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Mayoral candidates' final push, community rallies behind Apopka family after tragedy

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: April 10 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
April 10, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! On this day in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald published one of my favorite books, The Great Gatsby. In honor of the book’s anniversary, here are a few of my favorite quotes!

  • “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”

  • “I think that voice held him most, with its fluctuating, feverish warmth, because it couldn’t be over-dreamed—that voice was a deathless song.”

  • “A stirring warmth flowed from her as if her heart was trying to come out to you concealed in one of those breathless, thrilling words.”

  • “When the melody rose, her voice broke up sweetly, following it, in a way contralto voices have, and each change tipped out a little of her warm human magic upon the air.”

  • “For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face; her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened—then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.”

And as a bonus, here’s a Taylor Swift lyric referencing The Great Gatsby: “All you want from me now / Is the green light of forgiveness / You haven’t met the new me yet / And I think she’ll give you that”

Have a great weekend!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

Commissioner Nick Nesta (left) and Commissioner Christine Moore (right) | Photos by Dana O’Connor

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Apopka advances policies for Planning Commission, CRA appointments 

Officials seek consistency as residents question timing, enforcement.

Orlando Health physician joins race for House District 39

Jarod Fox to challenge incumbent Doug Bankson

City weighs Live Local appeal over disputed ‘intent’ 

State law does not clearly define ‘notice of intent’.

Rock Springs Elementary to launch STEAM program next school year

Applications opened April 1

Renewal Church partners with Rolling Hills Community Church at new location

Churches to merge in December 2027

Foliage Sertoma sponsors Apopka Serves and Lifeboat Project

Club donates $1,250 total

Police Beat: APD issues 127 citations March 29-April 4

In the period from March 29-April 4, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,585 calls for service, responded to 47 crashes, issued 127 citations, and made 29 arrests.

Lifestyle

Local Sports


Collin Van Fleet applies the tag at home plate after right fielder JD Edge made a strong throw to cut down the game-winning run in the seventh inning. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Apopka Historical Fact: Museum of the Apopkans

“In this museum are artifacts of early life in Apopka and the surrounding area. Particularly interesting is the collection of photographs of the older homes in the area.

“The museum began on the second floor of the city hall, then was located in the McBride building, before it was moved here.”

~Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar