🟠 Big Awards, Brisket Burgers, & Cinco de Mayo

Happy Sunday South Laker!

There is an incredible amount of positive momentum to celebrate this week. From statewide honors for our dedicated educators to major investments in community health and safety, it’s a great time to take in the growth in South Lake.

— Charlie Ferrer

The Clermont City Council unanimously approved a $960,000 budget request on April 28 to expand the city's police department, funding eight new positions — four sworn officers and four community service officers (CSOs).

Police Chief John Graczyk called the expansion essential to keeping pace with growth in the "Choice of Champions" community. The CSOs will take on non-emergency calls such as minor traffic accidents and reports by freeing sworn officers to focus on high-priority emergencies and crime prevention.

Poll Results:

Based on the results from our recent newsletter, it’s clear that locals are currently navigating a high-pressure season of success. Of the 12 total votes, a commanding 75% (9 votes) reported that while they are managing the recent "traffic/growth", it’s actively testing their patience. It suggests that the community is feeling the "growing pains" of our current trajectory.

A clear retirement income plan starts with knowing your costs and building a portfolio that can meet them. Fisher Investments' Definitive Guide to Retirement Income helps investors with $1,000,000 or more structure a strategy built to last.

Download your free guide.

What’s inside the guide?

Beyond the basics, they look at how to stress-test your assumptions. If you’ve spent thirty years building your wealth, you shouldn't spend your retirement worrying if your math was off by 1%.

I hope you find the insights in the guide helpful for your long-term planning.

South Lake is booming! Our community continues to grow, so let’s find your Clermont home.

Home 1

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Home 2

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Roadway Safety Analysis
Lake County officials are presenting a comprehensive safety analysis to guide future infrastructure improvements across our roadways.

Major Disability Grant
A $250,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation is empowering Easterseals Florida to expand its disability health navigator program.

Statewide Education Honors
Assistant Principal Reshonda Scott of East Ridge High School was recently honored with a prestigious state award for excellence in educational leadership.

Environmental Stewardship
The "Planting a Future" initiative is mobilizing local residents to enhance our community canopy and promote environmental stewardship.

Library Cultural Workshop
The Minneola Library is hosting a Spanish cuisine demonstration with Chef Warren Caterson to bring unique cultural experiences to local residents.

The Brave Burger is highly regarded for its fresh ingredients and "warrior-themed" atmosphere. The atmosphere leans into its "Brave" branding with a clean, modern-warrior vibe. You should expect juicy, hand-pressed patties, slightly sweet toasted buns, and a level of service that makes you feel like the guest of honor at a victory feast.

You can submit an event here.

Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
📍 Foxtail Coffee
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta | Clermont
📍 Pepe’s Cantina
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Cinco de Miles | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

Cinco de Maya DJ at Ay! Jalisco | Clermont
📍 580 E Highway 50
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Solutions Networking | Clermont
📍 Cheeser's Palace
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Free Pizza at Suncreek Social | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM

5th Annual Hope Invitational Golf Tournament | Clermont
📍 Clermont National
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 PM

Business After Hours - Orlando Health South Lake Hospital | Clermont
📍 Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Justin Phillips LIVE | Clermont
📍 Clermont Oyster Bar
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

2nd Friday Block Party at Cherry Lake Park | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Young Professionals Monthly Meeting | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mom’s On Main | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mother’s Day High Tea & Purse Auction | Clermont
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

AdventHealth Girlz on Fire Triathlon & 5K | Clermont
📍 Clermont Water Front Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

The Hat Bar Experience | Clermont
📍 Clermont Waterfront Park
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Jazz On The Vineyard Green 2026 | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 10:00 AM -5:00 PM

Global Big Day | Minneola
📍 Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead
🕰️ 7:00 AM -11:00 AM

Outdoor Adventure Series: Kids Fish Casting Skills | Groveland
📍 450 S. Lake Ave
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Spring Concert (Live Music with Groove Infusion) | Montverde
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Spring Luau Youth Dance | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Bagels With Bill
📍 Panera Bread
🕰️ May 4, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Lunch with Mayor Murry
📍 GURU Restuarant
🕰️ May 5, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ May 5, Starting at 6:30 PM

Minneola

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ May 4, Starting at 6:30 PM

City Council Meeting
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ May 5, Starting at 6:30 PM

Groveland

City Council Meeting
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ May 4, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ May 7, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Montverde

Town Council Special Meeting
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ May 5, Starting at 6:30 PM

Mascotte

Council Meeting
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ May 5, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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!