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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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Author

  • Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.

Author

  • Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.

Mark Wood asked students to vote on which Trans-Siberian Orchestra song he should play at the concert.
Sarah Merly
October 13, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Three Odd Guys Brewing will close on Oct. 31 after serving Apopka for five years.
Sarah Merly
October 7, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Jorge Portilla claims the orchid species Masdevallia priscillana may be named after his mother.
Sarah Merly
October 7, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Mayor Bryan Nelson, Dr. Michael Wangia and Morgan Wangia cut the ribbon.
Sarah Merly
October 3, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Principal Jessica Smith and assistant principal Jessica Starrett gave Tracey Scurrah red roses after she won Teacher of the Year at Clay Springs Elementary School.
Sarah Merly
October 2, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Samuel Shapiro said anyone who wants to reminisce about their college life would love his book, regardless of the alma mater.
Sarah Merly
September 30, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Quest Diagnostics reopened Sept. 26.
Sarah Merly
September 26, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Dawn Pelletier gives kids stickers for their scavenger hunt sheet at the Sept. 20 fall masterclass.
Sarah Merly
September 26, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Rodney and Phyllis Crittenden were nominated for OCPS Support Person of the Year.
Sarah Merly
September 23, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will host its 16th annual addiction recovery conference next month.
Sarah Merly
September 16, 2025
Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing…
Mark Wood asked students to vote on which Trans-Siberian Orchestra song he should play at the concert.
Wekiva High School hosts Rhythm Rising TourSarah Merly
October 13, 2025
Trans-Siberian Orchestra string master Mark Wood joined over 200 students onstage
Three Odd Guys Brewing will close on Oct. 31 after serving Apopka for five years.
Three Odd Guys Brewing to close Oct. 31Sarah Merly
October 7, 2025
Brewery announced closure Oct. 5 on Facebook
Jorge Portilla claims the orchid species Masdevallia priscillana may be named after his mother.
Ecuagenera to host inaugural Tropical Plant Fest this weekendSarah Merly
October 7, 2025
Festival to feature vendors, food court and more
Mayor Bryan Nelson, Dr. Michael Wangia and Morgan Wangia cut the ribbon.
Florida Institute of Dermatology hosts ribbon cutting for Apopka locationSarah Merly
October 3, 2025
Skin care center offers surgical, cosmetic dermatological services
Samuel Shapiro said anyone who wants to reminisce about their college life would love his book, regardless of the alma mater.
Apopka resident releases debut novelSarah Merly
September 30, 2025
‘The Unforgettable Night’ draws inspiration from author’s college days
Quest Diagnostics reopened Sept. 26.
Quest Diagnostics Apopka reopens months ahead of scheduleSarah Merly
September 26, 2025
Reopening originally projected for Nov. 3
Dawn Pelletier gives kids stickers for their scavenger hunt sheet at the Sept. 20 fall masterclass.
Mount Dora farm teaches children animal husbandrySarah Merly
September 26, 2025
Violette Hill Hay Farm to offer fall festival Saturday
Rodney and Phyllis Crittenden were nominated for OCPS Support Person of the Year.
Apopka residents nominated for OCPS awardSarah Merly
September 23, 2025
Couple garners nominations for Support Person of the Year
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will host its 16th annual addiction recovery conference next month.
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church to host addiction recovery conferenceSarah Merly
September 16, 2025
Oct. 4 event to include guest speakers, breakfast