Happy Sunday South Laker! What an incredible weekend. The Jerk Festival at Clermont Waterfront Park was packed with amazing music and unbelievable food. Now, time for some serious recovery! We have great news this week filled with events that you’ll enjoy.

Let’s dive in.

β€” Charlie Ferrer

🟠 South Lake News

Image credit to Orange County Regional History Center

70 Years at the Top

It’s hard to imagine the South Lake horizon without our most famous landmark. This month, the iconic Clermont Citrus Tower officially celebrates 70 years of standing tall over Lake County!

When it opened on July 14, 1956, the 226-foot structure was surrounded by miles of lush, sweet-smelling orange groves. While those rolling groves have mostly transitioned into the thriving communities of Clermont, Minneola, and Groveland we know today, the tower remains an enduring symbol of Florida's golden years.

To honor seven decades of history, the Citrus Tower is throwing a massive, free community celebration during their Orange Crush event on Sunday, June 14, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

🟠 Communiy Poll

Poll Results:

In our last issue, we asked what your absolute favorite part of the annual Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival. While the voting booth was on the quiet side this time around with just 3 total votes, the feedback points to one clear truth: the way to South Lake’s heart is definitely through the stomach.

  • 66.67% (2 votes) - The Food: The majority of you are there for the main event and eat all the jerk chicken, curry, and beef patties you can handle!

  • 33.33% (1 vote) - The Cause: One thoughtful voter put the spotlight on community impact, choosing the satisfaction of knowing a fun day out helps fund local scholarships and storm relief.

  • 0.00% (0 votes) - Music, Culture & Contests: Surprisingly, the steel drums, Island Flag Parade, petting zoo, and the legendary limbo contest didn't get any solo love as a number one priority this timeβ€”though we know they make the vibes immaculate.

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🏑 South Lake Homes

South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!

Home 1

  • Price: $569,995

  • Address: 1397 Lattimore Dr, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Details: 3,300 sqft / 5 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 2007

  • Garage: 4 Cars

  • HOA: $323 per month

Home 2

  • Price: $625,000

  • Address: 2450 View Ridge Way, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Details: 4,077 sqft / 5 Bed / 5 Bath

  • Built in: 2006

  • Garage: 3 Cars

  • HOA: $59 per month

πŸ“° Community Impact

Contested Minneola Annexation
Lake County and the City of Minneola are locked in a high-stakes dispute over a massive 320-acre annexation proposal intended for industrial development. County officials are aggressively fighting the plan, citing severe violations of joint planning agreements and major concerns over rapid, uncoordinated growth along local corridors.

Middle School Merger
Lake County school board officials are advancing plans for a significant middle school merger to optimize resources and address shifting student populations. The upcoming restructuring aims to modernize facilities and streamline academic programming, but parents are demanding transparency regarding altered bus routes and school zoning maps.

Tax Code Overhaul
The Lake County Property Appraiser is preparing to implement crucial new changes to the local tax code that will impact thousands of property owners. The upcoming modifications aim to update valuation methods, adjust exemption criteria, and streamline annual assessment processes across the county.

Fraudulent Invoice Warning
Lake County officials have issued an urgent community advisory warning local residents and business owners about deceptive, fraudulent third-party invoices circulating through the mail. Scam artists are mimicking official government documentation and demanding immediate payment for non-existent administrative or licensing fees.

🍽️ South Lake Eats

Image credit to Dannydia Centeno via Google

Troy’s Cuban Deli

Troy's Cuban Deli is highly regarded serving some of the best, most authentic Miami-style Cuban food in the area. The vibe inside is bright, clean, and incredibly casual with a classic, welcoming cafeteria-style setup. From the second you walk in, the staff treats you like family, and the portions they dish out are absolutely massive for what you pay.

Top Recommendation: Cuban Sandwich
This is the absolute star of the menu. You’ll love how perfectly pressed the authentic Cuban bread is, holding together an incredible amount of their savory, house-made slow-roasted pork, ham, melty Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Plus, it comes with a side of their highly addictive, house-fried plantain chips.

  • Location: 1211 Oakley Seaver Dr. Suite 113, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Phone: (352) 241-4295

🍷 Featured Event

Image Credit to Root & Branch Bistro+Bar

5 Course Martini Dinner

Experience a showcase of our culinary team's most creative and luxurious flavors with this exclusive five-course dinner. For the ultimate experience, add the optional martini pairingβ€”a vibrant journey through unexpected and unforgettable cocktails.

🎫 Make your reversations here

πŸ—“οΈ Events

You can submit an event here.

Monday, June 8

Love & Light Chair Yoga | Clermont
πŸ“ Clermont Arts & Recreation Center Room 2
πŸ•°οΈ 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM


Tuesday, June 9

5 Course Martini Dinner | Clermont
πŸ“ Root & Branch Bistro+Bar
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 6:30 PM


Wednesday, June 10

Line Dancing | Clermont
πŸ“ The Station
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
πŸ“ 1675 Hancock Rd.
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wacky Wednesday Waterday | Groveland
πŸ“ Cherry Lake Park
πŸ•°οΈ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


Thursday, June 11

Puzzles’ Trivia League | Clermont
πŸ“ The View
πŸ•°οΈ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM


Friday, June 12

Professional Photography Sessions | Clermont
πŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
πŸ•°οΈ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Register here

Clutch Munkee - LIVE Music | Clermont
πŸ“ Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
πŸ•°οΈ 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

BOND LIVING Golden Hour Live Music | Clermont
πŸ“ The View Clermont
πŸ•°οΈ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Dead Radio - LIVE Music | Clermont
πŸ“ The Station
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Florida Summer RV Showcase | Clermont
πŸ“ 2480 South Highway 27
πŸ•°οΈ 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Angelo Caponi - LIVE Music | Groveland
πŸ“ Barrels and Boards
πŸ•°οΈ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM


Saturday, June 13

Dale New Duo - LIVE Music | Clermont
πŸ“ Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
πŸ•°οΈ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Justin Phillips - LIVE Music | Clermont
πŸ“ Clermont Oyster Bar
πŸ•°οΈ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Professional Photography Sessions | Clermont
πŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
πŸ•°οΈ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
🎫 Register here

The Florida Run LEFTOVER Trail Race | Clermont
πŸ“ Lake Louisa State Park
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 7:00 AM
🎫 Get tickets

Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
πŸ“ 1675 Hancock Rd.
πŸ•°οΈ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Florida Summer RV Showcase | Clermont
πŸ“ 2480 South Highway 27
πŸ•°οΈ 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
πŸ“ Lake Hiawatha Preserve
πŸ•°οΈ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Lemonade Stand Cookie Decorating Class | Groveland
πŸ“ Barrels and Boards
πŸ•°οΈ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

πŸ—“οΈ Civic

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

City Council Meeting
πŸ“ Clermont City Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 9, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Minneola

No council meeting this week.

Groveland

Ethics Advisory Committee Meeting
πŸ“ EOC
πŸ•°οΈ June 11, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Montverde

Town Council Regular Meeting
πŸ“ Town Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 9, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
πŸ“ Town Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 10, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Mascotte

No council meeting this week.

❀️ Thanks!

If you found something useful in this newsletter, pass it along to your friends and family, and especially those still looking for things to do.

See you in the next edition!

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