09/02/2026
I have received an overwhelming number of calls from residents who are deeply concerned about the Mayor’s proposed budget—specifically the decision to eliminate long-standing community events and cut the $100,000 nonprofit grant program.
Let me be clear: I do not support a budget that removes investments from our community while prioritizing government office upgrades.
During yesterday’s budget workshop I took direct action and formally requested that these historic events be restored to the budget. In addition, I proposed that $75,000 allocated for office renovations and $275,000 for office furniture be redirected to fully fund the $100,000 nonprofit grant program—because serving people must always come before spending on government comforts.
This grant program directly supports organizations that serve our seniors, children and youth, the homeless, and those in need of essential services. Cutting this program sends the wrong message about our priorities as a city.
The events I fought to restore include:
* Health & Fitness Fest
* Community Events Grant Program
* Halloween in the Park
* Holiday Tree Lighting
* Camp Wewa – Breakfast with the Bunny
* Fourth of July Celebration
* Hispanic Heritage Celebration
* Emancipation Day
* Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
* Spring & Fall Rotary Fair (Apopka Rotary Club)
* Apopka Christmas Parade
* Memorial Day Ceremony (VFW Post 10147)
* Veterans Day Ceremony (VFW Post 10147)
* Apopka Art and Foliage Festival
* Juneteenth Celebration
* New Year’s Eve Celebration
* Scholarship Revenue from AdventHealth Sponsorship
And I will continue to advocate for the full restoration of the $100,000 nonprofit grant program.
These events are not extras, they are the heartbeat of our community. They support our small businesses, bring families together, and preserve the traditions that define Apopka.
Our nonprofits are on the front lines doing the work every day to keep our community safe, healthy, and supported. They deserve our investment…not cuts.
I will always stand for responsible budgeting, strong community investment, and putting people over politics.
Commissioner Nadia Anderson