20/07/2026
At this point, you’ve seen the posts. You’ve seen the news articles. And yes… it’s all 100% true.
After nearly a decade of being with you every single morning, helping you get through that morning commute, sharing a little traffic knowledge, and hopefully keeping you and your family just a little safer... I have made the decision to return to public service.
And for anyone who thinks this was an easy decision, you would be strongly mistaken.
I’m a guy who was raised right here in Central Florida. I grew up in Kissimmee, served our country and came back home to continue serving as a Florida State Trooper. Never in a million years did I imagine I would one day be given the incredible opportunity to step into broadcasting and make that message of safety even louder.
But sometimes, all good things either come to an end... or they show you a new way to continue the mission.
I truly believe we are given moments in life when we have to stop, listen and ask ourselves: Where is God leading me next?
For me, that answer has been pulling me back toward public service. Back to having my boots on the ground. Back to serving a community in a new capacity.
And that community will be the City of Apopka as the Director of Public Information.
We’ve accomplished a lot over these years, I intentionally say we... because none of this would have been nearly as successful without YOU.
The follower. The supporter. The person who stopped me in the grocery store to say hello. The family who trusted me to help keep them safe. The person who came up to me at a community event just to share two minutes of conversation. The thousands of people who invited me into their homes every morning through a television screen.
You made “Trooper Steve” what it became.
Here’s the funny part: I never planned on doing any of this. I never imagined myself as a broadcaster, journalist, news anchor or whatever you want to call this crazy ride. I just wanted to help people.
And somehow, together, I believe we created something truly unique. Something that had never really been done before and something I’m not sure could ever be recreated in quite the same way... because the secret ingredient was always the relationship we built together.
I won’t pretend I haven’t had my ups and downs thinking about leaving. I have.
But sometimes in life, you have to take a leap.
And this is my leap of faith.
I also want to make something very clear: This was 100% my decision. I leave News 6 with an incredibly grateful heart for the opportunities I have been given and the things I have been fortunate enough to experience. The places I’ve gone, the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve told and the lives I’ve hopefully impacted have been nothing short of a blessing.
And while one chapter is coming to a close, Trooper Steve isn’t disappearing.
This page isn’t going anywhere. My social media isn’t going anywhere. We’re still going to talk. I’m still going to post. And I hope to remain actively involved in the things that matter to you and the things that have always mattered to me.
Whether it’s hosting a community event, helping an organization grow its awareness, supporting our first responders and veterans, advocating for animals, or simply finding another way to make a positive difference…the mission will continue.
I can never say thank you enough for what you allowed me to do every single morning.
I understand the trust you placed in me over the years and I have never taken it for granted.
Through the ups and downs, you guys were always there.
Let’s be real... you allowed a military veteran, turned state trooper, turned news anchor to somehow become part of your daily lives.
And the part I’m most proud of?
We did it regardless of background, politics, beliefs or personal opinions. We built something that connected with people across this community simply because we could all agree on one thing: looking out for one another matters.
To me, that’s a pretty big deal.
Over the coming days and weeks, I’ll share a little more and take some time to reflect on this incredible journey.
My final day on air at News 6 will be Friday, July 31. Then, on Monday, August 10, I begin the next chapter of my journey with the City of Apopka.
My love and gratitude for everything you have given me and for the opportunity you gave this kid from Kissimmee to do something he never imagined possible could never truly be put into words.
So, I think that’s enough from me…for now.
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.
This isn’t goodbye. It’s just time to find a new way to serve. And as always… let’s all get home safely.
