Nesta preps for office, charter school plan clears DRC

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: April 24 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
April 24, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! After a brief staycation (does Disney count as a staycation?), I’m super excited to attend a few momentous community events this weekend, like tonight’s mural unveiling—sponsored in part by The Apopka Chief—and my first Art & Foliage Festival, where I’ll man the Chief tent in the early afternoon. Please feel free to stop by and say hi—I would so love to meet you!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

Mayor-elect Nick Nesta poses with his family and campaign manager Brian Mater at his April 14 mayoral watch party. | Courtesy of Brian Mater

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Wekiva JROTC Color Guard prepares for Orlando Magic playoff spotlight 

Cadets spend this week training for pregame performance.

Rail to Apopka remains unfunded despite long-range plans 

Officials cite cost, shifting priorities as barriers to SunRail expansion.

Orange County launches small business program

County announced application portal opening on April 8

Apopka explores proposed trail link across S.R. 429 

Early-stage concept could align with available funding sources.

FDOT awards city for response to signal failure 

City staff recognized for efforts at U.S. 441/Park Avenue.  

AdventHealth University to launch Parkinson’s program in Apopka

Program to start this summer at Hope Clinic

UF education center hosts agricultural conference in Apopka

Experts talk federal, state policy

Community open house to arrive at John Bridges Center

Event scheduled for May 6

Police Beat: APD issues 96 citations April 12-18

In the period from April 12-18, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,659 calls for service, responded to 32 crashes, issued 96 citations, and made 32 arrests.

Lifestyle

 

Apopka Historical Fact: Site of Champneys House (125 E. Main St.)

“This was the location of the large home of Wallace T. Champneys, who sold dry goods at ‘Apopka’s Big Store at the Monument’ in the 1920s. The home had originally been built in Clarcona, and was moved here between 1910 and 1915.”

~Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar