Developing Story: Becker resigns from Apopka City Commission

The Apopka City Council is losing its longest-standing member one meeting earlier than expected.

Commissioner Kyle Becker, who announced last June he would not run for re-election, has resigned his seat.

In a letter to Apopka City Clerk Susan Bone, and posted on his Facebook page, Becker explained the details of his resignation.

"Please accept and record this correspondence as my immediate and unconditional resignation as Commissioner of Seat 3. The nature of this action is the result of the sale of my homestead property earlier today, whereas I no longer have a legal address in which to claim residency in the City of Apopka.

This letter represents the last official public record of my service, and as such, I would like to thank the residents and voters of the City of Apopka for entrusting me as their representative over the past 8 years. While I have never missed a City Council meeting during my tenure, I will unfortunately have to miss the last, for which I deeply apologize. I wish Apopka and her residents a positive and prosperous future.

The distinction of Vice Mayor will transition to the City Council's most senior Commissioner per Article II, 2.04 (f) of the Apopka City Charter. I've had the great privilege of serving with Commissioner Diane Velazquez over these many years, during which she has shown a great heart for this community. Let me now be the first to extend my congratulations to her on becoming Vice Mayor for the City of Apopka.

Thank you, and farewell."

In February, Becker announced his intent to move from Apopka.

"Our story started here, and many great chapters written since, but it is time for new adventures! We are so grateful for the many amazing friendships we have made here in Apopka, we have been truly blessed. Don’t fret, not going too far…"

Becker entered the Apopka political scene in 2016 with an upset victory over 40-year incumbent Bill Arrowsmith for Seat #4 on the city commission. He defended his seat in 2020, lost a narrow mayoral election in 2022, and then returned to win Seat #3 in a special election, also in 2022.

He released the following statement to The Apopka Voice about moving from Apopka:

"Though not a factor at the time of my previous decision not to seek re-election for Seat 3, circumstances over the past months have changed, and our family has made the decision to move outside of Apopka. We are in the process of listing our primary Apopka residence for sale, however, I plan to serve the remainder of my term as the sales process is finalized.
 
This was a difficult decision to make, knowing the many friendships we have formed and the countless happy memories we have made during our 17 years here in Apopka.  This city will forever be the special place Kelly and I decided to start our family, and Apopka will always be our daughters’ hometown.
 
My decision to serve the remainder of my term is consistent with how I have always treated this role, fully committed, having never missed a City Council meeting during my nearly 8 years in office. During that time, I made the best decisions I thought possible to improve the lives of our existing residents, while also seeking opportunities for those that will call Apopka home well into the future.  I’ve never been perfect, but have always been principled, and I thank the voters of Apopka again for giving me this great opportunity that I will never forget."

Becker's term ends after the Oath of Office ceremony on April 30th. Nadia Anderson, who won the Seat #3 election in March, will succeed him.

This is a developing story and will be continued in more detail in future editions of The Apopka Voice.