Happy Sunday South Laker! I hope you're soaking up this beautiful morning before the humidity tries to make a comeback. Between the traffic on Highway 50 and the usual hustle at the Waterfront Park, it’s been a busy start to February, but we’ve got some big updates to keep you in the loop.
Now, in today's edition:
The Digest: Have your say for Lake County Schools.
The Week Ahead: Philharmonia, Block Parties, and City Council.
South Laker Eats: A legendary spot to see the beautiful sunset.
Local Spotlight: European-inspired breakfast vibes in the heart of Clermont.
Old Florida Recipe: Get ready for the Crispy Buttermilk Fried Green Tomatoes. YUM!
Pet of the Week: Say hello to Pepper!
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
The Digest
Image Source: South Lake High School’s Website
Have Your Say: Lake County Schools Survey
Lake County Schools has opened its 2026 Stakeholder Survey, and they want to hear from you before the February 27 deadline. Whether you have kids in the system or just care about the future of South Lake High and our middle schools, this is the formal way to give feedback on everything from curriculum to safety. It’s anonymous and takes about ten minutes.
Why should we care? Local school quality directly impacts our property values and, more importantly, the next generation of South Lakers.
Around the Lake:
Groveland’s Highway 50 & Trail Open House
FDOT is holding an open house on February 18th regarding the S.R. 50 realignment and the South Lake Trail extension in Groveland. They’ll be showing off plans for how traffic will flow and how our trail system will connect through the city. This is great news—because Highway 50 is our lifeline, and any change to its path affects your daily commute and property values.Shape Clermont’s Future at the Comp Plan Charrette
The City of Clermont is asking for our help to plan the next phase of growth through a Comprehensive Plan Charrette starting February 19th. This is the roadmap for how our land is used, where parks go, and how we manage the inevitable growth. This is the most direct way to influence how our community looks and feels ten years from now.
What’s Coming Up This Week
Live Music 🎶
Florida Philharmonia Valentine's Concert | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM - Feb 13
Event Link: Clermont Performing Arts Center
Location: Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Treat your sweetheart to a 50-piece orchestra playing Broadway classics and romantic hits.
2nd Friday Block Party | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM - Feb 13
Event Link: Groveland City Calendar
Location: Lake David Park, Groveland
Why You Should Go: There’s usually a DJ or local band keeping the vibes high while you browse the food trucks.
Community Events & Fun ☀️
Clermont City Council Meeting | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM - Feb 10
Event Link: City Hall Calendar
Location: Clermont City Hall, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Hear firsthand about the new developments and local ordinances being voted on in our city.
AI After Dark Networking | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM - Feb 10
Event Link: Eventbrite Clermont
Location: Community Foundation of South Lake, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Connect with local tech-forward business owners and learn how to use AI for your small biz.
VFW Bingo Night | 6:30 PM–9:30 PM - Feb 13
Event Link: VFW Post 5277
Location: VFW Post 5277, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Support our veterans while trying to win a few bucks—it’s classic, high-stakes local fun.
Family & Kids 👨🏻👩🏻👧🏻
Girl Scout Meeting | 5:30 PM–6:30 PM - Feb 10
Event Link: Groveland Events
Location: EOC Community Room, Groveland
Why You Should Go: A great way for local girls to build friendships and learn new skills right here in town.
Family Movie Day | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Feb 12
Event Link: Cooper Memorial Library
Location: Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Gather the whole family to enjoy a popular family-friendly movie together. Your family will be watching Beauty and the Beast!
Sports, Fitness & Nature 🏆
Jazzercise Dance Party | 9:00 AM–10:00 AM - Feb 13
Event Link: Clermont Arts & Rec
Location: Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Burn off that Sunday brunch with a high-energy workout that's been a local staple for years.
Open Pickleball | 11:30 AM–3:30 PM - Feb 13
Event Link: Clermont Calendar
Location: ARC Gymnasium, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Get some mid-day cardio and meet the local "Pickleballers" in a friendly, climate-controlled gym.
South Laker Eats
Image Source: Tiki Bar & Grill’s Official Website
Tiki Bar & Grill
We’re heading to the shores of Lake Minneola for this one. Tiki Bar & Grill is positioned right on the eastern edge of Lake Minneola, offering an unobstructed front-row seat to spectacular sunsets. It’s widely considered one of the best spots in Central Florida to grab a drink and watch the sky change colors over the water.
Signature Move: The "Tiki Wings" and a cold draft beer while sitting on the deck watching the sunset over the water.
Location: 508 S Main Ave, Minneola, FL 34715
Website: lakeminneolainn.com
Local Spotlight
Cheeser’s Palace Cafe
The cafe has deep roots, starting as a gourmet shop in Ohio in the 1970s before being reborn in Florida by a mother-daughter duo. The vibe is "European-inspired cafe meets small-town Florida charm." Their menu is for everyone, and their ingredients are fresh, and cater to gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, and keto!
Location: 707 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711
Website: cheeserspalace.com
The Review: "Absolutely the best breakfast in Lake County. The European flair and fresh ingredients make it a standout." — Review by Mark T.
Show off your small business! Our community is powered by the dreamers, makers, and doers who keep South Lake vibrant. We want to celebrate the shops, services, and hidden gems that make our area unique! Send us a note to [email protected].
Old Florida Recipe
Image Source: Caitlin Bensel via Southern Living
Crispy Buttermilk Fried Green Tomatoes
This is the ultimate "Old Florida" porch snack. It uses the firmer, unripened tomatoes that turns them into something salty, tangy, and nostalgic. You can have a fresh batch ready in just about 20 minutes, making them a quick addition to any weekend lunch or dinner.
They are delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic upgrade for BLTs or as a base for savory eggs Benedict. Give this recipe a try and see why this golden-brown tradition is a favorite for home cooks everywhere.
Looking for a gentle soul to brighten up your home?
Say hello to Pepper, a lovely 4-year-old spayed female cat currently waiting for her forever family.
At 7.4 pounds, she is the perfect size for cozy lap cuddles and quiet afternoons. What makes her truly special is her background and comes from a loving indoor home. You are so lucky—she’s already an expert at being a wonderful housemate.
Visit Pepper at the Lake County Animal Shelter today and see if she’s the missing piece to your family puzzle!
Show off your South Lake stars! Whether it’s a pampered pet, a hardworking farm animal, or a local rescue, send your best shots to [email protected]. Be sure to include their name, what makes them special, and where the photo was captured!
Thanks ❤️
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.
