Apopka
Florida
City Of Apopka
History:
In 1882, City of Apopka was incorporated. The City limits were measured one mile in all directions from the Masonic Lodge. The "Lodge" is still in its original location on Main Street (US 441) and is the oldest lodge room in continuous use in the State of Florida.
In 1912 ferns became the industry for Apopka and soon Apopka developed the name of "Fern City". More tropical plants were introduced to the growers in the area. This influx of foliage took over the fern industry and the City became known as "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World". The City of Apopka is located 12 miles Northwest of Orlando and encompasses an area slightly larger than 30 square miles and a population of more than 31,000 citizens.
The City has a strong mayoral form of government. The Mayor and Commissioners are elected at large and serve a term of four years. Before Apopka was "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World" or even before it was "The Fern City," it was The Lodge. From about 7500 B.C. until about the 1st century A. D. when they disappeared for reasons unknown, Indians were believed to have lodged on the shores of Lake Apopka. Then for about 400 years the region appears to have been uninhabited. When the Spaniards arrived in Florida in the 16th century, the Acuera tribe of the Timucua confederation was said to have lived in the Apopka area, growing crops and trading. By 1730 these natives were decimated by war and diseases brought by the Europeans and had also disappeared.
Then early in the 19th century, Indians again inhabited the area. There was a Seminole village on Lake Apopka or Ahapopka, as they spelled and pronounced it. It remained an active village until the outbreak of the Second Seminole War in the mid 1830s. Coacoochee (Wild Cat), one of the most famous and influential War Chiefs, was born here and ruled as Chief of about 200 Indians until this village was evacuated and the natives sought refuge in the swampy areas around the St Johns.
The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 brought white settlers to the Apopka area. They received 160 acres if they would settle them. These Pioneers and those that followed the Civil War from states to the north began converting the area into what it is today. The settlement grew, attracting developers and settlers because of the climate and the agricultural opportunities and becoming an important trading center in the 1850s. The Masons' were particularly active. Orange Lodge #36 was organized in 1857 and The Lodge building, still standing on its original site at Alabama Avenue and Highway 441, was completed in 1859.
It was around this building that the town grew in the 1860s and 1870s and ultimately became the Town of Apopka City incorporated in 1882. Progress continued and today Apopka is still an important hub of commerce. One of the fastest growing cities in Orange County, it is home base to more than 45,000 citizens in the greater Apopka area.
Recent News
City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter February 28, 2023
Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter Weekly Update for February 28, 2023 Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter - February 21, 2023
Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert Center for additional City Alerts. Bid Posting Alert for Open Bids…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter - February 14, 2023
City News Bid Posting Alert for Open Bids - Alonzo Williams Park Expansion: Construction of Fitness Trails & New Parking Project ID: 2023-A-26 Deadline: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10 AM Visit our Project Page to learn more. - Vick…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter : February 7, 2023
Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. For a monthly recap from January 2023, visit our Apopka Proud Blog. Please visit our Alert…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter January 31, 2023
Online Registration for Camp Wewa will open on February 1, 2023. Visit our Registration page for camp details. Summer Youth Program: Apopka Youth Works Are you a high school student between the ages of 15-19? You can earn at minimum $1,200…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter January 24, 2023
Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter Weekly Update for January 24, 2023 Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter January 17, 2023
City News Recycling Done Right 2023 Magnet The Public Services Department would like to inform our residents to expect their 2023 Recycling Magnet in the next few weeks. Residents can visit our Recycling Schedule page to view the 2023…
Read More »City Of Apopka News - Crime Prevention: Car Burglary Safety Tips
Crime Prevention: Car Burglary Safety Tips The last thing you need is to find your vehicle’s window broken or items missing. The Apopka Police Department suggests taking these simple, but important steps to maintain your car’s…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter January 10, 2023
Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter Weekly Update for January 10, 2023 Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter January 3, 2023
Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter Weekly Update for January 3, 2023 Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter : December 27, 2022
Happy New Year From our families to yours. The City of Apopka, Apopka Fire Department, and the Apopka Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. January 2, 2023: City Hall and Offices Closed (New Year's Day Observed)…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter : December 20, 2022
Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter.Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Please visit our Alert Center for additional City Alerts. Merry Christmas and Happy New…
Read More »City Of Apopka : Notification of Early Morning Placement of Concrete
To Surrounding Homeowners near 611 East Main Street, Apopka, FL for the new Winn-Dixie. Pursuant to the Noise Control Ordinances of Orange County, we are hereby notifying the surrounding residential areas that concrete placement will occur on…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter : December 13, 2022
2022 Holiday Schedule -December 17, 2022: Wreaths Across America at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery at 12 PM -December 17, 2022: Saturday Sounds with Townsky's Holiday Revue at Apopka Amphitheater from 5 PM to 7 PM. -December 23, 2022: City…
Read More »City Of Apopka Proud Weekly Newsletter - December 6, 2022
2022 Holiday Schedule - December 10, 2022: 46th Annual Christmas Parade "A Festive Florida Christmas" - December 10, 2022:Holiday Pops with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at Apopka Amphitheater from 5 PM to 7 PM - December 17, 2022:…
Read More »City Of Apopka Weekly Newsletter November 29, 2022
Thank you for subscribing to the City of Apopka's weekly newsletter. Stay informed and connected with what is happening in the City of Apopka this week. Rescheduled: Public Workshop South Apopka Annexation - November 29, 2022 The meeting will…
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