APOPKA, Fla. – Apopka commissioners voted Wednesday to not move forward with a nonprofit’s funding agreement after its contract was suspended in response to a controversy involving a downtown mural.
Main Street Apopka is a nonprofit focused on revitalizing downtown Apopka’s business district through historic preservation, economic development and community engagement.
[VIDEO BELOW: Apopka suspends Main Street contract]
Last August, the organization unveiled a mural on the side of the Domino’s near Central Avenue and Main Street, but it drew immediate backlash after an Iowa artist accused it of being nearly identical to a piece she created in 2017. Following online backlash, the mural was painted in September, and MSA’s contract was suspended two days later.
In December, the city received a letter from MSA with remedies for consideration, which included a suggested forfeiture of $4,600 from its next disbursement from the city.
The amount was the total MSA found for installation and removal of the mural.
The city was also told MSA’s former Executive Director tendered her resignation to the Board on Oct. 13.
In 2025, the city contributed $12,500 to MSA.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Main Street Apopka explained that their executive director is no longer with the organization, however, this was not enough to change the council’s decision.
The organization stated it had been approved for Main Street America and plans to promote Apopka over the next three months. It also acknowledged the community’s frustration following the controversy.
News 6 spoke with Mayor Bryan Nelson before the meeting, who explained that the city has the authority to end the agreement.
“This is not a handout. This is an agreement where we expect certain results. If they don’t meet them, we will call back the money in the agreement. If we don’t like what we’re seeing,” Mayor Nelson said.
Nelson added that there was a $50,000 agreement with Main Street Apopka for the project, of which just $12,500 was spent on the mural. The city wants to get back the $4,600 spent on the mural.
He also said the city looks forward to creating a new plan to add murals around Apopka.