Substation

A city-commissioned feasibility study finds that South Apopka, an unincorporated, majority-Black Orange County community excluded from Apopka's boundaries by a 1937 ordinance, could legally be annexed into the City of Apopka. The study covers about 1.93 square miles and roughly 4,063 residents, and concludes the area meets state criteria for being compact, contiguous and urbanized. However, it projects new property-tax revenue of about $1.31 million annually against roughly $6.87 million in added service costs, a preliminary $5.5 million shortfall that excludes utility fees, state revenue sharing and other potential income sources.

Major projected costs include 18 additional police officers, a new $17 million police substation, a new fire station, 25 additional fire personnel, and decades-long sewer infrastructure expansion. Annexation would require an ordinance, public hearings and a referendum of area voters, with no immediate change expected. City commissioners discussed sending the study to Orange County and beginning the ordinance process, with a public vote possibly in 2027 or 2028.