City opens 2 water tanks, man threatens to kill mayor

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: Valentine's Day Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
February 13, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy early Valentine’s Day! If you have a sweetheart, congratulations—and if you’re single like me, hopefully it isn’t too depressing.

I’m going on a mini vacation this weekend, BUT if you’re still figuring out what to do, never fear! I have a Valentine’s Day event listing for you here. I’ve also (surprisingly) narrowed down my favorite romance movies to my top ten below, though it’s not in any particular order since I’m indecisive. Hopefully it helps!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

From L to R: Glen Brooks, Commissioner Nick Nesta, Scott Krouse, Darren Whitehead, Mayor Bryan Nelson, Tom Muchow, Commissioner Nadia Anderson and Vladimir Simonovski gather to cut the ribbon on the new tank at Grossenbacher Water Plant. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Candidates speak about budget, annexation

Chief livestreamed debate on YouTube channel.

Apopka police investigating mayoral candidate altercation 

Moore, Nesta say city issues should be focus of campaign.

Valentine's Day events on tap in Apopka area

Celebrations include concerts, family parties

Q&A: Mayoral candidates address public comment

Chief begins four-week policy series

Area resident Lee Corso wins Humanitarian Award

Former ESPN broadcaster to receive award Saturday at Valentine’s gala

Police Beat: APD arrests 11 Feb. 1-7

In the period from February 1-7, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,379 calls for service, responded to 33 crashes, issued 82 citations, and made 11 arrests.

Update: Apopka police locate missing man

APD asking for public’s help

Opinions: Jake Vest, J.C. Derrick and Melissa Byrd

Lifestyle

Apopka Historical Fact

“On February 12, 1912, Orange County’s oldest surviving bank opened for business on land donated by S.W. Eldredge. The State Bank of Apopka had the first depository window in Central Florida. A new building was erected in 1949 across the street from the first one, and a second story was added in 1958. That building was replaced by a new one in 1965 at this site [33 E. Main St.).

“The title of Apopka’s first bank goes to The Bank of Apopka (a/k/a The Prince Bank), started by Edward Rufus Prince in 1885. It went under on July 18, 1894.”

~”State Bank of Apopka,” Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar