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Orlando Health unveils new hospital, officials debate planning commission future

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: May 22 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
May 22, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Happy Friday—and happy Memorial Day weekend! I am so grateful for all the veterans in my heritage, and I praise God for those who gave their lives for us. God bless the United States of America!

~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter

Front Page

Officials gather for the ribbon-cutting at the new Orlando Health Behavioral Health Hospital in Apopka. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Other Front Page News: 

Other Local News

Emancipation Day event links voting rights fight to Orange County political debate 

Community advocates and civic organizations used Florida Emancipation Day to link the state’s history of slavery with modern voting rights battles

Apopka extends Golden Gem Road property agreement for seventh time  

Commissioners also advance proposed 115-home Sheeler Ave. project

Florida Democratic Party treasurer joins District 2 race

Wes Hodge qualifies one week after petition drive begins

Lake Apopka Natural Gas awards $3K scholarships to 4 local seniors

Scholarships fund skilled trades education

Many Memorial Day events on tap around Central Florida

Events to feature patriotic music, remarks from veterans

Police Beat: APD issues 75 citations May 10-16

In the period from May 10-16 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,543 calls for service, responded to 28 crashes, issued 75 citations, and made 21 arrests.

Apopka teacher retiring after 37 years

Community retirement party set for May 28

DRC reviews proposed 109-lot Sheeler Avenue subdivision 

Committee discusses infrastructure, stormwater and roadway tied to proposal

Opinions: Melissa Byrd and Jake Vest

Local Sports


Apopka quarterback Jayden Caban makes a call at the line of scrimmage in the spring game against Tavares. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Lifestyle

Apopka Historical Fact: Site of the Eldredge Store (72 E. Main St.)

“S.W. Eldredge sold his store to Walter B. Sheppard, who operated it as Sheppard’s Drug Store from 1946 until 1979. It then housed a typewriter and cash register store.

“In earlier days, a meeting room known as Harrison Hall occupied the second floor of the Harrison Block, a wooden two-story building erected by 1880.”

~Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar