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Thousands turn out for Apopka MLK parade, Mayoral debate tix available

The Apopka Chief Newsletter: January 23 Edition

Author

Sarah Merly
January 23, 2026

Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!

Vinnie Cammarano reporting into the newsletter for the first time! I quickly want to express my gratitude to all the wonderful people I’ve met so far, during my short time reporting sports here in Apopka. Let’s give a shoutout to the one who runs this weekly, Sarah Merly! “What would we do without Sarah?” is the most common quote in the office.

After last week’s cold front, we are gifted a few days of warmth. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Until we meet again!

~Vinnie Cammarano, Sports Reporter

Front Page

Thousands turn out for Apopka MLK Parade

The Apopka police color guard kicks off the 17th annual Apopka Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Monday afternoon. | Photo by Dana O’Connor

Front Page News: 

Other Local News

City Solicits applications for new CRA Board member

Board discusses grant applications, new programs

Council, citizens debate naming policy

Commissioners consider naming playground after late Vietnam veteran

Apopka High to send 2 teams to OCPS Biomedical Challenge 

Challenge to take place Feb. 24 at AdventHealth Nicholson Center

HOA, city celebrate completion of Emerson Park right-of-way

Project totaling nearly $3 million and funded entirely by residents

Police Beat: APD responds to 26 crashes Jan. 11-17

In the period from January 11-17, 2026, the Apopka Police Department received 1,629 calls for service, responded to 26 crashes, issued 104 citations, and made 22 arrests.

Wekiva High School shines at national debate championship

Mustangs competed against over 300 high school students from 15 states

Opinions: Doug Bankson, Jake Vest and Melissa Byrd

Lifestyle

Local Sports


Jacques Evariste (10) is fouled on his layup attempt against Ocoee | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano

Apopka Historical Fact

“The land for this church [New Hope Missionary Baptist Church] was donated by George W. Oden. It was built in the 1880s, in this Mead’s Bottom neighborhood which was exclusively black until about 1920. The present sanctuary was built in 1961. Nearby, a two-story school for black children was built in 1910.”

~”New Hope Missionary Baptist Church” Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar