In a Thursday press release, Mayor Nick Nesta responded to public discussion surrounding the hiring of Steven “Trooper Steve” Montiero as the city’s public information director, explaining why the position was created and why Montiero was selected to lead it.

The Apopka City Commission unanimously ratified Montiero’s appointment during its July 15 meeting. Montiero is scheduled to begin Aug. 10 with an annual salary of $180,000 plus employee benefits.

The appointment prompted discussion among commissioners and residents about the new department, its cost and the city’s communications strategy. Supporters said the position would improve transparency and public engagement, while others questioned the salary, funding and the need for a new department before the commission voted 5-0 to ratify the appointment.

The mayor’s statement follows in full.

Hello, Apopka, 

Over the last several days, there has been a great deal of discussion regarding the hiring of Mr. Steven Montiero, better known to many of you as “Trooper Steve,” as our new Public Information Director. I’ve heard the questions, I’ve read the comments, and I want to take a moment to explain why this position was created and why I believe Mr. Montiero is the right person to help move our city forward. 

When I took office, one of the most common concerns I heard from residents and even from members of our City Commission was that they simply didn’t know where to find reliable information about their city. Residents told me they didn’t know what programs were available, where to find updates, or even which social media pages were official. 

As I began reviewing our communication efforts, I found information scattered across multiple platforms, a website that was difficult to navigate, newsletters that were costing taxpayers money without reaching enough people, and no clear or focused strategy for communicating with our residents.  

Our city offers incredible programs and services youth sports, Camp Wewa, recreation leagues, holiday events, parades, community programs, public safety initiatives, economic development opportunities, and so much more. Yet too many residents didn’t know these opportunities existed. 

That had to change.

I directed staff to develop a plan to create a Public Information Department by recognizing positions that had already been budgeted but remained vacant. Staff developed the job description, established the salary range, and conducted a competitive recruitment process that attracted several qualified applicants. 

After interviews and evaluation, Mr. Montiero emerged as the best candidate. 

Many people know Mr. Montiero from television, but what impressed me wasn’t his time on the air. It was his vision. 

Mr. Montiero wasn’t hired to simply write press releases or stand in front of a camera. 

He was hired to build a modern communications office that brings together marketing, public information, community engagement, media relations, and strategic communications under one roof. His department will coordinate city messaging, promote community events, pursue sponsorship opportunities to help offset costs, improve how residents receive information, promote our small businesses, showcase our communities’ non-profits and schools, strengthen our online presence, organize town halls, work directly with the media, and help showcase everything that makes Apopka a great place to live, work, and invest. 

This is about much more than a spokesperson. 

This is an investment in transparency, community engagement, and economic development. 

The salary associated with this position reflects the responsibilities of leading an entire department not simply serving as a public face. This is director-level position established throughout City Charter and approved through the appropriate public process. 

Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched Mr. Montiero become the target of personal criticism simply because he applied for a position and earned it through a competitive hiring process. That is unfortunate. 

Public service comes with scrutiny, and I accept that. If people disagree with my decisions, they should direct those concerns to me. I was elected to lead, and I will stand behind the people I ask to serve alongside me. 

I will not allow dedicated public servants to become political targets for accepting an opportunity to serve the community. 

Mr. Montiero is joining this administration because he believes in Apopka’s future. I believe he will help us become a city that communicates better, engages more effectively, provides more value to its residents, and tells our story with professionalism and pride. 

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Steven Montiero to the City of Apopka. He will officially begin serving as our Public Information Director on August 10, 2026, after completing his commitments with his current employer. 

The best days for Apopka are still ahead of us, and I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.

Nicholas L. Nesta, III

Mayor, City of Apopka