Happy Wednesday South Laker!
If stepping outside this week felt like walking into an oven, you’re not imagining it. With fall sports and marching band practices in full swing, keeping our kids safe in peak heat is critical right now.
In today’s issue, we’re introducing a 66 lb dog named Walter who buries treasure in the yard, checking out fire-grilled picanha at Braza in Minneola, and highlighting photo-worthy grazing tables in Clermont.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Central Florida Public Media
August Heat Index Soars as Fall Sports Kick Off
If July felt brutal across South Lake, brace yourself. Forecasters warn August could push temperatures even higher.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne has already issued 13 heat advisories this summer (issued when the heat index reaches 108°F or higher). For context, local meteorologists usually see only four or five by this point in the year.
Why It Matters: With Lake County students back in school this week, local health experts are issuing urgent warnings—especially for student-athletes and marching band members practicing outdoors during peak afternoon heat (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM).
📊 Community Poll
With heat index advisories hitting 108°F+, should Lake County Schools limit or move outdoor sports practices inside during August afternoons?
Poll Results: Back-to-School Gridlock Takes the Crown
As local families slip back into the school year routine, we asked what your household's biggest adjustment has been so far. With 3 total votes in, the early feedback shows that surviving the commute is top of mind for South Lake parents.
66.67% (2 votes) - Drop-Off Traffic Stress: Taking the top spot, two-thirds of respondents agree that navigating the school zone bottlenecks along US-27, Hancock Road, and local arterial corridors is the single hardest transition of the new school year.
33.33% (1 vote) - The After-School Juggling Act: One voter highlighted the chaos after the dismissal bell, focusing on managing stacked sports practices, extracurricular schedules, and nightly homework assignments.
0.00% (0 votes) - Alarm Clocks & Quiet Houses: Interestingly, zero votes were cast for struggling with early morning alarm clocks or celebrating a newly quiet house—proving that getting on the road takes priority over getting out of bed.
🐶 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Looking for a loyal companion with a big personality?
Meet Walter, a 5-year-old, 66 lb neutered male who is equal parts vocal advocate and toy connoisseur (he will bury treasure in your yard!). Walter needs an experienced home with structure, boundaries, and patience. He might not fall in love at first sight, but once you earn his trust, you’ll have a devoted best friend for life.
Interested? Walter is meet-by-appointment only. Call Lake County Animal Shelter today to schedule a visit!
🏡 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
Asking Price: $650,000
Price Reduction: N/A
Address: 1325 Blarney St, Clermont, FL 34715
Details: 2,926 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2023
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Asking Price: $650,000
Price Reduction: $25,000
Address: 12728 Cynthia Ln, Clermont, FL 34715
Details: 2,195 sqft / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Built in: 1994
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Back-to-School Support
More than 1,600 South Lake County educators were welcomed back for the new school year with widespread community support at the South Lake Chamber of Commerce's 36th Annual Teacher Appreciation event. Local businesses and community partners came together to provide teachers with goodie bags, door prizes, and $6,000 in school grants.
Record Holiday Giving
The Groveland Police Department, in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores, raised record-breaking funds during its annual "Christmas in July" toy and donation drive. The community-led effort will ensure local children in need receive toys, essential items, and support ahead of the holiday season.
Cultural Night Market
Downtown Clermont will host an Anime Night Market on September 12th, featuring local artisan vendors, cosplay activities, and family-friendly entertainment along Montrose Street. The free event reflects Clermont's growing downtown footprint and ongoing investment in diverse, local cultural programming.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Braza
Braza Minneola
Braza, located inside the Crooked Can food hall marketplace in Minneola, brings the bold, fire-grilled flavors of a traditional Brazilian steakhouse into a vibrant fast-casual setting. You can enjoy high-quality churrasco-style meats without the wait or formality of a sit-down restaurant. You can pair your steak with classic Brazilian comfort sides and a fresh craft beer from the brewery for a thoroughly satisfying meal.
Menu Highlights:
Signature Picanha Bowls / Plates - Fire-grilled rump cap steak, sliced to order and packed with smoky flavor from the open flame.
Churrasco Steak Sandwiches - Juicy picanha, Brazilian sausage, or grilled shrimp layered inside a crusty French baguette with savory house sauces.
Brazilian Sides & Appetizers - Traditional accompaniments like warm pão de queijo (cheese bread), seasoned black beans, rice, farofa, and crispy fried yuca.
Social Media:
Instagram: @brazaorlando
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to Ashley Mabe via Google
Big Boards Catering, based in Clermont, transforms events into unforgettable culinary experiences. Known for stunning, photo-worthy grazing tables and custom charcuterie boards loaded with premium meats, artisan cheeses, and fresh seasonal pairings, their team brings the same craftsmanship to everything they do. They handle it all, menu design to cleanup, so hosts can actually enjoy their own event.
For more information:
Location: 2643 Stargrass Cir, Clermont, FL 34715
Phone: (954) 778-0456
🗓️ Local Events
Wednesday, August 12
1 Million Cups Meeting | Clermont
📍 The View at Clermont National
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Music Bingo Hosted by FunkMaster K & Sweet Beatz | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Downtown Clermont Run Group | Clermont
📍 741 W Montrose St.
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Off Beat Bingo Night | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Karaoke Wednesdays at Mullets | Clermont
📍 Mullets
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, August 13
Off Beat Bingo Night | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Allie Sawicki - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Trivia Hosted by Puzzles Entertainment | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Karaoke Contest / $1000.00 Prize | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Musical Bingo Fundraiser | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday, August 14
Kaci Jo - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Rob Nichols - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Switch / 80s Night | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Late Night Karaoke | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
📢 Civic
Voice your concerns!
Groveland
Ethics Advisory Committee Meeting
📍 Lake David Center
🕰️ August 13, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
❤️ 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!
