🟠 David vs. Goliath Win & 15+ South Lake Events

Happy Thursday South Laker!

We are celebrating a "David vs. Goliath" victory on Log House Road after the Lake County Commission voted to prioritize responsible growth. We’re also diving into the billion-dollar shifts reshaping our local corridors and rounding up over 15 ways to spend your weekend—from wine strolls and jazz festivals to the start of u-pick season.

Let’s dive in…

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

On Tuesday, April 7, the Lake County Commission voted 3-2 to deny a request from KB Home to build 79 new homes on a 40-acre parcel along Log House Road. The land is currently zoned for only 49 homes, and residents showed up in force to argue that the steep 40-foot slope and existing drainage issues would turn their neighborhoods into a flood zone if the project moved forward.

Commissioners Anthony Sabatini, Sean Parks, and Leslie Campione sided with the neighbors, citing concerns over traffic and emergency vehicle access. While the developer could still pursue legal action, for now, the community is celebrating a hard-fought victory for responsible growth.

Poll Results

In a recent local school poll from our recent newsletter edition, "Exceptional leadership and teachers" emerged as the top priority, receiving 66.67% of the vote. "Small class sizes" followed as the second most important factor, while sports programs and modern facilities received no votes.

Insights from our Central Florida real estate expert, Marureen Nguyen.

Wellness Way & Olympus
A 15,500-acre master-planned community is reshaping Clermont, bringing 19,000 residential units alongside the Olympus sports and entertainment complex

The "Connector Zone" Advantage
Homes near the Orange County border offer a rare combination: proximity to Disney's backyard with the added benefit of lower Lake County property taxes.

The Medical Boom
A new $100 million medical facility is set to generate over 5,000 jobs in biotech and sports science, positioning South Lake as a serious player in Florida's growing healthcare economy

Minneola’s Secret Weapon
Home Builders are captalizing in Sugarloaf Mountain’s terrain that offers rare rolling hill views.

Infrastructure & Reliability
The SR 516 Expressway will serve as a critical regional connector, and residents near the new AdventHealth campus gain the added reliability of priority access to the hospital power grid.

Shrinking Price Gap
The price gap between Clermont and Horizon West has narrowed from $100K to $50K in a single year. For buyers focused on equity potential, the opportunity to get in ahead of the curve is shrinking fast.

Watch the full update here.

You can submit an event here.

Salsa Night at The View | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

City Council Workshop | Groveland
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

GO NOW! The Music of The Moody Blues - The Tribute | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets Here

Organic Blueberry Upick - Day 1 (Opening Weekend) | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Chamber Breakfast 2026 | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Ribbon Cutting - Unforsaken Treasures Resale Shop | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Live Music with Ray Nichols Band | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

AdventHealth Elevate 5K | Clermont
📍 Clermont Waterfront Park
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🎫 More Info

Clermont Art and Jazz Festival | Clermont
📍 Clermont Waterfront Park
🕰️ 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 More Info

April Wine Stroll | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Organic Blueberry Upick - Day 2 (Opening Weekend) | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Touch a Truck Charity Event | Clermont
📍 Cypress Cove Marina and Resort
🕰️ Starts at 11:30 AM

Live Music with School of Rock | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Butterflies and Classic Music | Montverde
📍 Butterfly Garden
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunrise Yoga | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
🎫 Reserve your spot

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Farmer’s Harvest Dinner | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Get your tickets

Minneola Market & Food Trucks | Minneola
📍 City Hall Gynmasium
🕰️ April 22, 5:00 PM - 12:00 PM

Friday Night Vibes Food Truck Event | Mascotte
📍 334 E Myers Blvd
🕰️ April 24, 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Arbor Day | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ April 24, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Outdoor Adventure Series: E-Bike Ride | Groveland
📍 15001 Silver Eagle Trail
🕰️ April 24, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Career and Health Fair | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ April 25, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Quarterly Bird & Butterfly Survey | Minneola
📍 Ferndale Preserve
🕰️ April 25, 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

27th Annual World Tai Chi & QiGong Day Celebration | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve - Lake Minneola side of park
🕰️ April 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Her Radiance Rising Fest | Clermont
📍 Victory Pointe
🕰️ April 25, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Anime Night Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ April 25, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ April 26, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Clermont is growing! South Lake continues to grow, so step up to find your perfect home.

Home 1

Home 2

Amore is an authentic, family-owned gem where the atmosphere is every bit as rich as the handmade pasta. They’ve mastered the art of being upscale without the "fancy" pretense. Whether you’re looking for a romantic restuarant for date night or a warm setting to celebrate a milestone with the whole family, this is the spot.

Get ready to lace up for a cause that hits close to home. On Saturday, May 2, Lake Louisa State Park will host the 2nd Annual Run for Hope, Walk for Change 5K. It’s organized by Hands of Hope America and this event dedicated to uplifting the Four Corners area.

The proceeds from the event directly support vital initiatives addressing mental health awareness, food insecurity, and homelessness.

How to Get Involved:

This 6.4-mile loop is the ultimate local test for your legs. Unlike most of Florida, you’ll find actual elevation changes here that wind through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. It’s a sandy trail, which means every step is a workout, but the reward is some of the most serene lake views in the county.

Location: 7305 US-27, Clermont
Map: Download the trail map.

Products we think every runner, walker, and hiker should have:

💧 This 2-Liter Osprey Hydration Reservoir will keep you from wilting during the unshaded stretches of the Bronson Loop.

🧢 A Mission Cooling Performance Hat is a total lifesaver when that afternoon sun starts beating down on the hills.

🧦 Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks are the only way to tackle sandy trails without worrying about blisters.

Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue added a little brightness to your morning, share it with someone who could use a smile this week.

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See you in the next edition!