"Teen Swimmer Shatters Records, Coach's Dedication, Teacher of the Year, Business Buzz & more in Apopka Newsletter! 🌟"

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


October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 10, 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

17-Year-Old Apopka Swimmer Jaeden Amring Breaks Records and Earns National Honors
Coach Chip Gierke aims to lead Apopka High School baseball team to success through passion and dedication
Stephanie Gray Named Clay Springs Teacher of the Year, Advances to District Competition

Get Out & Go!

First Friday Art Walk
Apopka Farmers Market
Sunday Jazz Brunch

Business Buzz

Apopka Winn-Dixie Celebrates 100 Years of Community Support with Special Events and Discounts
Mullinax Ford Opens State-of-the-Art Service Department for Quick and Quality Repairs in Apopka, FL

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

Trivia Question❓

Which industry earned Apopka the nickname "Indoor Foliage Capital of the World"?

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!

17-Year-Old Apopka Swimmer Jaeden Amring Breaks Records and Earns National Honors
Coach Chip Gierke aims to lead Apopka High School baseball team to success through passion and dedication
Stephanie Gray Named Clay Springs Teacher of the Year, Advances to District Competition

"17-Year-Old Apopka Swimmer Jaeden Amring Breaks Records and Earns National Honors"

Apopka Chief reporter, Megan Anderson, details the achievements of Apopka swimmer, Jaeden Amring, who recently earned national honors for swimming record times in multiple events.

The 17-year-old high school swimmer has broken records in the 100-yard butterfly and 100-yard backstroke events, earning him recognition from the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association.

Amring's impressive performances have solidified his place as one of the top swimmers in the nation, with his sights set on competing at the collegiate level in the future.

"Coach Chip Gierke aims to lead Apopka High School baseball team to success through passion and dedication."

The new baseball coach at Apopka High School is determined to lead the team to excellence.

Coach Chip Gierke takes the reins of the program with a focus on fostering a winning culture and developing players both on and off the field.

With over 30 years of coaching experience, Coach Gierke is excited to bring his expertise to the Apopka Blue Darters and help them reach their full potential.

His passion and dedication to the sport are evident, and he is committed to building a successful program for the school and the community.

Stephanie Gray Named Clay Springs Teacher of the Year, Advances to District Competition

Apopka resident Stephanie Gray has been awarded the Clay Springs Teacher of the Year award.

Gray, a fifth-grade teacher, was nominated by her peers and students for her dedication and innovative teaching methods.

She will now compete against other teachers in Orange County for the prestigious title of District Teacher of the Year.

Gray expressed her gratitude for the recognition and credited her success to the supportive environment at Clay Springs Elementary School.

Congratulations to Stephanie Gray on this well-deserved honor!

Today's Weather Outlook

🌤️ Apopka Weekend Forecast (Oct 10 – Oct 12, 2025)

Here’s your updated weekend weather outlook for Apopka, Florida:

Friday, October 10, 2025: High: ~85 °F, Low: ~70 °F – Partly sunny with afternoon storms possible.
Saturday, October 11, 2025: High: ~84 °F, Low: ~69 °F – Increasing cloud cover with scattered showers in the afternoon.
Sunday, October 12, 2025: High: ~83 °F, Low: ~68 °F – Mostly dry with some clouds; very low chance of storms.

Expectations: warm, humid conditions with the highest risk of storms on Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Sunday should be more stable and favorable for outdoor plans.

Stay weather-aware and enjoy your weekend in Apopka!

🌴

WEEKEND REMINDER

As the weekend arrives, take a little time just for yourself.
Pause, breathe, and do something that makes you feel grounded — whether it’s enjoying a quiet coffee, watching a favorite show, or simply taking a walk outside.

You’ve done your best all week. You deserve a moment to rest, recharge, and just be. 💛

Enjoy your weekend — slow down, smile, and take care of you.

🌳GET OUT & GO

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

First Friday Art Walk
Apopka Farmers Market
Sunday Jazz Brunch

Apopka Events

Friday – Sunday • October 10–12, 2025

✨ Friday • Oct 10

First Friday Art Walk
🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Historic Downtown Apopka
Gallery openings, live music, food trucks, and community mingling.

🎫 Saturday • Oct 11

Apopka Farmers Market
🕒 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 📍 E.

Main Street & MFA Boulevard
Fresh produce, baked goods, local crafts, and live music.

Outdoor Concert in the Park
🕒 7:00 PM | 📍 Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka
Live local bands, food trucks, and family entertainment.

🎶 Sunday • Oct 12

Sunday Jazz Brunch
🕒 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 A local café or park space in Apopka
Jazz music, brunch specials, and relaxed vibes.

🌟 These are suggested local events in Apopka for Oct 10–12, 2025.

Please check official city websites, venues, or event calendars for confirmation and details.

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!

Apopka Winn-Dixie Celebrates 100 Years of Community Support with Special Events and Discounts
Mullinax Ford Opens State-of-the-Art Service Department for Quick and Quality Repairs in Apopka, FL

"Apopka Winn-Dixie Celebrates 100 Years of Community Support with Special Events and Discounts"

Apopka Winn-Dixie celebrates its 100th anniversary with a week-long event featuring discounts, giveaways, and special events.

The store first opened in 1921 and has been a staple in the Apopka community ever since.

The store manager expresses gratitude to the community for their support over the years.

Customers are encouraged to participate in the celebration and take advantage of the special deals and activities planned for the occasion.

The store's long history and commitment to serving the community are highlighted as reasons for its continued success over the past century.

Mullinax Ford Opens State-of-the-Art Service Department for Quick and Quality Repairs in Apopka, FL

Mullinax Ford in Apopka, Florida has opened a new service department to provide maintenance and repairs for customers' vehicles.

The new facility features state-of-the-art equipment and a team of certified technicians to ensure quality service.

Customers can schedule appointments online and take advantage of amenities such as a lounge area with complimentary refreshments.

The service department aims to offer quick and efficient service to keep customers' vehicles running smoothly.

Outdoor & Survival

Embark on thrilling adventures with our Outdoor & Survival essentials 🌲🧭, designed to equip you for nature's wildest challenges and ensure you thrive in the great outdoors!

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Basic Knife Safety and Maintenance for Outdoor Activities

Whether camping, trekking, or performing outdoor survival tasks, a knife is one of the most essential tools you can carry.

Proper handling and maintenance not only extend its lifespan but also ensure your safety and efficiency in the wild.

Proper Handling: Always cut away from your body and keep your fingers clear of the blade's path.

Never hand a knife blade-first — offer the handle instead.
Storage: Use a sheath or blade cover when not in use.

Avoid tossing knives into backpacks unprotected to prevent accidents or dulling.
Maintenance: Wipe your knife dry after use, especially if exposed to moisture or food.

Regularly oil the blade and pivot points to prevent rust and corrosion.
Sharpening: A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.

Use a sharpening stone or honing rod at a consistent 20° angle for most outdoor knives.
Cleaning: Avoid using dishwashers — hand wash and dry immediately.

For folding knives, clean joints and hinges with a brush and light lubricant.
Carrying Safely: Keep knives in an accessible but secure spot on your belt or gear.

Never run, climb, or perform sudden movements while holding a blade.

Tip: Practice knife handling in a controlled environment before relying on it outdoors.

Familiarity improves both confidence and safety.

⚠️ Safety: Always treat every knife as sharp and ready to cut.

Maintain awareness of your surroundings and never use your knife when tired or distracted.

Trivia Challenge!

"Congratulations to all who participated in this week's trivia! To enter our weekly drawing for a [local prize,
e.g., gift card to a local restaurant], email us your answers to all three trivia questions by October 10, 2025 at 8 PM."

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The fern-growing and indoor plant industry thrived in Apopka in the 20th century. This led to the city’s nickname and shaped its agricultural economy.

That's the Pulse to get your weekend started!
Have a fantastic time out there enjoying Apopka Florida. See an adorable pet? Send us a picture!

🌟 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 rootedinapopka.com
📘 Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/rootedinapopka

👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/rootedinapopka

Check out our local business directory: zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

- Rooted In Apopka Team