For decades, the pages of The Apopka Chief told the story of Apopka sports through the words and photographs of John Peery.
Now, nearly three years after his passing, the longtime sports editor and journalist will be honored posthumously with the Vanguard Award as part of the 2026 Apopka Sports Hall of Fame class.
Peery, who died on Oct. 12, 2023, at age 67, was known throughout the community simply as “JP,” a writer whose dedication to local athletics helped preserve generations of Apopka sports history. Whether it was Friday night football at Roger Williams Field, a Little League afternoon, or a standout athlete earning statewide recognition, Peery made sure the community knew their stories mattered.
As editor-in-chief of The Apopka Chief and The Planter for decades, Peery became one of the most recognizable figures in Central Florida sports journalism. Many considered him the voice of Apopka, and described him as a respected writer, photographer and community figure who knew generations of Apopka families and athletes personally…