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Aug 05

Around Town: Highlights in the Community July 2022

Posted on August 5, 2022 at 9:09 AM by Stacy VanCamp

City of Apopka Highlights for July 2022

Firefighter Austin Duran

With a heavy heart and deep sadness the Apopka Fire Department announced the Line of Duty Death of Fire Fighter Austin Duran related to injuries sustained in June 2022.  Flags were lowered to half-staff in Austin's honor as his family, friends, and the community mourned his loss.

The Apopka Firefighter Mourning Patch

Apopka Youth Fire Camp 

June kicked off the Apopka Fire Department's Youth Fire Camp where kids learn fire safety skills as well as what it takes to become a firefighter or paramedic. Thanks to our fantastic staff at the Apopka Fire Department for putting this program on each summer.

Group photo of kids with Mayor in front of Kona Ice Food Truck at Gilliam Training Facility
Apopka Public Safety Academy 

The Apopka Police Department started June with their Apopka Public Safety Academy where students learn all aspects relating to police and fire professions as they explore possible career paths.  Special thanks to our awesome staff at the Apopka Police Department for organizing this program every summer.

Kids sitting on bleachers watching police dog handler with his police dog

Patriotic Concert at the VFW

Music to My Mind in Partnership with the City hosted a patriotic concert at the VFW in honor of the Independence Day weekend. Music to My Mind provides a community music program for residents. To learn more, please visit the Music To My Mind Facebook page.

Collage of photos showing students, the conductor and Mayor at the patriotic concert

Fourth of July Celebration

Apopka residents gathered together as a community and celebrated Independence Day with fun family activities and fireworks at the Northwest Recreation Complex.  Shout out to our Recreation staff for providing an outstanding event.

Fireworks light the night sky on the Fourth of July

Employee Recognition Ceremony

A recognition ceremony was held prior to our Council meeting to honor employees with milestone employment anniversaries.

Apopka City Council July 6 2022 Employee Recognition

Park Dedication in Elaine O'Neal's Honor

The Sheeler Oaks Home Owners Association named the park on Ashworth Drive in Elaine O' Neal's honor for her thirty years of service on their board.

Elaine O Neal Park Dedication Group Photo with a board member, Elaine, Mayor, Elaine's husband

Citizenship Celebration Ceremony

The Hope Community Center held a ceremony and a barbeque to celebrate new United States citizens that participated in the center's Pathway to Citizenship Program. The program has helped over 1000 people become US Citizens. Of that amount, 200 people in the last two years participated in the program from 34 countries!

Commissioner Nesta, Mayor Nelson and Commissioner Velazquez at the Hope Community Center Event

Ulta Beauty Grand Opening

Ulta Beauty opened their doors in Apopka! You can visit their store in the Wekiva Riverwalk Shopping Center located at 2151 East Semoran Boulevard, Apopka, FL 32703.  Be sure to check out the latest addition to Apopka!

Photo inside Ulta Beauty Store in Apopka showing all their beauty products.

Apopka Community Event

Thank you to the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, City Serve, City of Destiny Christian Church, Ayopa Inc., Jeremiah 29:11 Project, Green Castle Lawn Care, AFAB Services, No Child Hungry, Westbrook Service Corporation, and the Apopka High School Blue Darter Football Team for all of your help renovating Ms. Cynthia's home!

Several members of the Apopka High School football team pose with Mayor Nelson

Pet Fashion Show

The Recreation Department hosted a pet fashion show and luncheon at the Fran Carlton Center for seniors and their pets.

A woman with her dog in costume

Traffic Calming Efforts

As part of ongoing efforts to slow down traffic in residential neighborhoods, the City allocated $50,000 in the current budget for speed humps.

A construction worker standing behind his truck after installing asphalt for speed hump