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Azalea Vet Clinic opens, city approves $12.7M Golden Gem project

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: July 17 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
July 17, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! Want to celebrate summer from the comfort of your own home this week? Then check out some of my favorite summery movies from the list below! We’re just past the middle of July, so I’m so excited to embrace it while I can :) Have a great weekend!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant & Reporter

Front Page


Practice manager Patrick Hutchison performs a dental cleaning on a Yorkie named Maya. | Courtesy of Azalea Veterinary Clinic

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Wekiwa Springs State Park to offer eco-glamping tents this fall

Each tent to include air conditioning, electrical power, queen-size bed

Rock Springs Elementary among first schools selected for speed camera enforcement

County study identified the Apopka school as one of 12 initial locations

7 Apopka rainy-day activities for families

When summer storms spoil the outdoor plan, these local stops can help families reset the afternoon without leaving Apopka first.

Planning Commission to launch Land Development Code workshops amid state law limits 

Board unanimously approved luxe vehicle storage plans, other agenda items.

DRC sends Carolina Textiles, Wolf Lake Ranch plans back for revisions 

Staff cites outstanding engineering and planning issues on both proposals.

Q&A: Florida House District 39 candidates talk background, potential property tax amendment

Candidates Doug Bankson, Carlos Johary to run in Republican primary

Police Beat: Apopka police arrest 28, work 35 crashes July 5-11

In the period from July 5-11, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,650 calls for service, responded to 35 crashes, issued 75 citations, and made 28 arrests.

Orange County provides cooling shelter list

LYNX to provide free transportation between shelters in cases of extreme heat

OCPS launches online enrollment option for families

Parents can register students, upload required documents, request school transfers online

Florida Finds: Angel's Diner serves up heavenly eating

Old school restaurant remains in operation after 94 years

Opinions: Mike Gilland, Mayor Nick Nesta and Jake Vest

Local Sports


Apopka native Logan Gilbert delivers a first-inning pitch for the Seattle Mariners against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 11 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. | Photo by Julio Aguilar - Getty Images

Lifestyle

Apopka Historical Fact: Big Sycamore Tree in Front of City Hall

“This was planted here just east of the ‘Green Building’ by Parkinson Dodge Shepherd to celebrate Arbor Day in 1900.”

-Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar