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The Apopka Professional Firefighters Association Local 5293 announces its endorsement of City Commissioner Nick Nesta (third from right) for mayor. <\/p>\nThe Apopka Professional Firefighters Association Local 5293 announces its endorsement of City Commissioner Nick Nesta (third from right) for mayor. <\/p>\n
Courtesy of Nesta campaign<\/p>\n
Apopka City Commissioner\u00a0Nick Nesta\u00a0has secured a series of endorsements in his bid for mayor ahead of the April 14 runoff election against Orange County Commissioner\u00a0Christine Moore.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nesta has drawn support\u00a0this week\u00a0from a city firefighters union, a former environmental\u00a0official\u00a0and a newly elected city commissioner.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Apopka Professional Firefighters Association Local 5293 announced its endorsement Wednesday, praising Nesta\u2019s record\u00a0during\u00a0two terms on the City Commission.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In a statement signed by union president\u00a0Kyle Lampp, the organization cited Nesta\u2019s support for first responders, his advocacy for proper staffing, training,\u00a0structure\u00a0and funding; his understanding of the need for recruitment and retention of experienced public safety personnel; and his commitment to fiscal responsibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than many others, he stood with us through our darkest days after the loss [in 2022] of our brother, Austin Duran, advocating for needed changes, offering support to families and helping push reforms to prevent future tragedies,\u201d Lampp wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Kimberly Buchheit, who served as Orange Soil and Water Conservation District Seat 2 supervisor from 2023 to 2025, issued an open letter on March 16 backing Nesta.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She described Nesta as a candidate who has \u201cpaid his dues\u201d on the City Commission and \u201cdemonstrated the courage to challenge the status quo on our behalf.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
In her letter, Buchheit said Nesta\u00a0has the ability to\u00a0balance priorities including public safety, infrastructure investment and\u00a0financial management\u00a0while planning for responsible growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am most impressed with Nick\u2019s unwavering commitment to the citizens of Apopka. Nick has shown (by his actions on the record) that he respects and values our input,\u201d Buchheit wrote. \u201cAdditionally, when I have approached Nick with specific matters of concern, he was accessible, responsive and promptly made time to connect with me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nesta also posted on his campaign\u2019s Facebook page a bilingual statement from City Commissioner-elect\u00a0Yesenia Baron, who\u00a0won the special election<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0Nesta\u2019s Seat 4 in the March 10 election.\u00a0<\/p>\n In her statement, Baron said she has observed Nesta\u2019s leadership since 2020 \u2014 when they both ran for Seat 2 \u2014 and described him as a consistent advocate for residents who\u00a0asks\u00a0difficult questions\u00a0and emphasizes accountability.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cCommissioner Nesta understands the importance of protecting Apopka\u2019s natural treasures, supporting our small businesses, and ensuring that growth is guided by vision and responsibility,\u201d she wrote. \u201cHe brings thoughtful, solution-oriented leadership and a clear plan for our city\u2019s future. Most importantly, he is ready to implement the changes Apopka needs.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Former City Commissioner\u00a0Kyle Becker\u00a0has also expressed support for Nesta. On Tuesday, he said in a Facebook post that the Monday night mayoral runoff forum, which he attended at Victory Church, reinforced his position.\u00a0<\/p>\n Teresa Sargeant has been with The Apopka Chief for over 10 years.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/6.png\")
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