APOPKA, Fla. – The race for Apopka mayor on March 10 is shaping up to be a contentious one, with key issues including city charter amendments, growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure dominating the conversation.
[RELATED: Read the 8 charter amendment questions on the Apopka ballot]
Early voting is currently happening through Sunday, March 8, at the Apopka Community Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office on West Kaley Street in Orlando.
To find your polling precinct to vote on Tuesday, March 10, and to check your voter registration, go to the supervisor of elections’ website.
In an interview conducted in partnership between News 6 and the Orlando Sentinel, the three candidates shared their positions and visions for the future of the city.
[WATCH: Full interview with Apopka mayoral candidates]
Commissioner Nick Nesta emphasized both the proposed charter amendments and term limits stemmed from resident input.
“The biggest thing here is going from a strong mayor for our government to a managerial form of government. The residents wanted this on the ballot and I’ve always stood behind what the residents want,” Nesta said. “At the end of the day, I’m going to work and serve in the capacity the residents want me to be. They want a city that’s already growing but has some new ideas and new plans. The tired ways of doing things is no longer working.”
Commissioner Christine Moore expressed caution about moving to a managerial form of government, noting recent instability in city administration. “I am deeply concerned about this one because this board has had five managers over the past seven and a half years, and in the last three years they haven’t been able to agree upon a full-time manager,” she said.
Moore did, however, support term limits as a way to cultivate new leadership: “There are wonderful new people who have moved to Apopka, and I believe that term limits will help us as we move into the future.”
Mayor Bryan Nelson defended the current strong mayor system, highlighting its advantages in decision-making and continuity. “The strong mayor form of government… makes it so that anything that comes before us, I’m going to see,” he said.
On term limits, he noted that they shift institutional knowledge to staff: “Just realize when you have term limits, the staff then becomes more powerful because they have the institutional knowledge.”
[WATCH: Apopka city council discusses plans to widen Ocoee-Apopka Road amid traffic frustrations]
On growth, Nelson said the city seeks “good growth” that allows residents to live, work, and play locally, though state laws such as Senate Bill 180 have limited Apopka’s ability to control development.
Nesta echoed concerns over balancing developer interests with resident needs, saying the city must “prioritize smart growth… one that doesn’t sacrifice our current residents just for the new ones.” Moore focused on mitigating growth impacts through conservation programs, infrastructure investment, and strategic planning.
The candidates also shared visions for downtown Apopka. Moore emphasized safety, walkability, and incubating small businesses, stating, “I would certainly intend on working with the community to make the downtown look better as we attract new businesses.”
Nelson highlighted recent successes, including the Hilton Garden Inn, and Miller’s Ale House.
Nesta said the city needs a comprehensive downtown plan to create synergy among businesses and residents, adding, “What the city has lost is its identity… Once elected, I’m going to make sure that we reintroduce what the city is to be to our residents, how we enjoy the city again.”
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Utility rates and infrastructure were also discussed, particularly recent water rate increases.
Nesta stressed the importance of proactive planning and transparency with residents, while Moore highlighted faulty meters and conservation efforts as areas of focus.
Nelson described ongoing efforts to replace aging infrastructure, noting the city’s bond rating and long-term financial management as priorities.
Finally, candidates addressed potential impacts from a state property tax reduction.
Moore said education and strategic partnerships will be necessary to maintain services, while Nelson noted the city’s $30 million reserves could offset early impacts.
Nesta emphasized the need for a new budgeting process, stating, “We can’t use tired ways of dealing with new issues. We have to come up with new and creative solutions.”
As Apopka voters head to the polls on March 10, the decisions they make will shape the city’s leadership, governance structure, and approach to growth and development for years to come.