Happy Wednesday South Laker!
There’s a lot of buzz this week as we prep for one of our favorite local traditions, the Silver Spurs Rodeo, starting this Thursday! This iconic event brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend celebrating Western roots with exciting competitions.
Now, in today's edition:
The Digest: The biggest environmental event of the year.
Know Before You Go: Mandatory burn bans and event-related parking tips.
The Weekend Social: Wine strolls, ultra-triathlons, and live music.
South Laker Eats: A bubble tea shop with cozy vibes.
The Big Give: Cleaning up our waterways with Keep Lake Beautiful.
Vintage South Lake: The Ghost City of "Villa City".
Move This Week: The Florida Anvil Ultra Triathlon at Lake Louisa.
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
The Digest
Image Source: Lake County Conservation Council (LCCC)
Upcoming Celebration of Nature
The EcoExpo 2026 is one of the biggest environmental events of the year for Lake County, and it’s happening this Saturday. It’s essentially a giant "open house" for anyone who loves Florida’s natural landscape and wants to learn how to keep it that way.
This event is a collaborative effort between the Lake County Conservation Council (LCCC), SECO Energy, and the Lake County Water Authority. It’s a rare chance to have government agencies, non-profits, and eco-friendly businesses all in one spot.
Why should we care? With South Lake communities like Minneola and Groveland seeing some of the fastest growth in the state, the local residents have a front-row seat to the tension between new development and the "Real Florida" landscape.
We should be an active role in protecting our local water supply and wildlife corridors before they are permanently replaced by concrete.
Know Before You Go
🔥 Burn Ban: A mandatory burn ban is in effect for Groveland and surrounding Lake County due to drought risks. On the brightside, you are allowed to use gas, electric, and charcoal grills used for cooking. Groveland Community Updates
🅿️ Downtown Parking: Heading to the Wine Stroll on Saturday? You should plan to arrive 20 minutes early to snag a spot in the free public lot on Minneola Ave, as Montrose Street will be heavy with foot traffic. Clermont Main Street
🧥 Bundle Up: With record-breaking cold possible this weekend, outdoor events like the Farmers Market will be chilly. Be prepapre to wear layers and grab an extra coffee! Accuweather
🚧 Trail Caution: Watch for light smoke near Johns Lake Road due to recent proactive back-burns by the Fire Department; the air should clear up before the weekend. Clermont Community Updates
Live Music 🎶
Downtown Clermont Wine Stroll | 6:30 PM-9:00 PM - February 21 | Event Link
Location: 756 West Montrose Street, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Sample various wines while exploring the shops in our historic downtown district.
Weekends at the Winery | 12:00 PM-4:00 PM - February 21 & 22 | Event Link
Location: 19239 US Hwy 27 N., Clermont
Why You Should Go: Sip on local wine while enjoying live outdoor performances on the vineyard green.
Leesburg Blues-BQ | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM - February 21 | Event Link
Location: Downtown Leesburg
Why You Should Go: It’s hard to pass up on soulful blues and smoky BBQ flavors for a perfect Saturday night out.
The Roasted Spirit | Various Days and Times | Event Link
Artists
Layla Brisbois - 7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Feb 19
Laine Breeden - 7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Feb 20
Hear Right Now - 7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Feb 21
Location: 756 West Montrose Street, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Enjoy your night with fresh cocktails and shareable tapas that are made fresh daily.
Salt Shack on the Lake with Dale New Music | 5:00 PM-9:00 PM - Feb 21 | Event Link
Location: 846 W Osceola St., Clermont
Why You Should Go: Enjoy acoustic sets in front of the lake with some cocktails or beer. It’s your day to relax.
Family & Kids 📅
156th Silver Spurs Rodeo | Various Times - Feb 19-22 | Get Tickets
Location: 1875 Silver Spur Ln, Kissimmee
Why You Should Go: It’s worth the drive to watch a legendary tradition featuring bull riding and barrel racing.
Downtown Clermont Farmers Market | 9:00 AM-2:00 PM - Feb 22 | Event Link
Location: 752 West Montrose Street, Clermont
Why You Should Go: A local staple for fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a Sunday morning family stroll.
Community Events & Fun ☀️
Groveland City Council Workshop | 10:00 AM-2:00 PM - Feb 19 | Event Link
Location: 450 S. Lake Ave, Groveland
Why You Should Go: Get a firsthand look at the plans shaping the future of the "City with Natural Charm."
73rd Hank Wolek Beard Contest | 1:30 PM-6:30 PM - Feb 21 | Event Link
Location: 601 Cagan Park Ave, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Enjoy the fun of a live beard and mustache contest judged by a panel, followed by an energetic Elvis tribute show by Stevie G at 6:30 PM.
Sports, Fitness & Nature 🏆
Florida Anvil Ultra Triathlon | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM - February 19 | Event Link
Location: 7305 US-27, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Witness incredible athletes tackle ultra-distances in one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida.
EcoExpo 2026 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM - February 21 | Event Link
Location: 27341 FL-19, Tavares
Why You Should Go: Meet Florida wildlife at Critter Corner and meet the people and organizations protecting what makes Lake County home.
South Laker Eats
Image Source: Idrink Boba & Sandwiches
Idrink Boba & Sandwiches
A Vietnamese family-owned bubble tea shop in Minneola, Florida, serving a wide variety of drinks, tasty food, and cozy vibes that feel like a second home. It’s the perfect spot to relax after work or school or to hang out with friends in a cute, uplifting space.
Signature Move: Pair the “Idrink Signature Milk Tea” with a mini chicken sandwich for the perfect combo. If you’re not into milk tea, try one of their refreshing fruit teas instead.
Location: 556 S Hwy 27 ste A, Minneola
Website: idrinkboba.com
The Big Give
Image Source: Government of Lake County FL
Keep Lake Beautiful
Our lakes and trails are what make South Lake special, but they need our help to stay that way. You can sign up for the "Quest for a Cleaner Lake County" to help with litter cleanups and beautification projects. It's a great way to meet neighbors and give back to the land we love.
Click here to register as a volunteer and receive updates about future events. We’re encouraging local residents to get involved and help us preserve our beautiful lakes and vibrant communities.
Vintage South Lake
Image Source: Groveland Historical Museum
The Ghost City of "Villa City"
Just north of Groveland sits the site of Villa City, once hailed as the most ambitious development in South Lake. It was founded in the 1884 by George Thomas King, who worked for the Colgate Soap Company. It was a lavish resort community designed for wealthy northerners escaping the cold.
It had a massive hotel, a sawmill, and its own post office. However, the "Great Freeze" of 1894–1895 wiped out the citrus industry overnight. The town was abandoned so quickly it became a ghost town.
Most of it is now underwater or reclaimed by nature near Lake Emma and Lake Lucy. Some local divers and hikers still search for the ruins of the "King of Villa City’s" empire.
Move This Week
Image Source: Florida State Parks
Trail of the Week: Lake Louisa State Park
With the Florida Anvil Ultra Triathlon taking place this week, it’s the perfect time to experience the scenic trails at Lake Louisa. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or strolling with your dog, the park’s rolling hills and sparkling lake views offer some of the most beautiful landscapes in Florida.
Lake Louisa State Park, often called a natural theme park, is home to an impressive variety of wildlife—deer, bobcats, gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, and majestic birds like bald eagles and ospreys.
Location: 490 West Ave, Clermont
Website: Lake Lousisa State Park
Before You Go: Download their trail map.
Thanks ❤️
Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue brightened your morning, pass it along to someone else who could use a smile for this weekend.
