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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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  • Melissa Byrd Profile

    Melissa Byrd represents District 7 on the Orange County School Board. She has previously taught at Forest City Elementary and Pace Brantley Hall School, served as PTSA vice president and chair of the School Advisory Council at Piedmont Lakes Middle, and volunteered at Clay Springs Elementary.
Melissa Byrd
OP-ED: Schools enjoy robust official supportThe Apopka Chief
Melissa Byrd
April 23, 2026
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Throughout my time on the school board, Mayor Nelson has always been a steadfast supporter of our schools. I often write about this great community we…
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners – which include (L to R) District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe, Mayor Jerry L. Demings and District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Codero – approved a new housing program on March 10.
Orange County program permits housing on church-owned land Teresa Sargeant
Teresa Sargeant
April 23, 2026
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Initiative focuses on partnerships to expand affordable housing.
Nick Nesta speaks at the March 18 City Commission meeting.
Nesta prepares to take officeSarah Merly
Sarah Merly
April 22, 2026
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Mayor-elect talks priorities, transition
Tamea Foster glides through the air and places third in the girls long jump
Wekiva shines at district track meetVinnie Cammarano
Vinnie Cammarano
April 22, 2026
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Mustangs advance multiple athletes for regionals
The Plymouth-Sorrento Road/ West Lester Road intersection is near the site of a proposed K-8 charter school.
Charter school plan clears DRC, exempt from public hearings Teresa Sargeant
Teresa Sargeant
April 22, 2026
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State law allows project to bypass additional review process.
Shrimp scampi
Homestyle favorites from scampi to sunshine pieNancy Thomas
Nancy Thomas
April 22, 2026
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The following recipe for Chicken Carbonara comes from Ree Drummond’s thepioneerwoman.com website. The flavorful pasta recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Ree says, “This chicken…
Mikayla Wiggins makes a hard cut through the defense as she looks for a first down
Apopka flag football season ends in district semifinalVinnie Cammarano
Vinnie Cammarano
April 22, 2026
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Seminoles defensive pressure shuts out Apopka
police beat logo
Police Beat: APD issues 96 citations April 12-18The Apopka Chief Editorial Staff
The Apopka Chief Editorial Staff
April 22, 2026
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In the period from April 12-18, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,659 calls for service, responded to 32 crashes, issued 96 citations, and made 32 arrests.
In this 2025 file photo, signs posted at the Ponkan and Vick roads intersection advertise public meetings for the Paulucci Acres development.
Paulucci Acres, proposed charter school headline Wednesday DRC agenda Teresa Sargeant
Teresa Sargeant
April 21, 2026
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Housing, industry and land use items return for review as development moves through next phases.
Makayla Bell takes a reception across the middle and into open space after making defenders miss en route to a touchdown
Wekiva flag steamrolls South Lake in district playoff Vinnie Cammarano
Vinnie Cammarano
April 21, 2026
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Antrum and Bell power Mustangs through quarterfinal