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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.

The Golden Gem sinkhole in the filling process in August 2024
Sarah Merly
February 27, 2026
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 and Nick Nesta attend a City Council meeting.
Sarah Merly
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 Tabitha Brown poses by an exhibit of Phillis Wheatley at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School.
Sarah Merly
February 26, 2026
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…
Loretta Forlaw smiles in her newly awarded blanket.
Sarah Merly
February 25, 2026
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: Pat McGuffin, Sheila McGuffin, Stacy Butschek and new lead pastor Matt Butschek
Sarah Merly
February 24, 2026
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…
Pump station at Christ International Church at 1250 Piedmont Wekiva Road
Sarah Merly
February 20, 2026
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…
Gary Bergenske presents Lee Corso with his Humanitarian Award.
Sarah Merly
February 18, 2026
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 wall of Chito's Cutz was almost completely covered in oranges and orange tree leaves on Monday afternoon.
Sarah Merly
February 18, 2026
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…
College graduation
Sarah Merly
February 16, 2026
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 Griffins pose in front of their new home with representatives from the city of Apopka.
Sarah Merly
February 13, 2026
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 Golden Gem sinkhole in the filling process in August 2024
Q&A: Mayoral candidates tackle Golden Gem facility Sarah Merly
February 27, 2026
This week’s question is as follows: How would you manage the repair and restoration of the Golden Gem Water Reclamation Facility, and what would you do to mitigate the effects…
Loretta Forlaw smiles in her newly awarded blanket.
Apopka VFW commander receives 2 prestigious awardsSarah Merly
February 25, 2026
Quilts of Valor, Daughters of the American Revolution honor local veteran
Pump station at Christ International Church at 1250 Piedmont Wekiva Road
Q&A: Mayoral candidates address Border LakeSarah Merly
February 20, 2026
This week’s question is as follows: Over the last several years, flooding has intensified at Border Lake and other nearby lakes. How would you address this issue…
Gary Bergenske presents Lee Corso with his Humanitarian Award.
Gala honors Corso with Humanitarian Award, presents 3 scholarshipsSarah Merly
February 18, 2026
Bergenske Family Charitable Fund presented awards on Saturday
The wall of Chito's Cutz was almost completely covered in oranges and orange tree leaves on Monday afternoon.
New orange grove mural arrives in downtown ApopkaSarah Merly
February 18, 2026
Chito's Cutz showcases Connecticut artist’s work on Central Avenue
The Griffins pose in front of their new home with representatives from the city of Apopka.
City hosts ribbon-cutting for new homeSarah Merly
February 13, 2026
Griffin family looks forward to building ‘new memories’