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Mayor Bryan Nelson speaks at the Border Lake press conference.
Nelson announces pumping system to mitigate Border Lake floodingSarah Merly
June 26, 2025
Mayor Bryan Nelson announced Thursday a pumping system to decrease future flood levels at Border Lake. “We’re going to be pumping water out of Border Lake into Lake Jackson, then into Lake McDade, then into Piedmont Lake, then into Blue Lake, and then into Lake Page, where we have a drainage well,” Nelson said during…
St. Germain family and employees at the 2011 Awards Announcement.
Chief bringing back Best of Apopka contestSarah Merly
June 25, 2025
For the first time since 2020, the Best of Apopka Readers’ Choice Awards will return on Friday, October 3.   Sponsored by The Apopka Chief, the Best of Apopka Readers’ Choice Awards honors the achievements of businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the Apopka area.  “I’m thrilled to see the Best of Apopka returning,” former Apopka Area…
Rep. Doug Bankson speaks at the signing of HB 999.
Q&A: Bankson reviews recent legislative sessionSarah Merly
June 25, 2025
State Rep. Doug Bankson, R-District 39, finished the 2025 Florida legislative session on June 6.   During the session, Bankson introduced three bills the governor then signed into law and co-sponsored nine other successful bills. This week, he shared his written reflections on the session in response to questions from The Apopka Chief, including following up…
LaVon Bracy Davis
Bracy Davis wins Senate District 15 primary electionSarah Merly
June 24, 2025
Florida Senate District 15 primary voters chose state Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming special general election in a landslide victory Tuesday night.   "I am humbled and honored to have earned the trust and support of the people of Senate District 15," Bracy Davis said in a statement provided to…
Alan Grayson speaks at the forum.
Apopka forum shows candidates’ vision for Senate District 15Sarah Merly
June 13, 2025
Democratic candidates Coretta Anthony-Smith and Alan Grayson explained their vision for Florida Senate District 15’s future during a June 12 forum at Patmos Chapel in Apopka.  “It’s time for new leadership and new voices with new solutions that adequately represent our community,” Anthony-Smith said.  The forum followed the death of state Sen. Geraldine Thompson in…
Double O's Coffee signage in front of the Apopka location.
Top 5 coffee shops in ApopkaSarah Merly
June 11, 2025
While drinking coffee can warm the body, supporting small coffee shops also warms the soul. The Apopka Chief used Yelp, Google reviews and staff knowledge to compile a list of the best local places to splurge and find your next favorite way to stay awake. No large coffee chains allowed! Double O’s Coffee  Founded by…
Real Estate Expo illustration.
Apopka Chamber planning real estate expoSarah Merly
June 4, 2025
The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce will present its long-term vision for the future of Apopka’s real estate at the 2025 Real Estate Expo.  Chamber CEO Nick Grounds hopes to increase transparency between the community and the chamber regarding real estate development. He says he would like to raise awareness of Apopka’s rising cost of…
YMCA instructor teaches a little girl how to swim.
Central Florida YMCA to provide free swimming lessons for homeless childrenSarah Merly
June 3, 2025
The YMCA of Central Florida and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida (Homeless Coalition) will provide free swimming lessons to 20 homeless children this summer, according to a statement from the Y.   “June is the start of summer break, making it the perfect time to equip them with lifesaving skills before they spend…
LaVerne Schwitzgoebel at Gator's Dockside for her 100th birthday.
Apopka resident LaVerne Schwitzgoebel celebrates 100th birthdaySarah Merly
May 27, 2025
Apopka resident LaVerne Sylvia Schwitzgoebel celebrated her 100th birthday with friends on Sunday, May 25, at Gator’s Dockside. LaVerne says she feels “both happy and sad” to be 100. “I’ve lost so many … my husband, family, friends,” she said. “Yet I have so many new friends.” LaVerne was born on May 22, 1925, in…
Mayor Demings, Commissioner Moore, and others at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Officials break ground on 2 affordable housing communitiesSarah Merly
May 23, 2025
Orange County and Dominium Apartments officials spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony for two affordable housing communities on Thursday, May 22, at 1256 Plymouth Sorrento Road. “The Mira, which is where we are right now, will be the family-oriented apartment community, which will provide homes with attainable rent for 300 families,” said Devon Quist, Dominium’s vice…