City Profile
Fiscal Year 2021-2022
The City of Apopka is located twelve miles from Orlando in northwest Orange County. Apopka was first settled in the 1840’s and derived its name from the great lake, which lies four miles to the southwest. The lake, in turn, was named after a tribe of Indians known as Apopkans. The name “Apopka” when translated means Big Potato, Potato Eating Place, or Potato Eating People.
In the early years, Apopka was simply known as “The Lodge” for the Masonic Lodge that was built in 1859. Standing on its original site at 453 East Main Street, the Masonic Lodge is the oldest lodge in continuous use in the State of Florida
Photo:
State of Florida map marked with Apopka, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Tampa.
In 1882, the citizens adopted a charter and the city limits were measured one mile in all directions of the Lodge.
In 1922, the commercial growing of ferns was introduced. It became one of the Iargest industries in the Apopka area, and soon Apopka developed the name “The Fern City.” As the industry further expanded and diversified to include numerous varieties of tropical plants, Apopka became known as “The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World.”
“The Lodge” in early 1900.
Photo courtesy of Apopka Historical Society.
In 1965, the City purchased the old Apopka High School site for a new city complex. The main building was remodeled into a Georgian Colonial style City Hall. In 1987, further renovations added an atrium with an elevator, a new City Council Chamber, and administrative offices.
Apopka is now the second largest city in Orange County, with a population of 56,727 and an area of 35.512 square miles.
Photo:
Apopka City Hall located at 120 East Main Street.
Apopka has two hometown newspapers: The Apopka Chief and The Planter. From its agricultural roots, the community has emerged as a widely diverse business center, with businesses ranging from laser technology to electronic components for wireless communications. Numerous builders and developers are in the process of developing lots for future commercial and residential use.
Yet, in the midst of rapid growth and development, Apopka has remained a good steward of the environment. Just three miles northeast of town is the Wekiva Springs State Park, and six miles to the north is Rock Springs (Kelly Park). These combined parks total approximately 40,000 acres of unspoiled natural surroundings, with over 85 million gallons of clear spring water flowing daily.
The median age of the City’s residents is 37.3 years and 27.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Median household income is $66,057, which is higher than that of other Florida cities. It is estimated that only 21% of the population lives and works in Apopka with the majority commuting on average 31.1 minutes to work.
The City operates under a strong Mayor-Council form of government consisting of a five member City Council. The City Council is responsible for establishing policy, passing ordinances and resolutions, adopting the budget, and appointing committees, among other duties. The Mayor is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government. The City Council is elected on a non-partisan basis. City Council members serve four-year staggering terms, with two council members elected every two years. The Mayor is elected to serve a four year term.