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  • Sarah Merly is an administrative assistant and correspondent for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College's journalism program in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Sarah loves watching rom-coms, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.

The window at the entrance of Apopka Office Supply.
Apopka Office Supply to close after 54 years Sarah Merly
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
Sarah 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
Sarah 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.  
Mayor Bryan Nelson speaks at the Border Lake press conference.
Nelson announces pumping system to mitigate Border Lake floodingSarah Merly
Sarah 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…
St. Germain family and employees at the 2011 Awards Announcement.
Chief bringing back Best of Apopka contestSarah Merly
Sarah 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…
Rep. Doug Bankson speaks at the signing of HB 999.
Q&A: Bankson reviews recent legislative sessionSarah Merly
Sarah 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…
LaVon Bracy Davis
Bracy Davis wins Senate District 15 primary electionSarah Merly
Sarah 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…
Alan Grayson speaks at the forum.
Apopka forum shows candidates’ vision for Senate District 15Sarah Merly
Sarah 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. …
Double O's Coffee signage in front of the Apopka location.
Top 5 coffee shops in ApopkaSarah Merly
Sarah 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…
Real Estate Expo illustration.
Apopka Chamber planning real estate expoSarah Merly
Sarah 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…