Happy Thursday South Laker!

If you live under an HOA, you are going to want to double-check your neighborhood's reserve funds today. Florida’s DBPR has officially launched a formal investigation. You can read more about it in this email.

To keep our spirits up,, we have some phenomenal local celebrations: Our classrooms just secured a consecutive overall "A" grade from the state, and we are tracking an awesome beach-vibe Ice Cream Flight over in downtown Groveland to beat the summer heat.

Let’s dive in…

— Charlie Ferrer

Homeowners in Clermont's Legends Golf and Country Club community are calling for accountability after Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) opened a formal investigation into their Homeowners Association.

The state's intervention comes after months of rising tension, steep special assessments, and a visible decline in neighborhood upkeep. Financial documents reviewed by local investigators show the community's reserve fund fell from roughly $1.5 million in early 2025 to about $376,000 a year later — leaving residents searching for an explanation for more than $1.1 million in missing funds.

Frustrated by a lack of response from management, about 70 households formed a grassroots group called Legends Unite, pooling their own money to retain an independent attorney. The DBPR has referred the case to its Office of General Counsel for further review.

Poll Results:

Following some stormy systems rolling through the area, we asked how your neighborhood held up during the weekend's severe weather. With 23 total votes,, the responses show that the vast majority of you got off relatively easy this time around.

Looking for a new best friend? Meet Trout, a handsome 2-year-old pup who just arrived at the Lake County Animal Shelter.

Because he’s a fresh face at the shelter, the staff are still getting to know his unique personality, but he's already turning heads! If you have room in your heart and home for a sweet boy ready for a fresh start, go visit Trout today.

Ready to meet him? Head over to the Lake County Animal Shelter or visit their website to learn more about the adoption process!

South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!

Home 1

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

Home 2

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

Top-Tier Education
Lake County Schools have officially earned an overall "A" grade from the state for the second consecutive year. This highly coveted academic distinction underscores the exceptional growth, student performance, and dedication of educators across our local classrooms.

Historic Milestone Celebration
The City of Clermont is inviting residents to Waterfront Park for a massive community celebration honoring America’s historic 250th birthday. The landmark event will feature live entertainment, patriotic displays, and family-friendly activities right on the shores of Lake Minneola.

Patriotic Heritage Landmark
Lake County leaders are preparing to officially unveil a dedicated America250 monument in Tavares to permanently commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial. The county-backed monument serves as a central hub for regional reflection, honoring the deep sacrifices of service members and the enduring history of our local communities.

Pawsitive Adoption Push
The Lake County Animal Shelter is launching a special July adoption promotion to help find loving homes for vulnerable pets during the peak summer months. To alleviate shelter capacity strains, the county-backed initiative is waiving standard adoption fees for qualifying dogs and cats throughout the entire month.

3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for home repair services, here’s a list for you.

*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!

Walking into Michell's Tropical Ice Cream, you're instantly hit with vibrant island vibes and a bright, beachy atmosphere — it feels like you've stepped straight into a beach vacation. Their homemade, high-quality scoops are well worth the drive into downtown Groveland.

Our Recommendation: The Ice Cream Flight

With so many unique, tropical flavors in rotation, picking just one scoop is nearly impossible. The best way to experience this spot is by ordering an Ice Cream Flight. For around $11, you get four generous, separate scoops of their fresh, homemade creations — plenty of room to balance classic cravings with the shop's signature island twists.

Make sure at least one flight slot is dedicated to the Key Lime Pie ice cream. Pair it with the vibrant Mango Sorbet or the deeply refreshing Island Hero to fully lean into the island theme.

You can submit an event here.

The Rundown - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM

Puzzles’s Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

BOND LIVING: Women’s Pressed Botaniacal Art & Connection | Clermont
📍 Panera Bread
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Reserve your spot

Live Effect - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Exploration Hike | Clermont
📍 Fernandale Preserve
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Trivia Night: Red, White, and Brainy! | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Red, White, and Boom! | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

AdventHealth Freedom 5k | Clermont
📍 Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

Clermont Waterfront Parkfun (Free 5k) | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

July 4th Suncreek Social | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM

4th of July Party at American Legion Post 55 | Clermont
📍 American Legion Post 55
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

‘Beautiful Bobby’ Blackmon - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

City of Groveland’s 4th of July at Lake David | Groveland
📍 Lake David Park
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

July 4th Celebration | Groveland
📍 Hangar W-33
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 11:55 PM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Sunday Breakfast Buffet | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Cafe
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Dale New Duo - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 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!