Happy Sunday South Laker! I hope you’ve got your heavy blankets ready because this Florida "winter" is actually showing up for once. Between the wind coming off Lake Minneola and those freezing temps in the forecast, it’s a perfect week to stay local and keep the coffee hot.
Now, in today's edition:
The Digest: Cold weather alerts and designated shelters for the locals.
The Week Ahead: From school board workshops to live jazz and outdoor markets.
South Laker Eats: A legendary spot for sliders officially settles into Clermont.
Local Spotlight: A Groveland favorite for community vibes and caffeine.
Old Florida Recipe: Start up your kitchen for Southern Orange Pound Cake
Pet of the Week: A nod to our furry neighbors.
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
The Digest
Image via Discover Lake County
Extreme Cold Warning for South Lake
Lake County Goverment has issued an extreme cold warning as an Arctic blast moves through Central Florida this weekend and into the start of the week. Local shelters, including the one at LifePointe Church in Eustis (serving our broader area), are opening up for those who need a warm place to stay. If you’ve got sensitive plants or outdoor pets, now is the time to bring them in or cover them up.
Why it matters: It’s rare for us to see temps drop this low, and staying informed about shelter locations and freeze prep can literally be a lifesaver for neighbors and pets.
Here are designated sites for residents:
Primary Overnight Shelter (West/Central Lake)
Hope International Church
Address: 13806 FL-33, Groveland, FL 34736
Hours: Typically opens at 5:00 PM and closes at 7:00 AM the following morning during activation periods.
Note: This is the primary site serving the South Lake area (Clermont/Groveland/Mascotte).
Daytime Warming Center
The Salvation Army
Address: 2605 South St., Leesburg, FL 34748
Hours: Typically open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM for those needing to stay warm during the day when overnight shelters are closed.
Other Regional Overnight Shelter
LifePointe Church
Address: 3551 E. Orange Ave., Eustis, FL 32726
Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 AM. (Commonly used as the main overflow or alternate hub).
What’s Coming Up This Week
Live Music 🎶
Location: Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, Clermont
Why You Should Go: If you want to relax, grab a glass of Southern Red and enjoy live music on the lawn. It's a South Lake staple for a reason. Get the chill vibes and great views of the rolling hills.
Community Events & Fun ☀️
Location: 8th St. (between Minneola & Montrose) and Montrose St.
Why You Should Go: It’s the heart of our community on Sundays. Grab some fresh local produce, honey, or handmade soaps while catching up with neighbors. It’s also a great way to support small businesses directly.
Location: 201 W Burleigh Blvd, Tavares (District Office)
Why You Should Go: If you care about how our local schools are run, this is where you can voice your opinions. It’s open to the public and covers upcoming instructional materials.
Location: Lake County Fairgrounds
Why You Should Go: It's the best spot to grab local honey and winter produce. It’s a perfect for a mid-week pantry restock without the chaos of the weekend crowds.
Sports & Nature
Location: Clermont Arts & Recreation Center Gymnasium
Why You Should Go: It’s too cold to play outside! Take the game indoors and meet some of the regulars. All skill levels are usually welcome.
Location: Dash Sports, Downtown Clermont
Why You Should Go: Join a group of local runners and walkers for a free 3-5 mile loop. It’s totally casual, all paces are welcome, and there are usually cold drinks waiting at the shop afterward.
Location: Ferndale Preserve, Montverde
Why You Should Go: This is a guided trek through one of our most scenic preserves. It's a great way to learn about local Florida ecosystems while getting a morning workout with a view of Lake Apopka.
South Laker Eats
Image via Style Magazine
White Castle Clermont
We’ve been waiting for the "Crave" to officially land in our backyard for a while now, and the White Castle on SR 50 (Plaza Collina) is finally the go-to late-night or quick-lunch spot for locals.
Signature Move: The Original Slider (obviously) or the Chicken Rings.
Why we're talking about it: It’s the second freestanding location in Florida, and it’s brought 75 jobs to our area.
Location: 4551 Collina Terrace, Clermont
Website: whitecastle.com
Local Spotlight
Image Source via Green Pea Coffee’s Facebook Page
Green Pea Coffee
Love Coffee? This isn't just another drive-thru. It’s a locally owned spot bringing some serious flavor to our morning commute.
Signature Move: "The Jojo". It’s a white chocolate and espresso over ice topped with cream. If you're not a coffee person, their "Blue Cloud" (Blue Raspberry, Pineapple, and Redbull topped with cream) is a local favorite.
Website: greenpeacoffee.com
Location: 304 E Broad St, Groveland
The Review: "Her coffee is hands down the best coffee i think I’ve ever had! I recommend to her everyone!" — Ashlee Mohammed, Google Review
Old Florida Recipe
Image via Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen
Southern Orange Pound Cake
This Southern Orange Pound Cake is a citrus-forward classic that celebrates Florida’s grove heritage. It features a dense, buttery crumb brightened by a significant amount of fresh orange zest and juice.
For the most authentic "Old Florida" flavor, use fresh-squeezed juice from local oranges, which provide the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity for this type of dense pound cake.
Say hello to Waffles! This Minneola pup is a bundle of energy who lives for two things: snuggles and snacks. He’ll do just about anything for a treat, but in this photo, he’s settled in at home and looking for some well-deserved attention.
Show off your South Lake stars! Whether it’s a pampered pet, a hardworking farm animal, or a local rescue, send your best shots to [email protected]. Be sure to include their name, what makes them special, and where the photo was captured!
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 week
