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Apopka pageant queen ends reign, county ends affordable housing project

Apopka pageant queen ends reign, county ends affordable housing project

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: December 26 Edition

Sarah Merly
December 26, 2025

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

I hope you had a merry Christmas yesterday! I really can’t believe it’s the last newsletter of the year. Thank you all for tagging along as we transitioned into new ownership, launched the membership program, and so much more. Your support has ensured that local Apopka news is here to stay, and our New Year’s resolution is to keep it that way.

Speaking of New Year’s, feel free to share how you’ll be celebrating yours by emailing me at [email protected]! I’d be happy to share your answers in next week’s newsletter. I’ll be celebrating on the beach:)

Here’s to 2026!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Light the Way Holiday Drive

Front Page

Apopka pageant queen concludes reign

Ms. Florida Petite 2025 Be Edwards wears her crown in the 2025 Apopka Christmas Parade. | Photo by Dana O’Connor

Other Front Page News:

County quietly ends affordable housing project by Teresa Sargeant
George ‘Smitty’ Smith running for City Council by Teresa Sargeant
Fifth Street to host 3rd annual New Year’s Eve ball drop by Sarah Merly
Group celebrates Christmas with homeless outside gutted thrift store by Teresa Sargeant

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Apopka

Other Local News

Apopka Serves Foundation delivers gifts for 150 children in need

Presents given Saturday at Propagate’s Breakfast with Santa

Floyd Tillman, founder of Sonny’s BBQ, dies at 96

Tributes abound on social media

Apopka City Council approves first reading of Ondich North zoning change

Development part of new Kelly Park Interchange District

Police Beat: APD arrests 33 Dec. 14- 20

In the period from December 14-20, 2025, the Apopka Police Department received 1,981 calls for service, responded to 27 crashes, issued 90 citations, and made 33 arrests. Burglaries: 4 vehicles, 0 residences, 2 businesses. No juveniles were charged.

Gallo’s Pollo & Grill

Opinions: Bryan Nelson, Christine Moore, and Jake Vest

Become a Member!

Lifestyle

Holler-Classic Family of Dealerships

Local Sports

Wekiva basketball defends home court against Apopka

Kaiden Jean-Louis nails contested floater. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Wekiva boys soccer continues historic season by Vinnie Cammarano
Apopka girls soccer take 3-game win streak into new year by Vinnie Cammarano
Wekiva, Apopka collide in Mustang Stampede wrestling tournament by Vinnie Cammarano

Maltby’s Tree Service & Landscaping

New Year’s Day Traditions

Instead of a historical fact this week, please read this piece on New Year’s Day traditions by former Mainstreet Daily News correspondent Tim Price. Happy (early) New Year!