Happy Monday South Laker!
Hope you had a relaxing weekend! With Lake County students heading back to the classroom today, we’re leading off with everything you need to know for the 2026–2027 school year.
Plus, we’re spotlighting Mary Todd (a 67 lb German Shepherd mix who is pure love!), Detroit-style square pies at AJ's Pizza Joint in Minneola, a new student food pantry at Lake-Sumter State College, and trusted security solutions at Affordable Lock.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Leebursg Daily Commercial
Back-to-School 2026: Essential Essentials for South Lake Families
Lake County Public Schools kick off the 2026–2027 school year on Monday, August 10. Whether your kids are walking into Lake Minneola High, East Ridge, Aurelia M. Cole Academy, or any of our local elementary schools, here is the essential breakdown to get your household ready.
At-A-Glance:
Bus Transportation: Bus routes and stop schedules are updated live on the district portal. Parents are encouraged to double-check pickup times.
School Meals: Breakfast remains free for all Lake County students. Lunch assistance applications (Free/Reduced Meals) must be renewed annually via the district food service portal.
Major Calendar Holidays:
Labor Day: Sept 7 (No School)
Thanksgiving Break: Full week off
Winter Break: Two full weeks off
💡 Parent Tip: Plan for an extra 15–20 minutes on your morning commute!
📊 Community Poll
What is your household’s biggest adjustment as the school year starts?
Poll Results: Overwhelming Support for AI Data Center Freeze
We asked where you stand on Lake County placing a temporary ban on AI data center construction, and with 71 total votes cast, the community sentiment wasn't just clear—it was a resounding landslide in favor of pressing pause.
87.32% (62 votes) - Support the Ban: An overwhelming majority strongly supports the temporary moratorium. For most readers, safeguarding our local water supply, electric grid, and rural landscape must take priority over rapid technological expansion.
9.86% (7 votes) - Oppose the Ban: A small segment of voters pushed back against the freeze, arguing that county leaders shouldn't risk blocking economic development, tech sector investment, and potential commercial tax revenues.
2.82% (2 votes) - Need More Info: A tiny fraction of respondents felt their decision depends on specific project parameters. Namely, the scale of the facilities and where they would be zoned.
0.00% (0 votes) - Unsure: Zero voters chose to defer judgment entirely to county planners.
🐶 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Meet Mary Todd! 🐾
If you’re looking for a loyal best friend with a heart of gold, 6-year-old Mary Todd is ready to steal your heart. This sweet 67 lb German Shepherd mix absolutely adores people and wants nothing more than to be by your side. Whether that means curling up in her bed or soaking up lap cuddles, she will be devoted to you.
She’s ready for her forever home! Meet her today at the Lake County Animal Shelter.
🏡 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: $545,000
Address: 16222 Egret Hill St, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 3,018 sqft / 6 Bed / 4 Bath
Built in: 2006
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $569,000
Address: 10537 Versailles Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,204 sqft / 4 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1998
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Campus Food Security
Lake-Sumter State College cut the ribbon on a new Student Food Pantry at its South Lake Campus in Clermont. Built in partnership with South Lake Cares Food Pantry and the LSSC Foundation, the pantry gives students facing food insecurity a reliable, no-cost resource.
Accessible Community Mobility
SSS Non-Emergency Medical Transportation has expanded its door-to-door mobility services across South Lake County. The service offers seniors, patients, and individuals with disabilities dependable transit to medical appointments and essential care facilities, helping close a persistent gap in access to healthcare for residents who can't drive themselves.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Toast via Google
AJ's Pizza Joint in Minneola is a local favorite for anyone serious about pizza. Choose between thin, crispy hand-tossed New York style or thick, pan-baked Detroit style with its signature caramelized cheese crown, and expect bold flavor in every slice.
What to order:
Detroit Red Top Pie - A true Detroit-style square, baked in a pan until the cheese corners turn crispy and caramelized. Topped with white cheddar brick cheese, signature tomato sauce, and fresh basil.
Hot Honey Pie - A New York-style pie loaded with cupped pepperoni, a kick of chili flakes, and a generous drizzle of Extra Hot Mike's Hot Honey.
AJ's Garlic Nots - Warm, golden dough knots tossed in garlic oil and Grana Padano parmesan, served with rich marinara for dipping.
Meatball Trio - Hand-rolled daily from a beef, pork, and veal blend, finished with melted mozzarella and fresh basil.
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to Nate via Google
Affordable Lock & Security Solutions is Clermont's trusted, full-service security provider, delivering comprehensive protection for homes, businesses, and vehicles throughout Central Florida. Backed by decades of industry experience, our highly trained technicians handle it all, from emergency lockouts and key duplication to advanced access control systems, high-security safes, and CCTV installation.
Customers consistently praise their fast response times, honest pricing, and no-pressure guidance. When it comes to your safety, they believe in doing right by you, not upselling you.
🗓️ Local Events
Monday, August 10
Artful Escapes - Acrylic Lessons | Clermont
📍 South Lake Art League
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Survery Says | Clermont
📍 Buffalo Wild Wings
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Martini Monday in Dobel Lounge | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Women’s Travel Treasures Bag Swap | Clermont
📍 McAlister’s Deli
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
📍 Citrus Coffee Company
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Tuesday, August 11
AI After Dark: Community Exchange | Clermont
📍 2150 Oakley Seaver Drive
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday Night Run Group | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
Let’s Do Lunch | Clermont
📍 Another Broken Egg
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
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
📢 Civic
Voice your concerns!
Clermont
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) & City Council Joint Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ August 11, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
City Council Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ August 11, 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Clermont City Council & Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Joint Workshop
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ August 11, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Groveland
Recreational Advisory Committee Meeting
📍 Lake David Center
🕰️ August 11, All Day
Montverde
Town Election Caucus
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ August 11, 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Town Council Regular Meeting
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ August 11, Starts at 7:00 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!
