Log in
Frustration from Wekiwa Village residents reaches Apopka City Council
At the October 16th Apopka City Council meeting, homeowners from the Wekiva Village neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Milton's wrath flooded into City Hall looking for answers.
Aerial view of the historic pump house at Lake Apopka North Shore.
District invites public to shape future of Lake Apopka North Shore
The District encourages the public to attend and share their thoughts on the proposed Land Management Plan for the Lake Apopka North Shore.
Orange County Animal Services announces 11th Annual Barktoberfest
Various rescue groups from Florida will be present, and several different breeds, ages, and sizes of pets will be available for adoption.
Milton-ravaged counties will receive voting accommodations, DeSantis says
The executive order includes counties affected by Hurricane Milton and Helene. Orange County is included. on that list.
Gas distribution continues across Florida
GasBuddy, an online site that tracks gas prices, reported 13.6% of Florida's 7,915 gas stations were without gas as of Wednesday afternoon. These numbers have continued to decline as the days pass.
Local News
The Auto Club Group is providing advice to help residents who suffered either wind or flood damage from Hurricane Milton. 
AAA provides insurance advice for Florida residents recovering from Hurricane Milton
Hurricanes can cause both wind and flood damage, yet not all events are covered by the same insurance policy.
Apopka Police Department Arrest Report
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly arrest report that includes arrests, crashes, calls for service, and traffic citations. This report is for the week ending October 12th.
Tree on a house along Canterclub in Wekiva.
What we learned from Hurricane Milton
It is apparent that there will be more storms coming, if not this year, in the future. We can learn many things from Hurricane Milton.
Join Kiwanis Club of Apopka to learn about helping local children through community service projects.
Business
Help HOPE CommUnity Center prepare for Helene
Hope Community Center is urgently collecting non-perishable food items to ensure it can support these families once the storm clears. Your donation will go directly to those in need, offering stability and nourishment in a time of uncertainty.
Hunger is rising, but we can turn the tide
When you’re living with food insecurity, it’s all you can think about – from the moment you wake up in the morning to your last restless worries before falling asleep.
Valerie De Anda, at a recent graduate student symposium at UF main campus Gainesville.
Breaking barriers, mentoring minds: New UF/IFAS scientist earns spot among America’s inspiring Hispanic/Latinx researchers 
Valerie De Anda Torres, an assistant professor of microbiology and cell science, joins more than 300 fellow scientists on the Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists.  
United Against Poverty Orlando suffered a catastrophic loss in June when part of its roof collapsed, forcing the nonprofit to shut down some vital services.
In partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, LANGD’s Helping Hand has proven to be a vital resource for our community.
The Florida Public Service Commission is analyzing House Bill 1645, which includes evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies to meet Florida's electricity needs.
Residents of Apopka are invited to nominate individuals who exemplify exceptional dedication and service in our community; Eggs Up Grill wants to hear about them!
Health

Orange County chooses its Medicare plan

This year, Florida Blue Medicare is offering Orange County Medicare beneficiaries the choice of 4 Medicare Advantage plans, including three options for a $0 monthly plan premium.  

Florida’s health facilities are preparing for ‘ferocious’ Hurricane Milton

Rainfall forecast for Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday or early Thursday, via NHC.

Florida hospitals have invested in hardening their facilities, making them more hurricane-resistant. To that end, hospitals have brought in flood mitigation equipment, and some have installed wells in case of disruption to the public water supply.

Department of Health in Orange County offers students free physicals and vision screenings

As the school year kicks into high gear, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that students receive timely physicals and vision screenings.

Big changes coming to Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2025

Prescription drug coverage tends to be the part of Medicare that people ask the most questions about, like “What are drug tiers?” and “What’s the donut hole, and how much will my medications cost when I get there?”

Rain and wind and bugs... oh my!

Some mosquitoes in Florida will breed in small containers of standing water. This includes mosquitoes that are vectors for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

Florida faces $40 million in fines for failing to submit Medicaid reports

The federal government has informed Florida that it is out of compliance with federal regulations because it failed to submit reports regarding its Medicaid program.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to two top Florida Medicaid officials advising them that the state faces fines and being placed under a corrective action plan unless the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) submits the status reports by the end of the year.

Orange County Medical Clinic now offers Medication-Assisted Therapy services

Medication-Assisted Therapy not only supports individuals in overcoming their dependence on substances but also enhances their engagement in therapy and improves overall treatment outcomes.

Clerk’s Office hosting free legal forum on Domestic Violence Awareness

The forum will include presentations from the Clerk’s Office, Harbor House of Central Florida, the Orange County Sheriff's, and the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Government
Orange County Public Works crews are set to deploy on October 16, 2024, to collect large storm debris from Hurricane Milton.
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
In case you missed it. The Apopka News Week in Review includes five articles that shaped the City... all in one place, including details on recovery efforts from Hurricane Milton.
Beginning Monday, October 14, 2024, designated drop-off sites will accept non-commercial yard waste, including leaves, branches, and other natural debris.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Connor Ferran (L) and his neighbor Connor Ferran (L) and his neighbor Leroy Roker survey what is left after what appeared to be a tornado tore the roof off of Ferran’s home before Hurricane Milton’s arrival on Oct. 9, 2024, in Fort Myers. He said he had just had the roof replaced two years after Hurricane Ian had damaged it.
Florida begins the long cleanup after Hurricane Milton savages the state
After Milton’s landfall in Siesta Key, the National Guard and other responders rescued 48 people as of 6:30 am. Search and rescue missions continued in 26 counties, with 125 active missions. About 20 urban search and rescue crews are conducting door-to-door checks. 
Byrd: Continue half-cent sales tax for Orange County Public Schools
Prior to the half-cent sales tax in 2002, many of Orange County’s public schools were outdated and in disrepair. 
Apopka resumes normal garbage collection schedule on Friday
Post Hurricane Milton: The Apopka Sanitation Division will resume regular garbage cart pickups on Friday, October 11th.
Opinion

Milton, hard on the heels of Helene, stirs memories of when Florida saw four storms in six weeks

Debris from one of the houses in Punta Gorda that was demolished by Hurricane Charley, the first of four hurricanes that hit Florida in six weeks in 2004.
In 2004, Florida was hit by a series of FOUR major hurricanes in just six weeks. Charley kicked off the parade of powerhouses. It hit Cayo Costa on Aug. 13 as a Category 4, killing 17 people in Florida alone... then Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne followed.
At its final budget hearing, the Apopka City Council voted 5-0 to increase its millage rate from 4.1876 to 4.6876 for its fiscal year 2024/25 budget. It also approved a total budget of $201.2 million. But then, chaos and turmoil had their turn.
The planning process will include a significant public involvement plan which will inform and involve the citizens of the county and city.
The Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act designated 30 of the state’s waterways as “Outstanding Florida Springs,” which means they are such Florida treasures that they deserve extra protection.
Bonus Content

MicroRNA − a new Nobel laureate describes the scientific process of discovering these tiny molecules that turn genes on and off

Victor Ambros received half of the Nobel Prize for his work on microRNAs. Here he talks about the teamwork – and the nematodes – that made the discovery possible.

How one 83-year-old fell into a fraudster’s fear bubble – and how gift cards played a key role

Wednesday morning, the day before Thanksgiving, Mae awoke, set her hair in curlers and switched on her laptop. A message appeared. It said her Safari web browser had encountered a problem, and a link …

3% of American don't know the Presidents Name

(Peter Fiorillo) - Message Delivery is Key for, standing out from the competition. You need to be unique in your message and branding let us create and deliver your message to 100 million Americans …

Responding to work emails after hours contributes to burnout, hostility

Image it’s Friday evening. You’re about to watch a new Netflix drama, trying to unwind after a long week. Suddenly, your phone pings with a work email marked “urgent.” Your heart sinks; your …