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Commission votes to raise millage rate, late Chief editor joins Apopka Sports Hall of Fame

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: July 31 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
July 31, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! A few major updates popped up after the Chief went to press yesterday, so here’s a quick rundown:

  • Last night, the Apopka City Commission voted to raise the millage rate to 4.6761 mills from 4.4376 mills; the tentative rate approved last night is 10% above the 4.2510 mill rollback rate. This vote followed a Monday night special meeting, which you can read about here.

  • This morning, we opened the nomination period for our annual Best of Apopka contest! Click here to nominate your favorite businesses and individuals to include on this year’s ballots—the nomination period ends on August 23.

As always, please see below for the rest of this week’s news. We look forward to seeing you in August!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant & Reporter

Front Page


The Apopka City Commission voted 4-1 Thursday night to raise the millage rate 10%. | Photo by Dana O’Connor

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Chief opens nominations for Best of Apopka 2026

Nomination period runs through Aug. 23.

DRC approves construction site plans for AutoZone, new courts at rec complex 

Wekiva Shopping Center revision among proposals requiring additional revisions.

Q&A: Democratic candidates for U.S. House District 11 discuss affordability, education

Candidates include James Pericola, Royal Webster, Dan Williams.

Q&A: Orange County Clerk of Courts candidates discuss priorities, Tiffany Moore Russell’s tenure

Candidate field down to three after Maribel Gomez Cordero withdraws from race.

7 things to know before visiting Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

A quick local guide to hours, route basics, wildlife etiquette and what to check before leaving for Lust Road.

Orange County Public Schools superintendent to retire after 2026-27 school year

Vazquez has served in role since 2022.

Scouts BSA Troop 601 to dissolve at end of year

Troop held final outdoor flag ceremony Monday.

Police Beat: Apopka police make 37 arrests, respond to 6 crashes July 19-25

In the period from July 19-25, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,793 calls for service, responded to 6 crashes, issued 71 citations, and made 37 arrests.

Local Sports


Defensive back group sprints off the field together after their drill. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Lifestyle

Apopka Historical Fact: Former Apopka High School (east side of Park Ave., between Summit Dr. and Votaw Rd.)

“After the antiquated buildings on Main St. became too crowded, Apopka Memorial High School was opened here in 1950. Later, when the present high school was built on Martin St., this became a junior high and then a middle school.”

-Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar