Happy Monday, South Laker!

Fall is officially creeping into South Lake! Our seasonal traditions are gearing back up in Clermont, from the return of beloved Halloween festivities to a special "Spooky Serenades" storytime pairing live orchestral music with family-friendly tales.

Let’s dive in.

— Charlie Ferrer

Halloween Tradition Returns
A beloved Halloween tradition is officially returning to Clermont, promising festive and spooky entertainment for the whole family. Residents can look forward to seasonal thrills and community gatherings as the city embraces the holiday spirit. (Clermont Sun)

College and Career Fair
The East Ridge High School DECA chapter is hosting an upcoming college and career fair to help local students navigate their post-graduation plans. The event offers South Lake teens a valuable opportunity to network directly with university representatives and regional employers. (Clermont Sun)

Spooky Philharmonic Storytime
Lake Community Arts is bringing seasonal charm to the area with its "Spooky Serenades" Philharmonic Storytime event. The performance blends live orchestral music with engaging storytelling, creating a uniquely festive cultural experience for families. (South Lake Tablet)

Credit Union Expansion
VyStar Credit Union is celebrating the opening of its new Clermont branch, which expands local access to community driven financial services. The addition reflects the continued commercial growth and institutional investment flowing into South Lake. (South Lake Tablet)

Minneola Fall Sale
Minneola is preparing to host a community book, bake, and craft sale on October 3. The event gives residents a weekend opportunity to support local artisans, pick up new reading material, and enjoy homemade treats with neighbors. (South Lake Tablet)

South Lake Homes
This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 2,200+ sq ft, a 2-car garage, and a great floor plan ready for renovation, rental, or resale. Priced for its current condition, it's a prime opportunity for investors or contractors near shopping, schools, and easy access to US-27, SR-50, and the Turnpike.

Place to Eat Right now
Orochi Ramen in Clermont serves rich, slow-simmered broths and springy noodles made with authentic Japanese technique. The menu ranges from deeply savory tonkotsu and spicy miso bowls to crisp, made-to-order appetizers like takoyaki and gyoza. (Check out their menu)

Wave doesn't just enter a room, he puts on a show! This goofy, lovable charmer is a certified attention hog and belly-rub enthusiast who'll happily shadow your every step. He’s playful, affectionate, and impossible not to love!

Quick Bio: Neutered male Husky, approx. 5 years old, 61.6 lbs
📍 Read his profile at Lake County Animal Shelter

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

🚗 Clermont & South Lake Gateway (Ongoing)
U.S. 192 (U.S. 27 to Orange Co. Line)
FDOT has active safety resurfacing along this 0.85-mile stretch. Watch for overnight lane closures, milling on the U.S. 27 on-ramps, and new turn lanes at Town Center Blvd.
🔗 Track Project 448764-1

🚗 Clermont & Minneola (Ongoing)
U.S. 27 Resurfacing (North of S.R. 50 to C.R. 561A / Southern Breeze Dr)
Overnight single-lane closures are permitted from 8:30 PM to 6:30 AM. Expect temporary uneven pavement and watch for ADA sidewalk curb rebuilds.
🔗 Track Project 450740-1

🚜 Groveland & Mascotte (Ongoing)
S.R. 50 / S.R. 33 Realignment (C.R. 565 / Villa City Rd to 2nd Ave)
Construction is pushing forward on the 2.1-mile bypass designed to pull heavy freight off Broad and Orange Streets. Expect night single-lane closures and traffic shifts near the new S.R. 19 connection and future Park & Ride.
🔗 Track Project 427056-1

🚴‍♂️ Clermont & Montverde (Ongoing)
South Lake Trail Phase IIIB Extension (2nd Ave to Silver Eagle Rd)
Expanding our ridge trail spine from 2nd Ave to Silver Eagle Rd. Watch for equipment crossings near local neighborhood access points.
🔗 Track Project 422570-3

⚠️ Groveland (Completed)
S.R. 33 Curve Widening (Edgewood Boys Ranch Rd to Wright St)
Crews have completed and finalized shoulder widening through the curves, along with dedicated southbound turn lanes into Pine Island Rd and Groveland Airport Rd. Keep an eye out for remaining striping and utility touch-ups.
🔗 Track Project 445685-1

🛑 Live Lake County Project Hub
View all active FDOT resurfacing, bridge maintenance, and signal projects across District 5.
🔗View All FDOT Lake County Projects

Before modern roads existed, Lake Apopka was an inland aquatic highway. In the mid-to-late 1800s, steamboats ferried passengers, mail, and winter tourists from the St. Johns River system directly to South Lake County.

When early settlers looked across the expansive shoreline in the 1880s, they didn't see typical flat Florida swamps. They saw towering, lush bluffs sloping directly into the water. Captivated by the dramatic green elevation, the founders drew from the Spanish language to name their idyllic waterfront settlement.

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

Join us at the City Hall Gymnasium for an evening of fresh food, baked goods, handmade products, and more! Browse local vendors and food trucks, rain or shine.

📅 Wednesday, September 23 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 800 N. Hwy 27, Minneola, FL 34715

Click here for event details

Martini Monday in Dobel Lounge | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Pokemon Card Trade Night | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday night Run Group | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM

Fall Cookie Decorating Class Hosted by Sweet Lady Dayne | Clermont
📍 620 W Montrose St.
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Karaoke Wednesdays at Mullets | Clermont
📍 732 W Montrose Street
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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

Minneola Market & Food Trucks | Minneola
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Clermont City Council Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ September 22, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Minneola

City Council Workshop
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ September 22, Starts at 6:30 PM

Groveland

First Public Budget Hearing
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ September 21, 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

City Council Meeting
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ September 21, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Montverde

No council meetings this week.

Mascotte

No council meetings this week.

The trivia answer is Green Mountain.

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!