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Nesta wins mayoral runoff, mayor and commissioner bid farewell

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: April 17 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
April 17, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday! It’s sort of surreal to me that the election is over, especially since the campaign trail gave us an abundance of stories. What made me particularly happy on Election Day was seeing just how much voter turnout surpassed my expectations—we already had over half of March 10th’s turnout percentage before Tuesday even arrived! I am so grateful to work in a community that shows up and cares about the future of its government. Thank you for sticking with us throughout!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

Nick Nesta shares a speech after receiving the results at his Hilton Garden Inn watch party. | Photos by Sarah Merly

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

TransMAC meeting highlights link between local growth, regional transportation systems

Airport access, rail connections key issues for northwest Orange County.

Sertoma Club announces 11 Service to Mankind honorees

Honorees to be recognized at April 28 dinner

School board member Melissa Byrd receives Distinguished Leader Award

Byrd to be recognized at June conference

Camp Thunderbird provides outdoor fun for special needs community

Camper’s mother and camp director share their stories

Goodwill expands work transition program to Apopka

Program graduate Jacarra Mallard shares her journey

Community businesses to honor area teacher with prize package

Winner announced during Teacher Appreciation Week

Police Beat: APD issues 130 citations April 5-11

In the period from April 5-11, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,548 calls for service, responded to 35 crashes, issued 130 citations, and made 27 arrests.

Lifestyle

 

Apopka Historical Fact: Odd Fellows Hall

“The hall was built [on the southwest corner of Central Ave. and Michael Gladden Blvd.] in 1909. A moving picture theater was opened here in 1926 by Tom Barnes and Cecil Ross, and was later replaced by the Ace Theater.

“Davis Lodge No. 47, A.F. & A.M. was founded in 1928, and in 1946 they purchased the Odd Fellows building.

“This street was formerly known as Ninth St., but was renamed to honor the longtime owner of Michael Gladden’s Market and laundry. Notice the monument to him on the southeast corner of this intersection.”

~Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar