🟠 Big News for Clermont & 20+ South Lake Events

Happy Sunday South Laker!

It feels like there is always something new popping up in South Lake—and that’s a great thing in our corner of Florida! We have pulled together the latest town updates, some "worth the drive" events, and a few local spots to grab a great meal.

Let’s dive into what is happening around town:

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

According to the Orlando Business Journal, the beloved Mediterranean bowl and pita restuarant is officially in the works to take over the old Ruby Tuesday site in Clermont. This news just broke this week, and it’s a big deal for those of us looking for fresh, health-forward meals that don't involve a drive to Orlando.

The plans include a major renovation of the existing building to bring CAVA’s "Project Soul" design to life and a much-needed dinning options for Clermont.

While we don't have an exact opening date yet, construction is expected to kick off soon, signaling another huge step in our city's commercial growth.

You can submit an event here.

Bagels with Council Member Bill Petersen | Clermont
📍 Panera Bread
🕰️ All Day, Starts at 9:00 AM

Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
📍 Holiday Inn Express
🕰️ 8:30 Am - 9:30 AM

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting | Minneola
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

City Council Meeting | Groveland
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

City Council Meeting | Minneola
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting | Minneola
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

Technology Refresh | Montverde
📍 Helen Lehmann Memorial Library
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Story Time in the Library | Montverde
📍 Helen Lehmann Memorial Library
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Town Council Wokrshop Meeting | Montverde
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM

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

Business After Hours - Sunshine Book Co. | Clermont
📍 647 Lake Ave.
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets Here

Wine Walk at Southern Hill Farms | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Ribbon Cutting - Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Ribbon Cutting - 10th Anniversary - Daniela Martinez, Financial Advisor | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

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

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

Move with MADD (Walk & 5k Run) | Clermont
📍 Clermont Waterfront Park
🕰️ 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

17th Annual Bras for the Cause and Boxers too! | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tracks & Scat | Clermont
📍 Ferndale Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 9:00 AM

Hop Into Autism Awareness and Easter Egg Hunt Event | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Watershed Wednesdays | Tavares
📍 Hickory Point Preserve
🕰️ April 8, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Springtime at Lake May | Eustis
📍 Lake May Reserve
🕰️ April 9, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Discover Leesburg | Leesburg
📍 Towne Square, Downtown
🕰️ April 10, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Mount Dora’s Art in the Alley | Mount Dora
📍 Renninger’s Antique Center
🕰️ April 10, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Live Entertainment at Conquistador | Howey-in-the-Hills
📍 Conquistador Bar & Restaurant
🕰️ April 10, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Major League Fishing (BFL Gator 4) | Leesburg
📍 Venetian Gardens
🕰️ April 11, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Florida Military Collector Show | Mount Dora
📍 Renninger's Antique Center
🕰️ April 11, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Candy Land Showdown Sand Volleyball Tournament Festival | Tavares
📍 Hickory Point Recreational Park
🕰️ April 11, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Civic
The City of Clermont just earned national recognition for excellence in municipal operations. It’s always good to see our "Choice of Champions" getting some love on the big stage.

Traffic
Motorists should expect rotating northbound and southbound lane closures on S.R. 33 between Domenico Court and Parkwood Street. Work will occur nightly from April 5 – April 10 (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.) for milling, resurfacing, and striping.

Cause
The 2026 Move with MADD 5K is hitting the Clermont Waterfront Park this Saturday. It’s a great way to support a vital cause while getting your miles in by the lake.

Business
The South Lake Chamber is hosting "Business After Hours" at Sunshine Book Co. this Thursday. It’s a perfect chance to support a local indie bookstore while networking.

Outdoors
Southern Hill Farms is officially in Spring U-Pick mode. The blueberries are looking perfect right now, and the "Fun Zone" is open for the kids.

Dinning Deals
Explore a variety of dining options in Clermont with these great local deals. You can enjoy authentic flavors at Taco Maniaa with vouchers valued at $15, $30, or $60—offering savings of up to 25% off your meal. If you're in the mood for casual favorites, grab a $25 eGift Card for Moe's Southwest Grill to spend on burritos, bowls, and tacos.

Grocery Deals
Grab the best deals from Publix, Aldi, and Sprouts today. Your grocery haul just got a lot cheaper—start saving now!

The Essentials
If you spent many afternoons navigating the trails at Lake Louisa State Park and paddling through the Crooked River, having the right gear can make or break your day in the Florida sun. I’ve curated this list of 25 outdoor essentials specifically for our region.

This is the real-deal Cuban sandwich without the drive to Miami. This family-run spot is the definition of a hidden gem. It’s tucked away near Home Depot, but serving up flavors that are anything but quiet. The sandwiches are perfectly pressed, and the vibe is as friendly as a neighborhood kitchen. It’s consistent, fresh, and exactly what a local lunch spot should be.

South Lake is booming! As our community continues to grow, so do the opportunities to find your perfect Montverde home.

Home 1

Home 2

You simply cannot have fried catfish without a basket of these. These hush puppies are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside with just a hint of sweetness from the cornmeal.

It’s a rustic, nostalgic side dish that brings the taste of the Gulf Coast right to your South Lake kitchen. They are incredibly simple to whip up and far better than anything you’ll find in a frozen bag.

Here’s the recipe, so start cooking!

Meet Dyno, an adorable 8-month-old Hound mix who is ready to find his forever family. At 38 lbs, he’s the perfect medium-sized companion for your next adventure. Whether he’s exploring the play yard with his signature hound curiosity or making a splash in the pool, Dyno’s zest for life is contagious.

Ready to meet him? Dyno is available at Humane Society of Lake County by appointment—call (352) 589-7400 to schedule a visit!

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 this week.

See you in the next edition!