Happy Thursday South Laker! If you can smell the flat-top seasoning hitting the grill early, you aren't imagining things. This week, we are chasing down the absolute best Puerto Rican Tripleta sandwich truck hidden right here in Clermont. But make sure you save some room, because tomorrow night Cherry Lake Park transforms into a massive battleground for local pitmasters competing in the annual Groveland BBQ Showdown.
Let’s dive in…
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to the City of Groveland
Groveland's Juneteenth Celebration Brings BBQ & Community to Cherry Lake Park
The City of Groveland is set to honor heritage, freedom, and community unity with its annual Juneteenth Celebration. An evening packed with culture, family-friendly activities, and local flavor.
You can look forward to live entertainment, inspiring guest speakers, a dedicated Kids Zone, local vendor booths, a classic car show, and the highly anticipated Annual BBQ Competition. Watch local pitmasters battle it out for a cash prize and the Grand Champion Trophy.
Mark your calendars! The event will take place on Friday, June 19, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cherry Lake Park, located at 131 Wilson Lake Parkway in Groveland. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
📊 Community Poll
What is your favorite element of local South Lake community festivals?
Poll Results:
In our last issue, following the news that Lake County officially dropped the proposed 5-cent gas tax hike, we asked where you stood on the decision. With 53 total votes, the results reveal a heavily focused on the rising cost of living, while staring down daily traffic frustrations.
50.94% (27 votes) - "Good! Find the Money Elsewhere": Taking the top spot, a majority of readers fully support dropping the tax. The consensus here is that inflation is already high enough, and the county needs to find alternative funding sources without squeezing local drivers at the pump.
37.74% (20 votes) - "Undecided & Torn": The second-largest group is caught in a classic dilemma. The community desperately want to see our roads fixed and widened, but with household budgets stretched thin, we simply can't afford to pay more for fuel right now.
11.32% (6 votes) - "Frustrated & Urgent": A small minority are feeling let down by the decision. For this group, local gridlock and infrastructure demands are a massive mess that needs to be dealt with immediately, regardless of the funding mechanism.
🐕 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Patrick is a certified day-brightener. This sweet, affectionate, and happy 2-year-old pup is ready to find his forever home.
He is a total social butterfly who makes fast friends wherever he goes. He loves being part of the action, greeting new people with open paws, and showering his favorite humans with love. With his perfect medium size (about 44 pounds) and endless supply of happy energy, Patrick is the ultimate companion for anyone looking to add a little extra joy and affection to their life.
Come and see him today at Lake County Animal Shelter.
🏡 South Lake Homes
Image credit to Realtor.com
South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!
Home 1
Price: $399,999
Address: 2239 Bear Peak Rd, Clermont, FL 34715
Details: 1,676 sqft / 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Built in: 2024
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $449,900
Address: 2365 Treasure Hill St, Clermont, FL 34715
Details: 2,226 sqft / 4 Bed / 2.5 Bath
Built in: 2023
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Gas Tax Reversal
Lake County Commissioners have officially pulled the proposed local gas tax referendum from the upcoming November ballot. The controversial measure, which sought to increase the fuel tax from 7¢ to 12¢ per gallon to fund road expansions, was withdrawn following intense public pushback and economic concerns.
Community Policing Coffee
The Clermont Police Department is inviting residents to its next "Coffee with a Cop" event on June 24 to build stronger local relationships. The casual gathering offers community members a direct opportunity to ask questions, voice neighborhood concerns, and get to know local officers over a free cup of coffee.
Christmas In July
The Central Florida Dreamplex is bringing holiday cheer early this summer with a unique "Christmas in July" celebration and fundraising raffle. The event features a high-profile $1,000 golf ball drop raffle to secure critical funding for their local adaptive sports and therapy programs.
Patriotic Flag Retirement
Local veterans and civic organizations recently gathered for a solemn, official flag retirement ceremony to properly dispose of worn American flags. The respectful, community-wide event focused heavily on educating the public regarding proper flag etiquette and United States code requirements.
✅ South Lake Shortlist
4 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for personal trainers that will inspire you to be in the best shape of your life, here’s a list for you.
Clermont Crossfit & Nutrition - You should join to experience the powerful combination of constantly varied functional workouts, structured nutrition coaching, and deep community accountability that keeps you injury-free and consistent.
The Life Center Gym - Visit this family-owned, 24/7 facility if you want a zero-judgment, welcoming environment where coaches actually know your name and you have round-the-clock access to top-tier strength and cardio equipment.
Burn Boot Camp - Join for the high-energy, 45-minute group workouts that offer the individual form correction of personal training alongside complimentary childwatch and joint-protecting floating floors.
TRVFIT Clermont - Visit to elevate your routine with premium, coach-led group classes that blend everything from HYROX and strength training to boxing and barre, paired with habit-based nutrition guidance.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Jose Martinez via Google
El Sandwichon
IIf you're in Clermont and craving actual, legit Puerto Rican food, you need to find this truck. It’s got a super laid-back, roadside setup, and you can smell the seasoned meat hitting the flat-top the second you pull up and park.
What to Get: The Tripleta (Triple Meat Sandwich)
They chop and grill a mix of steak, pastrami, and ham right on the flat-top, so all those savory, salty flavors completely melt into each other. It’s served on that slightly sweet Puerto Rican bread that gets pressed just enough to give it a nice crisp exterior while keeping it soft inside. Then they finish it off with potato sticks for crunch and a generous amount of mayo-ketchup so every bite stays perfectly juicy.
Location: 1213 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: 407-341-7771
Instagram: @elsandwichonfl
TikTok: @elsandwichonfl
🗓️ Weekend Fun
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, June 18
Hoops With Cops-Skyridge Park | Clermont
📍 Skyridge Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Salsa Night at The View | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Lake Permaculture June Movie Night | Groveland
📍 Groveland Exchange
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Puzzles’s Action Movies Trivia | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM
Library Book Sale (Day 1) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Friday, June 19
USA World Cup Watch Party | Clermont
📍 Mullets Sports Bar
🕰️ Starts at 3:00 PM
June Wine Stroll | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Clermont RC Elite Race | Clermont
📍 12351 Sullivan Road
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Rob Nichols in the No Wake Zone - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Clermont Oyster Bar
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM
Groveland Juneteenth Celebration | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Juneteeth Potluck Cookout | Groveland
📍 441 S Main Avenue
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Library Book Sale (Day 2) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Boost & Bagels | Clermont
📍 Brooklyn Water Bagel
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Count Me In - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM
Clermont RC Elite Race | Clermont
📍 12351 Sullivan Road
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
MTG Marvel Superheroes Pre-Release Event | Clermont
📍 Coliseum of Comics
🕰️ Starts at 12:00 PM
Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Zack Denby - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Library Book Sale (Day 3) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Mascotte Cemetry Cleanup | Mascotte
📍 Mascotte Cemetry
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Sunday, June 21
Celebrate Dad at Pepe’s Cantina - Father’s Day Brunch | Clermont
📍 Pepe’s Cantina
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Rob Nichols - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday Breakfast Buffet | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Cafe
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Zack Demby Duo - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
❤️ Thanks!
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See you in the next edition!
