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Apopka's First Female Police Chief, Tragic Car Crash, and Controversial Roofing Company Scandal - All in Today's Rooted in Apopka Newsletter!
Apopka's First Female Police Chief, Tragic Car Crash, and Controversial Roofing Company Scandal - All in Today's Rooted in Apopka Newsletter!
Apopka's First Female Police Chief, Tragic Car Crash, and Controversial Roofing Company Scandal - All in Today's Rooted in Apopka Newsletter!
Stay up to date with the latest in Apopka: First female police chief appointed, gator-spotting tips, tragic car crash updates, and business buzz. Let's dive in! 🌟
Rooted in Apopka Team
Nov 19, 2025
Greetings |
Hey there, amazing readers! 👋 Happy November 17, 2025! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨ |
Today on Rooted in Apopka: |
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The Local Lowdown
Get Out & Go!
Business Buzz
Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Apopka, Florida. 🌴 |
Trivia Question❓
What Native American tribe influenced early Apopka history?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Monday Motivation |
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The Local Lowdown |
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Weekend Recap... |
Here's a quick and simple recap of the weekend: It unfolded with calm and ease, leaving us with moments of quiet reflection. 🕊️ |
After serving with the Apopka Police Department for over two decades, Lovetta Quinn-Henry was named as the first female police chief in the city's history. She has a strong background in law enforcement and has held various leadership positions within the department. Quinn-Henry is committed to building trust with the community and implementing new initiatives to strengthen relationships between officers and residents. Her historic appointment as police chief is a significant milestone for the city of Apopka and represents a step forward in promoting diversity and inclusion within the police force. Read More... |
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Looking to snap the perfect shot of gators at Lake Apopka? Check out these tips for successful gator-spotting and photography: bring binoculars, go early in the morning or late afternoon, be patient, and respect the wildlife by keeping a safe distance. Remember to stay alert and keep your camera handy for those unexpected moments. Happy gator-spotting! Read More... |
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This Week... |
📰 Welcome to this week's Local Lowdown! 🌟 Dive into the latest from our neighborhood, with updates that bring you closer to the heartbeat of our community. Whether you're looking for exciting events, community highlights, or just curious about local happenings, we've got you covered! 🏡✨ |
After 10 years of service, Apopka Police Captain Randy McKinley retired from the department. Throughout his tenure, McKinley made significant contributions to the force, including implementing new safety protocols, conducting successful undercover operations, and leading numerous high-profile investigations. His leadership and dedication have earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community members alike. McKinley leaves behind a legacy of progress and professionalism that has helped shape the Apopka Police Department into a reputable and effective law enforcement agency. Read More... |
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Following a deadly crash in Apopka, improvements are being made to the streetlights on Welch Road. The crash occurred due to poor visibility caused by lack of streetlights. The improvements will include lowering the height of the lights and increasing their brightness to improve visibility for drivers. The changes aim to prevent future accidents and enhance safety on the road. Read More... |
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Three Apopka teenagers tragically died in a car crash over the weekend, leaving the community in mourning. The teens, two 16-year-olds and one 17-year-old, were passengers in a vehicle that collided with another car. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation by police, who are urging anyone with information to come forward. A memorial has been set up at the scene of the accident, where friends and loved ones have been paying their respects to the young victims. Read More... |
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Today's Weather Outlook |
🌤️ Apopka Forecast (Nov 17 – Nov 19, 2025)Here’s the weather outlook for Apopka, Florida, for mid-week:
Overall: Expect warm afternoons and crisp mornings with mostly clear skies — a comfortable and dry mid-week in Apopka, Florida. Tip: Bring a light layer for cooler mornings, and enjoy outdoor activities during the warm afternoons. |
🌳GET OUT & GO |
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Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨
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🎉 Apopka EventsMonday – Wednesday · November 17 – 19, 2025 📅 Monday · Nov 17Downtown Apopka Farmers & Craft Market (Confirmed) Chamber Business After Hours Mixer (Tentative) 📖 Tuesday · Nov 18“Nature & Wellness” Guided Walk at Magnolia Park (Tentative) Apopka Public Library Storytime & Crafts (Tentative) 🎭 Wednesday · Nov 19Community Theater: “Evening at the Apopka Playhouse” (Confirmed) Wildflower Planting & Garden Tour at Lake Apopka (Tentative)
📅 These listings include both confirmed and tentative event items for November 17–19, 2025 in Apopka, Florida. |
Business Buzz! |
We are thrilled to announce Apopka, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!
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Paradise Jamaican Restaurant and Pizza has opened in Apopka, offering a variety of authentic Caribbean dishes and pizzas. The restaurant is family-owned and aims to provide a taste of Jamaica to the local community. Its menu features traditional dishes such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, and oxtails, as well as a selection of pizzas with unique toppings. The owners are excited to share their cultural heritage through their cuisine and invite customers to experience the flavors of Jamaica in a welcoming atmosphere. Read More... |
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A roofing company in Apopka, FL cashed an insurance check for $13,000 to repair a couple's roof but failed to complete the work. The couple was left with a leaky roof and no money. The company's owner, David Lester, promised to refund the money but failed to do so. Lester has a history of fraud and unethical business practices. The couple is now struggling to find a reliable contractor to fix their roof and recoup their lost funds. Read More... |
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Early settlers were drawn to Apopka for its fertile land and freshwater springs? These resources made farming and daily life sustainable. |
The Savvy Spender's Guide |
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Welcome to The Savvy Spender's Guide, where we equip you with smart strategies and the latest insights to optimize your spending habits and maximize savings. 🎯 Whether you're navigating through the complexities of personal finance or seeking simple tips for everyday savings, we're here to empower you on your journey to financial freedom. 💡
🎭 Tips for Enjoying Free or Low-Cost Cultural Events in Florida 🌴💫
📅 Check Local Calendars – Many cities list free or donation-based events, from concerts to heritage festivals. 🎨 Visit Museums on Discount Days – Look for free-entry days, evening specials, or resident discounts. 🎵 Enjoy Outdoor Performances – Beaches, parks, and town squares often host free concerts and movie nights. 📚 Explore Libraries & Community Centers – Free workshops, talks, and cultural programs happen year-round. 🚶 Attend Art Walks & Markets – Local art walks, craft fairs, and cultural markets are often free to enter. 🌿 Discover Nature-Based Cultural Spots – Gardens, historic parks, and preserves sometimes offer free or low-cost access. 👨👩👦 Bring the Family to Festivals – Food fairs, multicultural celebrations, and heritage events showcase music, dance, and crafts at little to no cost. 💡 Follow Local Groups Online – Art, historical, and theater organizations often post last-minute free events.
✅ Takeaway: With some planning, you can explore Florida’s vibrant culture, enjoy unique experiences, and make lasting memories—without spending much. |
Business Spotlight✨ |
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🌟 Gallo’s Pollo & Grill! Celebrating local flavor in Apopka, Gallo’s Pollo & Grill has quickly become a favorite spot for residents craving delicious grilled dishes and welcoming vibes! 🍽️ Where Flavor Meets Community What Our Guests Are Saying: 🎉 Visit Gallo’s Pollo & Grill Today 📍 123 Main Street, Apopka, FL Thanks for supporting the local businesses that bring flavor and community to Apopka! |
Apopka Snapshot |
Meet Katie 🐾, a 5-year-old smart pup ready for her forever home. Photo: Leisa Davis. |
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That's the lowdown for today! |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The Seminole tribe influenced Apopka’s early settlement patterns. Some traditional knowledge about plants and farming persists in the area. |
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👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/rootedinapopka
Check out our local business directory: https://zaarhub.com |
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See you tomorrow,
- Rooted In Apopka Team |