The Tater Talk Podcast

In today's episode Patrick Tessier, former master and current member of Orange Lodge No. 36, joins us to share the history of the lodge and its central role in settling and founding the city of Apopka in the 19th century. This humble wooden building has stood the test of time in Central Florida's unforgiving environment for 167 years, dating to 1859. Tune in to hear more about Orange County and Central Florida's oldest standing structure and the longest continuously used masonic lodge in Florida.

In this episode learn more about the oldest cemetery in Apopka, The Old Church Cemetery. Terrell Hendrix has uncovered much of the history of and identities of those buried in the cemetery along with Dr. Phyllis Olmstead and Britt D. Hayes. Through his work he has helped restore the cemetery and make resources available to the public such as the binder now housed in the Museum library. Stay tuned for more episodes!

Today's episode features Leroy Bell, a community organizer and advocate, to discuss his family history in Alabama and Apopka, as well as his career and work with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (A.C.O.R.N.). His resilience and steadfast drive to standup for his family and community against environmental justice among other issues inspires us all to be active citizens in our local organizations and government. Stay tuned for more episodes!

In this episode of Tater Talk, Raymond McLeod speaks about his father, Johnie McLeod, founder of the oldest existing law firm in Apopka, opened in 1951. He also shares some of his experiences growing up in Apopka in the 60's - 70's. Stay tuned for more episodes!

In this episode Deborah Green, president of the Orange Audubon Society sits down with Joshua McMillan (host), to discuss the ecosystem and wildlife of Lake Apopka North Shore and the new Audubon Society Natural History Museum and Birding Park in the works that will be located on Lust Rd. This educational center will be a wonderful new addition to the City of Apopka where visitors can learn about and experience firsthand the beauty of our local landscape/nature. Stay tuned for more episodes!

In this episode of Tater Talk, learn how Apopka became the "Fern City" and "Indoor Foliage Capital of the World". Apopka Historical Society member Judy Ustler, granddaughter of Harry J. Ustler, gives insight into his legacy and ingenuity in starting the first foliage nursery in Apopka and Florida. His story is one of the many foundational pioneers and entrepreneurs of our city. Stay tuned for more episodes this summer!

In this episode of tater talk we chat with local resident of unincorporated Southern Apopka, Francina Boykin, about the history of this community. From Mead's Bottom to L.T. Hunt, the local "Black Wall St.", and Michael Gladden Jr., this community has a vibrant history. Stay tuned for more summer episodes!

Join us for an educational discussion with Vice President of the Apopka Museum, Ms. Francina Boykin, about Apopka's 19th century Black community and history. From paddling up and down the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run, to the establishment of a community from scratch at Mead's Bottom, there are many incredible stories of hardship, survival, perseverance, and success in frontier Apopka. Please stay tuned for our next episode of the Black History Month Series.

For our second episode of the Apopka Museum's Black History Month Series 2026, Joshua McMillan (host) sits down with Dr. Robert Williams, a lifelong Apopkan who is the first Black PHD Graduate from our city. Raised in the 1940's and 50's under Jim Crow segregation, his story of academic success in the musical field at Bethune-Cookman University along with his late brother's success, Alonzo Williams Jr., who was the first Black City Commissioner in Apopka, constitute a lasting family legacy that inspires many young Black students today. More episodes coming soon!

In honor of Black History Month, we are sitting down with local prominent Black members of our community. In this episode Joshua McMillan (host) talks with Linda Lee, an advocate, artist, and member of the Farmworker Association of Florida. She has shed light through her voice and artwork on the Ecological Disaster of Lake Apopka and its human toll due to pesticide poisoning at the "muck farms". Stay tuned for more episodes from this series!