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City honors Apopka legends, influence accusations fly in mayoral race

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: February 27 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
February 27, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! One of my friends likes to inform me which National Day it is almost every morning, so when I was stumped with what to write here, I thought I’d follow her lead. Apparently, today is National Pokémon Day! I don’t really know much about Pokémon other than the “secret weapon” meme (click here for that), but I do remember the Pokémon Go craze. Honestly, being in news can feel like the latter sometimes—like there’s always one more story to write, or like the ones I wrote aren’t enough. The more that I write, though, the more I’ve realized that it’s not always about catching all the stories; instead, my focus should be on writing the ones I do have well and giving Apopka a reason to be proud of the community. I hope this issue gives that to you!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

The Rollins College Gospel Choir performed in front of about 200 people at the Legends of Apopka celebration at the Apopka Community Center. | Photo by Ralo Flores

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Q&A: Candidates tackle Golden Gem facility

This week’s question: How would you manage the repair and restoration of the Golden Gem Water Reclamation Facility, and what would you do to mitigate the effects of future sinkholes at the site?

Apopka man arrested for alleged $328M Ponzi scheme 

Chris Delgado ran for Orange County Commission in 2022.

City Council approves two Ocoee-Apopka Road improvement projects 

Road has long suffered flooding and draining deficiencies.

Apopka pastor, former Chief publisher retires from Freedom Fellowship Church

Pat McGuffin passes reins to son-in-law

Apopka VFW commander receives 2 prestigious awards

Quilts of Valor, Daughters of the American Revolution honor local veteran

Police Beat: APD arrests 34 Feb. 15-21

In the period from February 15-21, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,369 calls for service, responded to 40 crashes, issued 24 citations, and made 34 arrests.

Nonprofit launches 60-day fundraising push for birding park 

Half of needed $4.5M cost raised so far before fundraising.

Lifestyle

Apopka Historical Fact

“In the 1880s, Mrs. E.C. Morgan operated a hotel here. Room and board cost $5 per week or $16 per month. A north wing was added in about 1908. Later, while it was owned by Lacey Stewart Williford, it was remodeled, renamed the Wayside Inn, and opened for tourists in 1913. Messrs. Pierce and Torry operated a sawmill behind the hotel.”

~”Site of Apopka House,” Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar