PHOTO VIA MAIN STREET APOPKA FACEBOOK PAGE
The City of Apopka has unanimously voted to suspend further funding for Main Street Apopka, following public backlash over a controversial mural unveiled downtown on August 22.
The city has already contributed $12,500 to the downtown revitalization nonprofit this year, but paused future payments while it reviews the apron strings. City commissioners called for a clearer policy framework to avoid liability and protect taxpayer dollars. Commissioner Nadia Anderson described continuing support as “completely reckless,” citing a lack of confidence in the nonprofit’s leadership. Mayor Bryan Nelson stressed that the city had no role in selecting the artist or approving the design.
The mural, painted on the side of a Domino’s near Central Avenue and Main Street, was swiftly taken down amidst allegations that it closely resembled a piece created by an Iowa artist in 2017. Criticism escalated when calls emerged for accountability, with business owners and residents expressing concerns over mismanagement and repeated issues.
Unlike most Main Street programs in the area, Main Street Apopka does not have a staff person guiding its daily operations and is instead served by a Board of Directors. According to the organization’s website, its leadership includes Caitlin Kasheta as President, who previously served as volunteer executive director since 2023 before moving to president, Matthew Hutch, Margaret Logas, Cherlette McCollough, alongside general board members Yvette Anderson, Keena Patel, and Mina Robinson.
As with all Main Street programs, Main Street Apopka is not a city-run program and operates as a separate non-profit.
