Reggie Connell

Late-term board appointments raise questions about restraint, transition, and respect for voters' decision By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor

Split vote halts new audit effort as commissioners clash over timing, cost, and political motivations behind proposal By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor

As his term comes to a close, the focus should shift from political battles to a respectful transition and a stronger future commission

Nesta said in an interview with “We have to take a different approach to how decisions are made. It's not about what we say we're going to do.

"Come gather 'round people wherever you roam, and admit that the waters around you have grown, and accept it that soon you'll be drenched to the bone if your time to you is worth savin'. And you better start swimmin', or you'll sink like a stone for the times they are a-changin.'"

Apopka Commissioner Sam Ruth’s challenge to the Planning Commission structure last week extended beyond a single appointment debate and into larger questions about growth, governance, and accountability. The discussion highlighted how the city’s new commission may be preparing to reshape not just development decisions, but the process that guides them.

Apopka’s FY2026-27 budget workshops are unfolding far differently than in years past, with department heads publicly presenting proposals before many decisions are finalized internally. Analysis and Opinion by The Apopka Voice Managing Editor Reggie Connell.

As Apopka begins preparations for its next budget cycle, Mayor Nick Nesta says residents should expect a more transparent and collaborative process than in previous years. The administration plans to show commissioners which departments requested what, what was removed to balance the budget, and how spending priorities are ultimately determined.

The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved the destruction of the sand trailer involved in the 2022 death of firefighter Austin Duran. But the larger story is why the trailer remained on city property for nearly four years and what that says about the city's handling of one of its darkest chapters.

After a month spent learning how City Hall operates, Mayor Nick Nesta says the city's next challenge is staying ahead of growth through long-term