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Wekiva JROTC performs at Kia Center, Nesta takes office
The Apopka Chief Newsletter: May 1 Edition
Sarah Merly
May 01, 2026
Welcome to The Apopka Chief weekly newsletter!
Happy Friday! On Monday, The New York Times dropped its list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, and it revealed so much more interconnectivity I was completely oblivious to. Am I the only one who didn’t know that Lionel Richie wrote Kenny Rogers’ “Lady”? Or that Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” was written by Diane Warren? And on top of that, the article also included other songwriters complimenting those on the list. Just look at what Meshell Ndgeocello said about Lana Del Rey:
“She made audible cinema: It sounded like it felt, and it felt like it sounded. She has that thing where the melodies are just as compelling as the lyrics; they fit together in your mouth. She really spins a tale, yet there’s satisfying distance as well, which makes it art.”
Although Taylor Swift is also on the list (which makes it an instantly perfect article, hehe), I particularly enjoyed how much positivity radiated from the piece, beckoning to the light various friendships and inspirations binding the music industry together. It reflects the attitude I pray we as Apopka neighbors carry into these first few weeks of the new Nesta administration and beyond: one of fostering love and friendship when division feels like the norm. And the best part? That can start today, right in this moment. I’m so grateful for each of you!
~Sarah Merly, Editorial Assistant and Reporter
Front Page
SrA Pacience Powell, Cadet 2nd LT William Warren, Major Emily Garcia, and Major Tarin Griffith stand at mid court presenting the nation’s colors during the National Anthem before Game 3 of the NBA playoff series between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons at the Kia Center. | Photo by Dana O’Connor
Other Front Page News:
Local Sports
Wekiva basketball and flag football athletes sign their college letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers. | Photo by Vinnie Cammarano
Lifestyle
Apopka Historical Fact: Site of Ryan Home (512 Mason St.)
“The early military road came into Apopka from the east at this point. At this corner was the home of mayor E.J. Ryan.
“Methodist services were first held in 1870 by Parson Brown, a circuit rider. They met in private homes and The Lodge, then in the first schoolhouse. They built their own church near here to the east of the cemetery, and a regular pastor was assigned in 1881, with Rev. Robert H. Barnett being the first. The first parsonage was built in 1891-92.
“The church building was destroyed by a windstorm in 1912.”
~Apopka Historical Trail by Steve Rajtar