Survey Results, Perfect 28, and Tortas

Here is everything you need to know about Apex, NC for the week of Thursday, July 17 - Wednesday July 23, 2025.

Author

Adam Whitaker
July 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 16 minutes

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👋 Good morning, Apex! Today is Thursday, July 17th, 2025 and this is the 28th weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

Today’s newsletter is perfection 🤌 

How do I know?

Well… it’s the 28th issue and 28 is a perfect number, which means that it’s equal to the sum of its proper divisors (1 + 2 + 4 + 7 + 14 = 28).

Isn’t that cool?

It’s not at all, is it?

Got it. Moving on... Last week, I invited you to take a brief survey.

And based on a few comments in that survey, I want to make some clarifications:

1 - I do not work for the Town of Apex and myself nor The Peak Weekly has any affiliation with the Town whatsoever.

2 - No, I am absolutely not prepping to run for any sort of political office now or any time in the future. Props to those who do. But that ain’t me.

I think that some readers thought, understandably so, that I was trying to gain some sort of secret intel to benefit in some way.

Look… I’m a man of the people. I’m just here putting in my blood, sweat and tears (that’s a little dramatic; there hasn’t been any blood… but definitely some sweat and a few tears) to bring exceptional value. No ads, no cost, no nothin (except maybe the occasional free coffee).

My intention was solely to learn about any remaining potential pain points that existed in the community related to information-gathering so that The Peak Weekly could, if possible, fill some of those voids with our content.

It was just a learning exercise for me. I appreciate the skepticism, but there is no other motive. Pinky promise.

In the interest of transparency, here are the results of the survey:

  • The aggregate ranking of newsletter topics from most important to least important was: Things to Do, Local Business, Miscellaneous Items, Local Government, A Look Ahead

  • 65% said information about Sweetwater was either Very or Somewhat Important. 23% were Neutral. 13% didn’t care.

  • 72% said they have gone somewhere or done something that they wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for the newsletter. How cool is that?!

  • 94% said we should do more behind-the-scenes type content. (Heard you loud and clear - stay tuned).

  • The aggregate ranking of topics that people want more of from highest to lowest: More detail on development projects, events / things to do, interviews/stories about local business, interviews/stories about local residents, kids activities. A couple of write-in suggestions were: a better version of the Apex Program Guide (a calendar format) and volunteer opportunities.

  • 77% rated the Town’s communication as Pretty Good or Excellent. Quick side note - and not to take anything away from the Town - but quite a few people referenced this newsletter as the reason for the high rating (reminder: we are not associated with the Town). For what it’s worth, there were also tons of positive comments about the Mayor’s pro-active and transparent communication (like this one), as well as several appreciative comments towards Councilmember Terry’s active communication.

  • When asked about challenges that you face as a resident (this was a write-in question where you could say anything), aside from a few comments, they all basically said traffic, over-development, over-crowding and lack of sidewalks. The miscellaneous comments were not enough indoor recreational space, affordable senior living options, utility billing, and rising childcare costs.

  • When asked if you could be Mayor for the day (and have unlimited powers), what would you do… those answers were basically to fix the challenges listed in the previous question. Whoever said, “declare war on Cary” - that made me laugh.

  • Lastly, an aggregate rating on the vote of new features you’d like to see in a website or app form highest to lowest: Add event reminders to your calendar, find local businesses based on certain criteria, provide an easy way to get development project updates, provide real-time traffic alerts, provide real-time crime reporting, provide more info about a certain neighborhood or retail area, meet new people, chat with other residents.

Based on this feedback, we’re working initially on some better info around Sweetwater and releasing our new and improved development project tracker. More info next week!

On that note, today is World Emoji Day so it’s my time to shine. Let’s do this 💪 

Miscellaneous:

👩‍🚒 Camp Ignite
Camp Ignite is a 5-day summer camp for girls 14-18 that demonstrates what a career in public safety can look like by providing an immersive experience. Today is day 4. Check out some cool photos from the camp on AFD’s Facebook.

🏥 NC Children’s Health Campus
By now, I’m sure you have heard the big news. But if you missed it or just want some additional information, you can find everything you need to know here.

🚣‍♂️ Most Visited Park
The Triangle Business Journal released the most-visited NC state parks, ranked by 2024 attendance. Jordan Lake was #1 with 2,245,182 visitors in 2024 (down from 2,560,888 in 2023).

🏞️ Nature Park Bridge to Reopen
The bridge that connects the two sides of Apex Nature Park will reopen, following necessary maintenance, to all public access on Saturday, weather permitting.

💼 #1 in the Nation for Business
North Carolina has regained the top position from CNBC as ‘America’s Top State for Business in 2025’. The annual ranking evaluates all 50 states across 135 metrics in 10 key categories of competitiveness, including economy, business friendliness, workforce, infrastructure, and more. 

🅿️ Saunders Lot Status
Cast-in-place concrete retaining wall is complete. Storm drainage installation is over 60% complete. Initial layer of paving (1 of 2) is complete. Final paving and markings in Phase 1 are slated for completion by end of August. Once complete, the southern lot will reopen to the public and provide approximately 200 new parking spaces. See some updated photos here.

🏞️ Beaver Creek Greenway Status
The new section of Beaver Creek Greenway from Kelly Road Park to the Nature Park may look complete, but it is still under construction! Please avoid using this section until it officially opens to the public. More info here.

🌈 Honor Your Pet at the Rainbow Bridge
Located on the Beaver Creek Greenway just beyond the Target (near the Beckett Crossing neighborhood), visitors are invited to bring their pet’s collar and attach it to the bridge rails as a lasting tribute.

🍁 Fall Program Registration
Fall registration for Parks & Rec programs opens up on Monday. View the Sept - Dec 2025 Program Guide here.

⚽️ Wake Women’s Soccer League
Fall registration is now open for 30+ and 40+ Divisions. Season starts September 7. Learn more and register here.

Things to Do This Week in Apex:


Thursday, July 17

❓️Family Trivia Night
6pm - 8pm | Apex Senior Center

🖼️ Teen Squeegee Art
6:30pm - 7:30pm | Eva Perry Library

🎤 Flamenco and Covers
7:30pm - 10pm | Peak of the Vine

Friday, July 18

🪲 Crowder by Night: Beetle Mania
5pm - 6pm | Crowder Park

🐶 Dog Adoption & Ask A Vet Day
5:30pm - 8pm | Vicious Fishes

🛍️ Night Market on the Park
6pm - 10pm | Sweetwater Town Center

🥂 1st Anniversary Celebration
6pm - Late | The Backyard Bar

Saturday, July 19

👨‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
8am - 12pm | The Depot

🚘️ Cars and Coffee (Exotic Car Theme)
8am - 11am | Sweetwater Town Center

🎨 SuperFun Saturday
10:30am - 12:30pm | The Halle

🪴 Plant/Seed Swap
2pm - 2:45pm | The Peak Church

🥂 1st Anniversary Celebration
4pm - Late | The Backyard Bar

🌹Live Music: Maverick Rose
6:30pm - 9pm | Southern Peak Brewery

🎹 Live Music w/ Monometrics
8pm - 11pm | Peak of the Vine

🎷 Nightlife Boogie
8pm | Exchange Barbershop & Lounge

🌺 Moana 2 Movie Night
8:45pm - 10:45pm | Nature Park Amphitheatre

Sunday July 20

🧀 Salem Street Tasting: Pimento Cheese 
2pm - 6pm | Oaklyn Springs Apex

🏴‍☠️ Downtown Apex Treasure Hunt
2pm - 3pm | Oaklyn Springs Apex

Local Business

Not much to report over the past week in terms of new biz, so let’s just do a quick recap of some recent news in case you have missed any of it:

🔦 Business Spotlight:

If there’s one thing about me that you should know… it’s that I love me a good food truck.

Today, I wanted to spotlight El Rey del Taco.

If you’re not familiar, it’s a big purple food truck that sits in the Shell parking lot at W. Williams / Olive Chapel.

So what’s so great about them?

For one, they have - hands down - the most incredible Torta I have ever had. I’ve had many Tortas in my life and nothing compares to the Especial from El Rey del Taco.

In addition to that, they serve Oaxacan-style Mexican food.

Like the rest of Mexican cuisine, Oaxacan food is based on staples such as corn, beans, and chile peppers, but there is a great variety of other ingredients and food preparations due to the influence of the state's varied geography and indigenous cultures.

Oaxaca is also the birthplace of corn and the largest producer and exporter of mezcal (tequila). The chef and owner of El Rey del Taco is a native of Oaxaca.

So I guess what I’m saying is… I just planned your lunch for today.

Civil News:

📲 Signs & Apps
You’ve probably noticed the new parking lot signs downtown. But have you downloaded the app yet? 30-second video explainer.

♿️ Specialized Recreation Opportunities
In honor of National Disability Independence Day, Apex Parks is hosting their next Learning Lunch on Wednesday, July 23 from 12pm - 1pm at the Senior Center. Learn about Journey League, sensory bags, inclusion tents and more.

🗳️ Town Council Election
Three Apex Town Council seats are up for election on November 4. Candidates can file through noon tomorrow. As of right now, those running are (in order of how News & Observer has them listed): TJ Evans, Ed Gray (incumbent), Mary Miskimon, Sue Mu, Andre Powell, Shane Reese.

🌲 Running for Office? Plant a Tree!
Every odd year, the Cary Tree Archive hosts Candidates Planting Day, where those standing for public office can plant a tree to demonstrate to voters their commitment to conservation and beautification. Candidates are invited to plant a tree in the Archive on Saturday, October 11th at noon. Candidates from Apex, Cary, and Morrisville will be planting on that day. In the words of the Archive, “See a Democrat, a Republican, and a Libertarian cooperating to plant a tree in a civilized manner that many of us constituents wish politicians would demonstrate in attacking the problems that affect our society today.” Candidates are invited to come plant, while everyone else is invited to meet and talk with the candidates while they plant noble native hardwood trees.

🏚️ Tunstall House Renovation Project
The Historic Tunstall House, located adjacent to the Senior Center, will soon be undergoing renovations as the Town prepares it for future use. This project will impact the Apex Senior Center parking lot and is projected to start in mid August and last around 12 months. Full update here.

🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates

Thursday, July 17
Environmental Advisory Board
6pm | Town Hall

Thursday, July 24
CommUniversity: Writing Your Neighborhood History
6pm - 8pm | Senior Center

A Look Ahead:

July 26, 2025
Summer Slam 3v3 Basketball
11am - 3pm | John Brown Community Center

August 1, 2025
First Friday at Sweetwater
6pm - 10pm | Sweetwater Town Center

August 13, 2025
Mix, Mingle, and Meet the Mayor
3:30pm - 5:30pm | The Reserve at Mills Farm

In Case You Missed it:

⛈️ Flooding in NC: How to Help
Chantal brought heavy rain and intense flooding to central NC on Sunday, heavily impacting areas in Alamance, Orange, Durham and Chatham counties. Homes and businesses were flooded and badly damaged. People needed to quickly evacuate, and there have been five confirmed deaths. If you are able to, you can help by make a donation and/or view supply drop-off locations at Operation Providing Hope.

🌴 What Kind of Trees Do You Want?
Help plan for the upcoming annual 'Plant the Peak' program by taking this survey and sharing your top three preferred tree species.

👮 APD Community Police Academy
The annual Community Police Academy starts September 4. If you are interested in learning more about our the police department and the law enforcement profession, or are interested in joining the Citizens Assisting Police in Apex volunteer group, email [email protected] for an application. Deadline to apply is Friday, August 8.

🚰 Utility Updates
The new utility billing portal, MyAccount, is now live. Watch for your July bill in the mail with your new account number so you can register in the new portal. Also, you have until July 31 to request your bill recalculation.

A Final Note:

Thank you for taking time out of your day today to read this week’s edition of The Peak Weekly.

As always, if you have any ideas of how to make this newsletter better, want to nominate a local business or organization to be featured, or anything else, please respond to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

See you next Thursday... 😘