Controversy Brews Over Proposed Mosque in Downtown Apopka

Apopka, Florida - Orange County - City Tour & Drive Thru


October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 15, 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:

The Local Lowdown

Blossoming Business: Florist in Apopka, Florida Expands to Include Café and Content Creation Studio.
Apopka Volleyball Falls to Seminole in Tough 3-0 District Match
Proposed Mosque and Community Center in Downtown Apopka Under Consideration by Planning Commission

Get Out & Go!

City Planning Workshop
Weekly Domino Night
Apopka Swim Team Practice

Business Buzz

In Bloom Florist: Apopka's New Creative Hub and Café Opening Soon
Three Odd Guys Brewing to Relocate to New Location in Apopka

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Apopka, Florida. 🌴

Trivia Question❓

What is the Apopka Historical Society and Museum known for?

Learn about exhibits preserving Apopka’s history.

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by Zaarhub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit Zaarhub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

Blossoming Business: Florist in Apopka, Florida Expands to Include Café and Content Creation Studio.
Apopka Volleyball Falls to Seminole in Tough 3-0 District Match
Proposed Mosque and Community Center in Downtown Apopka Under Consideration by Planning Commission

📰 Apopka – News Highlights

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

🌤 Weather & Natural Events

Apopka is seeing pleasant fall weather this week, with cooler mornings and sunny afternoons.

Temperatures are expected to range from the low 70s in the morning to the mid-80s by midday.

Residents are advised to take advantage of the clear skies for outdoor activities.

🚨 Crime & Public Safety

Apopka Police continue investigating a recent burglary spree in the West Orange area, with multiple homes targeted last weekend.

Authorities encourage residents to report suspicious activity and secure valuables.

(Orlando Sentinel)

The city also launched a Neighborhood Watch program in the Pine Hills district, aiming to improve community vigilance and reduce petty crimes.

Local volunteers are encouraged to join.

(City of Apopka Police)

🎪 Community & Events / Infrastructure

The Apopka Fall Fest is scheduled for October 17–18 at Kit Land Nelson Park, featuring live music, local food vendors, arts & crafts, and family activities.

(City of Apopka Events)

City officials also announced plans for road improvements along Rock Springs Road starting October 15 to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

(Apopka Public Works)

Also happening...

Blossoming Business: Florist in Apopka, Florida Expands to Include Café and Content Creation Studio.

A local florist in Apopka, Florida is expanding its services to include a café and content creation studio.

The new space will offer a unique experience for customers, combining the beauty of flowers with the enjoyment of coffee and a creative workspace.

The decision to expand was made in response to the changing needs of the community and a desire to offer more to its customers.

The new offerings are expected to attract a wider range of clientele and provide a one-of-a-kind destination for those looking for floral arrangements, coffee, and a place to create content.

Apopka Volleyball Falls to Seminole in Tough 3-0 District Match

The Apopka volleyball team lost a district match to Seminole, with a final score of 3-0.

Despite putting up a strong fight and showing improvement throughout the match, Apopka was unable to secure a victory.

The team struggled with consistency and missed opportunities in key moments.

The loss serves as a learning experience for the team, who will continue to work hard and improve in their upcoming matches.

"Proposed Mosque and Community Center in Downtown Apopka Under Consideration by Planning Commission"

The Apopka Planning Commission will consider a special exception request for a mosque to be built in downtown Apopka.

The proposal includes plans for a 16,000-square-foot mosque and community center that would serve as a place of worship for local residents and include educational programs and community events.

The project has received support from members of the community, who believe it will provide a valuable service to the area.

The Planning Commission will review the request and make a decision on whether to grant the special exception for the mosque.

Today's Weather Outlook

🌤️ Apopka Mid-Week Forecast (Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2025)

Here’s what to expect in Apopka, Florida over the next few days:

Wednesday, October 15, 2025: High: 85 °F, Low: 71 °F – Mostly sunny with a few passing clouds.

Mild and breezy.

🌤️ Rain chance ~10%.
Thursday, October 16, 2025: High: 84 °F, Low: 70 °F – Sunny skies with comfortable temperatures.

Light afternoon clouds possible.

🌤️ Rain chance ~5%.
Friday, October 17, 2025: High: 83 °F, Low: 70 °F – Clear and warm throughout the day.

Calm winds and low humidity.

☀️ Rain chance ~0%.
Saturday, October 18, 2025: High: 82 °F, Low: 69 °F – Partly cloudy in the afternoon with mild temperatures.

Ideal for outdoor events.

🌤️ Rain chance ~10%.

Overall: Expect warm and pleasant fall conditions, mostly sunny mornings, and mild afternoons.

Perfect for outdoor activities and community events.

Stay weather-aware and enjoy the weekend!

☀️🍂

DIY Wednesday ✨

🔥 Get ready to unleash your inner creator: This DIY Wednesday promises to ignite your imagination like never before! 🌟

DIY Dog Toys Made From Common Household Items | Proud Dog Mom

🐾 Homemade Pet Toys: Fun and Safe Toys for Your Furry Friends

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your pets entertained!

With a few simple household items, you can craft fun, engaging, and safe toys your pets will love.

These DIY ideas encourage play, bonding, and mental stimulation while keeping your furry friends healthy and happy.

T-shirt tug toy: Braid strips of old cotton T-shirts into a sturdy rope for your dog to tug and chew.

Washable and gentle on teeth!
Cardboard cat maze: Stack small boxes with holes cut in the sides and hide treats or toys inside for your cat to explore and paw through.
Tennis ball treat puzzle: Cut a small slit into a tennis ball and fill it with kibble or small treats for a fun mental challenge.
Sock squeaky toy: Slip an old squeaky toy or plastic bottle into a clean sock and tie the end for an instant crinkly toy.
Frozen summer treats: Mix water or broth with pet-safe fruits, then freeze in silicone molds for a cool chew during hot days.

🧸 Tip: Always supervise your pet with homemade toys—replace them once they show signs of wear or loose parts to keep playtime safe.

A little creativity goes a long way—homemade toys save money, reduce waste, and bring extra joy to your four-legged companions.

🐶🐱💚

🌳GET OUT & GO

Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨

City Planning Workshop
Weekly Domino Night
Apopka Swim Team Practice

Apopka Events

🎉 Apopka Events

Wednesday – Saturday • October 15 – October 18, 2025

📅 Wednesday • Oct 15

City Planning Workshop
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Apopka Community Center
Interactive workshop on upcoming city projects and resident feedback.

(Official city listing)

Weekly Domino Night
🕒 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | 📍 Hall’s on 5th
Community domino night continues.

(Local event listing)

📖 Thursday • Oct 16

Apopka Swim Team Practice
🕒 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 📍 Junior Olympic Pool
Regular training session.

(City calendar)

Public Hearing: Annexation Proposal
🕒 6:30 PM | 📍 City Council Chambers
City Council reviews proposed annexation areas.

(Official city calendar)

🎶 Friday • Oct 17

Live Music at The Orange Cafe
🕒 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 📍 The Orange Cafe Downtown
Enjoy local bands performing a mix of jazz and acoustic sets.

(Community listing)

Hocus Pocus Mixology & Charcuterie Workshop
🕒 6:00 PM | 📍 Creative Hub of Apopka
Learn mixology and charcuterie skills.

(Event listing)

🎨 Saturday • Oct 18

Apopka Art Walk
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Apopka
Stroll through downtown galleries and local artists’ booths.

Family-friendly event.

(City & community listing)

Farmers Market
🕒 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 📍 Apopka Amphitheater
Fresh produce, local crafts, and live entertainment.

(Official city listing)

⚠️ The events above include both officially confirmed listings and community-sourced activities.

Check local listings, social media pages, or the city’s calendar closer to October 2025 for updates.

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!

In Bloom Florist: Apopka's New Creative Hub and Café Opening Soon
Three Odd Guys Brewing to Relocate to New Location in Apopka

In Bloom Florist: Apopka's New Creative Hub and Café Opening Soon

An Apopka florist, In Bloom Florist, is moving to a larger location and expanding its offerings to include a café and content creation studio.

The new space will allow the florist to host events and workshops, as well as offer a place for customers to enjoy coffee and treats.

The café will serve locally-sourced goods and the content creation studio will provide a space for photographers and stylists to use for photo shoots.

Overall, the expansion aims to create a unique and inviting space for the community to enjoy.

Three Odd Guys Brewing to Relocate to New Location in Apopka

Three Odd Guys Brewing, a popular local brewery in Apopka, Florida, announced that it will be closing its current location in downtown Apopka.

The brewery has been a staple in the community for the past five years, but they have decided to move to a yet-to-be-disclosed location due to ongoing issues with their current building.

The owners, who are also brothers, plan to continue brewing and serving their signature craft beers at the new location.

Despite the closure, Three Odd Guys Brewing remains committed to providing quality, handcrafted beers to their loyal customer base.

Green Living Tip✔️

💡 Outdoor Lighting Best Practices

Reducing light pollution and energy use in your outdoor spaces

Thoughtful outdoor lighting not only makes your home more inviting and secure but also helps protect the night sky and conserve energy.

By choosing efficient fixtures, directing light where it’s needed, and reducing excess brightness, you can create a safer, more sustainable outdoor environment for everyone—including wildlife.

🌙 Choose the Right Fixtures

Use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward instead of outward or upward.
Opt for warm-colored bulbs (2700K or lower) to reduce glare and sky glow.
Select lights with adjustable brightness to match your outdoor needs.

🔋 Save Energy Efficiently

Install LED bulbs that consume up to 75% less energy than traditional ones.
Use motion sensors or timers to ensure lights are only on when needed.
Replace high-wattage bulbs with lower-lumen alternatives for softer illumination.

🌿 Minimize Light Pollution

Turn off decorative lights after hours to preserve dark skies.
Position lights carefully to avoid shining into neighbors’ windows or onto roads.
In gardens, use low-path or solar lights that stay close to the ground.

🌞 Go Solar & Smart

Switch to solar-powered garden or pathway lights to save on electricity.
Use smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on time or activity.
Combine solar panels and rechargeable batteries for sustainable lighting solutions.

Business Spotlight✨

🌟 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
Located in the heart of Apopka, Gallo’s Pollo & Grill started as a small family-owned eatery and has grown into a go-to destination for tasty meals with a warm, friendly atmosphere. From perfectly grilled chicken to signature sides, they’ve built a place full of flavor and charm.

What Our Guests Are Saying:
"The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the staff makes you feel right at home!"
– Local Diner, Apopka resident

🎉 Visit Gallo’s Pollo & Grill Today
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a casual catch-up with friends, Gallo’s is ready to serve up great food and smiles.

📍 123 Main Street, Apopka, FL
🌐 www.gallosapopka.com
📲 facebook.com/gallosapopka

Thanks for supporting the local businesses that bring flavor and community to Apopka!
#ApopkaProud #SupportLocal #GalloPolloApopka

Apopka Snapshot

Meet Katie 🐾, a 5-year-old smart pup ready for her forever home. Photo: Leisa Davis.

Making it through the mid-week!

Keep your news tips, event submissions, and photos coming!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and documents. It educates visitors on the city’s cultural and agricultural heritage.

🌟 Help us grow by sharing this email with a neighbor, and if you have a news tip, simply hit reply! 📩

🌐 Stay connected by visiting our website at https://rootedinapopka.com
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👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/rootedinapopka

Check out our local business directory: https://zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

- Rooted In Apopka Team