Happy Wednesday South Laker! We’re almost there. The weekend is starting to peek around the corner. Take a breath—you’re doing great!
Now, in today's edition:
The Digest: The Live Well Foundation of South Lake just hit a massive milestone.
Before the Weekend Hits: U.S. 27 lane closures and chilly mornings.
The Weekend Social Calendar: Tributes to rock legends and historic village fun.
South Laker Eats: Scratch-made comfort at Root & Branch.
Volunteer Corner: Helping local kids with South Lake Cares.
Wellness Way: A morning hike at Scrub Point.
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
The Digest
Image via Live Well Foundation of South
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has announced a monumental investment of over $11 million in Transformation Grants. This is a major milestone for the health and prosperity of South Lake County.
These funds are dedicated to empowering local organizations and creating lasting, positive change across the community.
Building the Future of Healthcare: A landmark $10 million grant was awarded to Lake-Sumter State College to construct a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building.
Securing Safe Homes: Habitat for Humanity of Lake-Sumter received $900,000 to support home preservation and repairs.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable: The Fire Departments of Groveland and Clermont were awarded $250,000 to install "Safe Haven" Baby Boxes.
Supporting Maternal Wellness: Commonsense Childbirth, Inc. received $200,000 to launch a maternal mental health telehealth initiative.
Before the Weekend Hits
U.S. 27 Cleanup: Expect limited lane closures on U.S. 27 through Friday, Jan 30, for final "punch list" cleanup items. It shouldn't wreck your commute, but give yourself an extra five minutes if you're heading toward the shops. (FDOT Lake County)
Layer Up: We’ve got a freeze warning in effect for the area. If you’ve got outdoor plans or plants that aren't fans of the frost, make sure you're prepped before Friday night. (Clermont Government)
Image via Clermont Performing Arts Center
Live Music 🎶
Smokin' Renegade: A Tribute to Boston & Styx | 7PM - 9PM | Friday, Jan 30 | Tickets
Location: Clermont Performing Arts Center, 3500 S HWY 27, Clermont.
Why You Should Go: If you want to hear "More Than A Feeling" done right, this is it. It’s two high-energy tribute sets in one night.
Live Music at the Winery | 12PM - 4PM | Saturday, Jan 31 & Sunday, Feb 1 | Event Link
Location: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont.
Why You Should Go: It’s the classic South Lake weekend move. So grab a plastic cup of wine, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy the local bands.
Community Events & Fun ☀️
Clermont Historic Village Open House | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Saturday, Jan 31 & Sunday, Feb 1 | Visit
Location: 490 West Ave, Clermont.
Why You Should Go: It’s a low-key way to see how the early South Lakers lived. It’s a perfect way for some quiet afternoon stroll near the lake.
Red Sand Project Clermont | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Saturday, Jan 31 | Event Link
Location: 620 W. Montrose Street, Clermont.
Why You Should Go: This is a meaningful community art installation aimed at raising awareness for human trafficking. Come out and show some local support for a serious cause.
South Laker Eats
Image via Trip Advisor
Root & Branch Bistro and Bar
If you haven't been to Root & Branch lately, you’re missing out on some of the best scratch-made food in the county. It manages to feel fancy enough for a date but casual enough that you won't feel weird in your "Clermont uniform" (aka athletic gear).
The Signature Move: You have to get the Pork Belly Lollipops or the Wagyu Smash Burger. The onion bacon jam on that burger is basically a local treasure at this point.
Location: 1200 Oakley Seaver Dr. #102, Clermont.
Website: rootandbranchbistroandbar.com
Volunteer Corner
South Lake Cares - Hope in a Backpack They are doing the heavy lifting to make sure no kid in our local schools goes home hungry over the weekend. They provide weekly food support for students in crisis and could always use an extra set of hands or a donation to keep the pantry stocked.
Check out their current needs or sign up to help pack. Here’s the link: servingsouthlake.org
Wellness Way
Image via Alltrails.com
Trail of the Week: Scrub Point Preserve
Forget the treadmill. Head over to Scrub Point Preserve for a hike. It’s a moderate intensity trail that gets you right up against the water. It’s one of those spots that reminds you why we live here. there are plenty of shade out there.
Location: Scrub Point Preserve is located between Clermont and Oakland, at 12000 Eddy Drive, Winter Garden.
Thanks ❤️
Thanks for reading The South Laker today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone that you can make smile for this weekend.
