Happy Monday South Laker!
Local election officials are swapping politics for fundraising to help homeless families, and we’re breaking down exactly how the community plans to hit the ballot box this year.
Plus, we're celebrating a massive 20-year milestone for a Groveland nonprofit, highlighting a sweet local pup looking for his forever home, and checking out a Minneola bakery where the maple bacon donuts are worth the early alarm.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to South Lake Tablet
Elections Team Raises Funds to Fight Local Family Homelessness
The staff at the Lake County Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office swapped politics for philanthropy this month, wrapping up their second annual workplace fundraising drive to support local families in crisis.
Through a series of internal team initiatives—including "Pennies from Heaven," "Denim for a Difference," and "Paws for a Cause"—the elections team raised more than $1,600 to support Find, Feed & Restore.
Based right here in South Lake County, Find, Feed & Restore focuses on a critical, often hidden issue: assisting homeless families with young children by providing transitional housing, financial literacy training, and long-term stabilization plans.
📊 Community Poll
When supporting local South Lake non-profits and families in need, which method do you prefer most?
Poll Results:
With the upcoming elections drawing near, we wanted to know your preferred game plan for hitting the ballot box. Out of 64 total votes in, the voice of South Lake is completely split between the old-school tradition of the Tuesday rush and the strategic planning of early voting.
40.63% (26 votes) - The Election Day Traditionalists: Tied for the top spot, a large chunk of you still live for the high-energy vibe of walking into your local precinct on actual Election Day, grabbing that iconic sticker, and casting your vote in person.
40.63% (26 votes) - The Early Birds: Matching the traditionalists vote-for-vote, an equal portion of readers prefer to beat the lines completely. Your go-to plan is locking in your vote ahead of time at one of our local early voting sites, like the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, Cooper Memorial Library, or Minneola City Hall.
18.75% (12 votes) - The Mail-In Minded: A solid contingent of voters chooses the ultimate convenience, checking their mailboxes and renewing their Vote-By-Mail requests to securely handle everything right from the kitchen table.
0.00% (0 votes) - Fully Decided: Interestingly, not a single respondent is riding the fence. Zero votes went to being undecided, proving that when it comes to exercising your civic duty, South Lakers have their strategies completely locked down!
🐕 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Meet Rain! 🐾
Looking to make a meaningful difference in a quiet soul's life? Meet Rain, a gentle 4-year-old, 7-pound neutered male currently waiting for his forever home at the Lake County Animal Shelter.
Rain is a sweet, reserved observer who likes to take his time getting to know people. While he’s a bit shy, he has a completely cooperative heart and the absolute key to his trust is through his stomach! Squeeze treats and wet food are his love language, and they'll help you win him over in no time.
🏡 South Lake Homes
South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!
Home 1
Price: $415,000
Address: 1681 Marsh Pointe Dr, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,052 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 2020
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $635,000
Address: 3520 Banana Shrub Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 3,295 sqft / 5 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Built in: 2024
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Classroom Prep Timeline
Central Florida school districts are finalizing schedules, safety guidelines, and registration deadlines ahead of the new school year. South Lake families are encouraged to review updated zoning maps and supply lists before classrooms reopen. With the area's continued growth, staying on top of these updates will help parents avoid last-minute scrambling.
Primary Voter Roadmap
Florida's Primary Election is set for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with several local and state races on the ballot. Election officials have released sample ballots to help residents understand the state's closed-primary rules and confirm their polling locations. Voters should note registration deadlines now to make sure they're eligible to weigh in on decisions shaping South Lake's future.
Milestone Art Auction
Groveland-based nonprofit Building Blocks Ministries is celebrating 20 years of community impact with an anniversary event and online art auction, running through July 30. The auction features handcrafted pieces made entirely by the organization's artists, with proceeds supporting its long-term developmental programs. It's a chance for residents to support a longtime local nonprofit while celebrating the creativity of the artists it serves.
Election Team Fundraising
Staff at the Lake County Supervisor of Elections office raised more than $1,600 through a series of employee-led donation drives. The funds were presented to Find, Feed & Restore, a local charity working to end homelessness among families with children. The effort reflects a broader pattern of local public servants giving back to their own community.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Farbod Yazdani via Google
Donut King in Minneola is a local bakery that makes a wide variety of fresh donuts daily. It opens early, at 4:00 AM, so it's a good option for grabbing something warm in the morning, and the staff is friendly even during a quick visit.
What to order:
Maple Bacon Donut - Smoky, savory bacon paired with a sweet maple glaze. One of the more popular options.
Apple Fritter - Large, with a strong cinnamon flavor and a crisp glazed exterior. Well-liked among regulars.
Cronut - A croissant-donut hybrid with flaky, buttery layers and a soft interior. The cinnamon sugar version tends to be the one people order most.
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to Franshesk Hodgson via Google
Traveling Trees Garden Center is a fantastic destination for plant enthusiasts looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with high-quality greenery. Visitors frequently praise the nursery's impressive, healthy selection of trees, shrubs, and tropical plants well-suited to the local climate.
The knowledgeable, friendly staff are always ready to offer expert advice and attentive service to help ensure gardening success.
🗓️ Local Events
Monday, July 20
Survery Says | Clermont
📍 Buffalo Wild Wings
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Coffee with the Chamber at Dunkin’ | Clermont
📍 1110 E Highway 50
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Code Enforcement Board Meeting | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM
📋 Link to Agenda
City Countil Meeting | Groveland
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 AM
Tuesday, July 21
Run Clermont at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday Night Run Group | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
City Council Meeting | Minneola
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
📋 Link to Agenda
Wednesday, July 22
1 Million Cups Clermont | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Dine & Dash | Clermont
📍 1601 Hooks Street
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Off Beat Bingo | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Big Bucks Bingo | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
City of Minneola - Minneola Market | Minneola
📍 800 North U.S. Highway 27
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
❤️ Thanks!
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!
