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A third candidate filed in May to run for Apopka mayor, but when The Apopka Chief contacted him about his candidacy on July 2, he said he had decided not to run.   The candidate, William Dabbs filed qualifying paperwork on May 13, and his departure from the 2026 mayoral race leaves incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson and challenger…

One of Apopka's leading pest control services is celebrating its 40th anniversary next week. All Seasons Pest Control (ASPC), home to Apopka's biggest roach, will be hosting a gathering at Halls on Fifth for those in the community to celebrate with them.   "It's a big accomplishment for us, as a small business, to be here…

Some may find it difficult to focus on the 2025 season with all that has been going on with the Apopka football program, but ready or not, the season opener looms next month.   The team lost about 20 players and, subsequently, head coach Jeff Rolson after the spring game. Still, the school’s practice of creating…

St. Cloud director to become new economic development directorOn July 2, the Apopka City Council is set to confirm a new economic development director and reassign current employees to helm two newly formed departments out of the public services department.The appointment would have Antranette Forbes, the current St. Cloud economic development director, succeed Michele Boylan…

From fireworks to barbecues and water days, locals are gearing up for July 4 events around Central Florida in celebration of Independence Day. Here is a roundup of events in and around Apopka:   Apopka    The city of Apopka will host a free July 4 event at the Apopka Amphitheater. The event will begin at 6…

Propagate Social House, noted for its community role in revitalizing the downtown area with events and ventures, announced its closing “for the foreseeable future,” according to a Saturday Facebook post. “This photo was taken the day we opened Propagate … we look a little more tired these days [laughing emoji],” Propagate Social House wrote in…

Former Apopka Blue Darter and now Super Bowl champion Jalen Carter will be returning to Apopka for his annual free skills camp.    The one-day free skills camp will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. The camp is for kids ages 8-17 and will feature multiple drills tailored to different age…

By Jake Vest It is doubtful that anybody who has ever seen a track meet might call what I do “running.” Or even “jogging.” Maybe “slogging” would be the word for it.   My guess, just from what little eye contact I can make, is that the people who share the road with me would…

By Christine Moore, Orange County District 2 Commissioner I have spent significant time the last few years coordinating and inspiring improvements along the West Orange Trail through Apopka. It has been a journey to striving to make the trail through District 2 the envy of Central Florida.   We truly have it all along our portion…

   Louise Ustler contributed her recipe for Hot German Rice to Sharing Our Finest Cookbook, a publication from the Apopka Citizen Police Alumni Association. She says, “I use Minute Rice. These ingredients can be adjusted according to taste. I use more pepper and onion and a small jar of pimento. All can be adjusted, more…

Hello Folks, The fishin’ isn’t too bad even with all this heat, and folks are gettin’ on the water real early and takin’ advantage of the mornin’ bite. You will do best with noisy top- water baits to get their attention. It’s one of the most excitin’ bites there is when that ole big bass…

By Bryan Nelson The city is happy to report that the pumping down of the Piedmont-Wekiwa chain of lakes has begun—after clearing one final hurdle.   Preliminary plans had water flowing directly from Blue Lake to Lake Piedmont using a stormwater pipe under Wekiwa-Piedmont Road, but this would require over a foot of water to be…

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 into Lake Jackson, then into Lake McDade, then into Piedmont Lake, then into Blue Lake, and then into Lake Page, where we have a drainage well,” Nelson said during…

The Apopka basketball team’s annual summer camp for Apopka area kids will return at the end of July. Head coach of the Apopka basketball team, Scott Williams, said the exact date for the opening day of camp has not yet been decided.   The camp itself is structured in a group and team format based on…

After weeks of rumors and speculation, The Apopka Chief confirmed this week that Tyson Davison, Apopka football's starting quarterback for the last three seasons, will be playing for the Ocoee Knights for his senior season.     The confirmation comes from multiple sources, including the Davison family and Jett Davison, the current Ocoee High School offensive coordinator…