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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.

Phil Johnson with Mayor Bryan Nelson's proclamation
Sarah Merly
August 11, 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…
The Oreo cheesecake bar at Aunt Gingibread's Bakery
Sarah Merly
August 8, 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…
Maters & Taters
Sarah Merly
August 8, 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…
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gallo's Pollo & Grill
Sarah Merly
August 8, 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…
From left to right: Giovanna Johnson, Roger Williams and Andy Johnson at the 2021 Crying Towel Invitational
Sarah Merly
August 4, 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…
Christy Columbus with one of her patients
Sarah Merly
July 25, 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…
AdventHealth Apopka CEO Parker Pridgen
Sarah Merly
July 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…
The window at the entrance of Apopka Office Supply.
Sarah Merly
July 17, 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…
The intersection between Orange Blossom Trail and SR414
Sarah Merly
July 10, 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…
A quesabirilla taco at Quesa Loco
Sarah Merly
July 10, 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…
Phil Johnson with Mayor Bryan Nelson's proclamation
Apopka World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthdaySarah Merly
August 11, 2025
Mayor Bryan Nelson proclaimed Aug. 7 as Carl Philip Johnson Jr. Day.
The Oreo cheesecake bar at Aunt Gingibread's Bakery
Top 5 dessert shops in ApopkaSarah Merly
August 8, 2025
We all scream for ice cream—and cookie-stuffed waffles
Maters & Taters
Maters & Taters to close soonSarah Merly
August 8, 2025
Apopka landmark selling produce until property sale
The ribbon-cutting ceremony at Gallo's Pollo & Grill
Gallo’s Pollo & Grill celebrates grand openingSarah Merly
August 8, 2025
Family-owned restaurant brings Latin American food to Apopka
From left to right: Giovanna Johnson, Roger Williams and Andy Johnson at the 2021 Crying Towel Invitational
4 football coaches to participate in 12th annual Crying Towel InvitationalSarah Merly
August 4, 2025
Apopka Blue Darter alum Roger Williams to facilitate discussion
Christy Columbus with one of her patients
Little Angels to open new location in ApopkaSarah Merly
July 25, 2025
Special needs daycare to share space with One World Pediatrics
AdventHealth Apopka CEO Parker Pridgen
AdventHealth Apopka CEO announces departureSarah Merly
July 23, 2025
Parker Pridgen moving to California citing family reasons
The window at the entrance of Apopka Office Supply.
Apopka Office Supply to close after 54 years Sarah Merly
July 17, 2025
Apopka Office Supply (AOS) will close its doors on Aug. 15, ending its 54-year run in the heart of Apopka.  AOS originally opened in 1971, almost…
The intersection between Orange Blossom Trail and SR414
4 hospitalized after Apopka ambulance collisionSarah Merly
July 10, 2025
A collision between an Apopka Fire Department ambulance and a 2015 Ford F-150 sent four people to local hospitals on Wednesday morning. 
A quesabirilla taco at Quesa Loco
Top 5 Mexican Restaurants in ApopkaSarah Merly
July 10, 2025
Life south of the border can be a little too enticing sometimes. Thankfully, Apopka has numerous restaurants to satisfy your tortilla-infused cravings.