Happy Thursday South Laker! Lake County commissioners are officially weighing a vote to bump our local option gas tax up to the state max of 12 cents per gallon, and we want to know where you stand. But it's not all policy, we’re also spotlighting a local gem serving up an authentic New York-style pizza.
Let’s dive in…
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Orlando News 6
A 12-Cent Gas Tax in Lake County?
Lake County commissioners are officially weighing a significant hike to the local option gas tax, proposing an increase from 7 cents per gallon up to the state maximum of 12 cents.
The extra 5 cents per gallon is desperately needed to fund, expand, and maintain our rapidly growing local road network. If approved, the revenue would be shared between Lake County and our local cities like Clermont, Groveland, and Minneola to tackle infrastructure strain. While the tax wouldn't actually kick off until January 2028 (running through 2038), local advocacy groups are already sounding the alarm.
📊 Reader Poll
Lake County is considering raising the local gas tax from 7¢ to 12¢ per gallon starting in 2028 to fix and expand our roads. Where do you stand?
- Fix The Roads: I’m willing to pay an extra 5¢ a gallon if it means fixing traffic and potholes in South Lake.
- Inflation is Already Too High: Absolutely not. Families are stretched too thin, and we shouldn't be penalized for our long commutes.
- Meet Me in the Middle: I support a smaller increase, but jumping straight to the 12¢ maximum is too aggressive.
Poll Results:
In our last issue, we asked a confession-booth style question about a South Lake landmark: When was the last time you went to the top of the Citrus Tower? With 51 total votes, the results reveal a hilarious split between local tour guides and daily commuters harboring a tiny secret.
39.22% (20 votes) - The "Shameful Secret": The largest group of readers admitted they drive past the iconic tower every single day but have never actually been up to the top. (Don't worry, your secret is safe with us!)
37.25% (19 votes) - The Proud Patrons: You've been up recently, absolutely love showing the tower off to out-of-town visitors, or use it as the ultimate perch to catch the distant theme park fireworks.
21.57% (11 votes) - Overdue for a Visit: You know the view is great, but it’s been a few years since you stepped into the elevator. Consider this your sign to go grab a coffee downstairs and head up!
1.96% (1 vote) - The Old-Schoolers: Just a single nostalgic voter hasn't been up to the observation deck since they were a kid or since the legendary citrus grove days.
🐕 Together with Humane Society of Lake County
Dyno is an adorable 8-month-old male Hound mix, currently weighing a healthy 38 lbs. This happy pup loves to explore the play yard, romp with other dogs, and cool off with a good splash in the pool.
He is currently in an 11-week training program with The Greyhound Advancement Center! He is busy learning intermediate obedience and fun trick skills to prepare him for his forever home. He will officially graduate from his training program on June 26, 2026, and will be ready to join his new family shortly after.
The adoption fee is $200 and you can fill out the adoption application today at www.humanelake.com/dogs.
🏡 South Lake Homes
Image credit to Realtor.com
South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!
Home 1
Price: $499,995
Address: 16885 Meadows St, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 2,568 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2019
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $570,000
Address: 4332 Fawn Meadows Cir, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,772 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2001
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Future Growth Blueprint
Lake County leaders have officially received the initial draft of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, a massive document that will dictate local growth policies for the next two decades. This master strategy focuses heavily on managing rapid commercial and housing developments while safeguarding environmental assets and expanding choked transportation networks.
Unusual Tremors Reported
Precautionary building inspections were triggered at the Lake County Administration building following suspected ground tremors felt across Central Florida. The unexpected local vibrations are believed to be connected to a powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Cuba earlier this week.
Elite Maternity Care
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has achieved a prestigious Level 1 maternal care verification from The Joint Commission, marking it as the only verified facility of its kind in Lake County. This stringent clinical designation confirms that the hospital possesses the specialized equipment, advanced resources, and certified medical expertise required to safely navigate low- to moderate-risk pregnancies.
Cultivating Local Kindness
Members of the Clermont Garden Club are driving a dedicated community service campaign to beautify residential areas and support local early learning programs. Volunteers recently stepped up to install vibrant flowering plant beds at the Minneola Place assisted living facility while leading hands-on horticultural craft sessions for children at Head Start of Clermont.
✅ South Lake Shortlist
3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for the best tech repair shops in town, here’s a list for you.
Device Doctorz (Clermont) - They offer completely free diagnostics, quick 30-minute turnarounds on most repairs, and a price-match policy backed by a solid 90-day warranty. It’s an ideal choice if you want upfront pricing and fast, local service without any financial risk just to find out what's wrong.
Techy Clermont (Clermont) - This shop stands out by providing an impressive lifetime warranty on parts and labor for their repairs, giving you ultimate long-term peace of mind. They are highly rated for great customer service, reasonable pricing, and having an on-site inventory of parts so your device doesn't have to be sent away for weeks.
ubreakifix (Clermont) - As an authorized repair provider partner for major brands like Apple, Google, and Samsung, they offer official OEM parts and standardized calibration that smaller independent shops can't always access. It is the go-to spot if you want corporate-backed reliability, certified technicians, and seamless handling of premium, newer-model devices.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Beanies Bin LLC via Google
Calabria Ristorante & NY Style Pizza
If you are looking for that truly authentic New York-style slice, Calabria Ristorante & NY Style Pizza over in East Towne Center is a local gem that delivers exactly what it promises. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, and their service is consistently attentive, and they do not skim on the portion sizes, meaning you'll almost always walk out with a box for the next day.
Popular Dish: While their specialty pastas like the Penne Alla Vodka and the hot subs are excellent, the absolute best thing on the menu is their classic 18" NY Style Cheese Pizza.
Location: 13900 County Rd 455, Suite #101, Clermont, FL 34711
Website: calabriasristorante.com
🗓️ Weekend Fun
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, June 11
Puzzles’ Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Friday, June 12
End of the Seanson Pick-up | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Professional Photography Sessions | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Register here
Clutch Munkee - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
BOND LIVING Golden Hour Live Music | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Dead Radio - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Florida Summer RV Showcase | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Angelo Caponi - LIVE Music | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, June 13
End of the Seanson Pick-up | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Professional Photography Sessions | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🎫 Register here
The Florida Run LEFTOVER Trail Race | Clermont
📍 Lake Louisa State Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 AM
🎫 Get tickets
Dale New Duo - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Justin Phillips - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Clermont Oyster Bar
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Florida Summer RV Showcase | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Double Shot - Free Music. Coffee. Good People | Minneola
📍 Tail Feather Coffee & Social House
🕰️ Starts at 9:30 AM
Lemonade Stand Cookie Decorating Class | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sunday, June 14
Citrus Tower 70th Anniversary | Clermont
📍 Citrus Tower
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 AM
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM
AdventHealth Cool Soomer Mornings Runs - Magical Unicorn | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Florida Summer RV Showcase | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Breakfast Buffet | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Cafe
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Farm Tour Hosted by Farmer Banks | Clermont
📍 9100 Sans Kaje Road
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Jeff Whitfield - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
❤️ Thanks!
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See you in the next edition!
