-ED: Chief aims to foster good political dialogueThe Apopka Chief
Apopka may not be a sacred temple, but it’s the place we call home — and a mayoral race is upon us. Between now and March 10, The Apopka…
OP-ED: Local news matters more than everThe Apopka Chief
The Apopka Chief recently held its first-ever membership event this month in the downtown area. The gathering took place at Soulicious Vegan Kitchen at Hall’s on Fifth, where…
Olympia dominates Wekiva in 2025 Kickoff Classic openerThe Apopka Chief
Friday’s Kickoff Classic presented a case of sibling rivalry as Wekiva head coach Doug Gabriel faced off against his brother, Olympia head coach Travis Gabriel. In…
Apopka school bus crash sends 7 to hospital The Apopka Chief
Wreck occurred amid bus diversion to middle school.
Apopka hires Garland as new head baseball coachThe Apopka Chief
Olympia assistant coach to take reins.
Temperatures soar as Apopka faces extreme heat warning TuesdayThe Apopka Chief
Apopka is under an Extreme Heat Warning along with the rest of Orange County from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters anticipate dangerous heat, with temperatures…