Happy Wednesday, South Laker!

Big county decisions are on pause this week as Lake County updated Comprehensive Plan, putting local zoning and development timelines on hold.

We’re also sharing good news on shelter kittens cleared after a rabies alert, overnight lane closures along US-192, wood-fired Nutella dessert pizza at Sappore di Napoli, and Friday night’s Downtown Clermont Wine Stroll.

Let’s dive in.

— Charlie Ferrer

Comprehensive Plan on Hold
Lake County commissioners have paused adoption of the updated Comprehensive Plan until the outcome of Florida's proposed property tax amendment is known. Because the measure could reshape county tax revenue and long-term infrastructure funding, residents may see delays in planning decisions that affect zoning, growth, and future development in their neighborhoods.

Rising Costs for Local Growers
Central Florida farmers are feeling the squeeze as off-road diesel prices hit record highs, driving up costs for harvesting equipment, irrigation, and transport. For a region where agriculture remains a major economic driver, the strain could mean higher food prices and tighter margins for the growers who supply local markets.

New Funding for Addiction Recovery
Lake County commissioners approved $444,462 in opioid settlement funds for the Drug Treatment Court's 2027 fiscal year. The investment expands court-supervised rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration, offering local families and individuals struggling with addiction a path toward recovery and accountability.

Kittens Cleared After Rabies Scare
Dozens of kittens have completed a multi-week quarantine following a localized rabies alert, with Lake County animal health officials confirming no transmission occurred. The animals are now cleared for adoption, easing concerns for pet-seeking residents and reopening intake at local shelters.

Farmers Market Opens in Clermont
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards celebrated the launch of a new open-air farmers market with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Running every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market gives Clermont residents a new weekly gathering spot to shop local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Place to Eat Right now
Sappore di Napoli is well worth a visit for its authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan dough loaded with gourmet toppings like fior di latte mozzarella and Catupiry cheese. It also offers a uniquely decadent lineup of sweet dessert pizzas topped with Nutella and Kinder Bueno that you won't easily find elsewhere. (Check out their menu)

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Here are some construction and road updates in the South Lake area.

🚗 Clermont & South Lake Gateway | U.S. 192 from U.S. 27 to Orange County Line: A $5.9M safety overhaul directly impacting commuters heading toward Disney and I-4. Expect overnight lane closures (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM) between Bali St and Town Center Blvd for signal pole removals, resurfacing of the U.S. 27 on-ramps, and dedicated right-turn lane striping. (Track Project 448764-1)

⚠️ Groveland | S.R. 33 Curve Widening & Safety Improvements (Edgewood Boys Ranch Rd to Wright St): Widened paved shoulders through dangerous curves, dedicated southbound left-turn lanes into Pine Island Rd and Groveland Airport Rd, and new sidewalk installation. Watch for daytime flaggers and shoulder equipment. (Track Project 445685-1)

🚗 Clermont & Minneola | U.S. 27 Resurfacing (North of S.R. 50 to C.R. 561A / Southern Breeze Dr): Active resurfacing along the main spine of South Lake. Overnight single-lane closures continue (8:30 PM – 6:30 AM) with ADA ramp replacements. Watch for temporary uneven pavement during milling phases. (Track Project 450740-1)

🚜 Groveland & Mascotte | S.R. 50 / S.R. 33 Realignment & Widening (C.R. 565 / Villa City Rd to 2nd Ave): Major East-West corridor redesign tackling downtown bypass capacity, drainage, and intersection bottlenecks. Periodic daytime shoulder closures and temporary lane shifts remain in effect. (Track Project 427056-1)

🚴‍♂️ Clermont & Montverde | South Lake Trail Phase IIIB Extension (2nd Ave to Silver Eagle Rd): Dedicated multi-use trail construction expanding non-vehicular connectivity across our ridge trail system. Expect utility adjustments and construction vehicles crossing access points. (Track Project 422570-3)

🛑 Complete District 5 Lake County Project Dashboard: Access the full FDOT live database for county-wide resurfacing, bridge maintenance, and active traffic signals. (View All FDOT Lake County Projects)

Florida is famously flat, but South Lake County breaks the mold. Sugarloaf Mountain near Minneola holds the title for the highest point on the entire Florida peninsula.

^{*Answer at the bottom of this email.}

Join us in an evening of sipping and socializing. Explore more than 20 local businesses, each pouring a selection of reds, whites, and roses for you to sample.

The stroll kicks off at 6:30pm. You must check-in first to pick up your wine glass, wristband, and a map showing all the participating locations, then you're free to wander and taste your way through downtown.

📅 Friday, September 18 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 756 West Montrose Street, Clermont, FL, 34711

Click here for event details

Vet-to-Vet Cafe | Clermont
📍 1601 Hooks Street
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Music Bingo Hosted by Funk Master K & Sweet Beatz | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Big Bucks Bingo Night | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Line Dancing at The View | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Trivia Hosted by Puzzles Entertainment | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Switch & 80s Night | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Layla Brisbois - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Dish Rack Comedy | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Dance Party - DJ Don | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Audio Exchange | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Late Night Karaoke | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 11:00 PM - Close

Mike Lynch - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

September Wine Stroll | Clermont
📍 756 West Montrose Street
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

FRIDEday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Trivia Night - College Football | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Smoke Alarm Battery Replacements
📍 Clermont Fire Department
🕰️ September 16, All Day

Minneola

No council meetings this week.

Groveland

First Public Budget Hearing
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ September 16 17, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Montverde

No council meetings this week.

Mascotte

No council meetings this week.

The trivia answer is 312 feet.

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!