Happy Thursday South Laker! As we approach Memorial Day weekend, our community is honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We’ve gathered everything you need to know to make the most of the days ahead.
Let’s dive in…
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to The City of Clermont
Honoring the Fallen This Memorial Day Weekend
Our community pauses this weekend to remember those who gave everything for our freedom. The City of Clermont will once again host the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall — a powerful, smaller-scale replica of the Washington, D.C. memorial, reminding us that the names etched in stone belong to real people from real communities like ours.
On May 25th, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, join your neighbors, veterans, and local leaders for Clermont's 2026 Memorial Day Observance Program. The ceremony will include guest speakers, musical tributes, and a rifle salute, concluding as the Patriot Guard Riders retire the wall.
What does Memorial Day mean to your family?
- We are visiting the Traveling Wall / attending the Clermont ceremony to honor a loved one.
- We display the American flag at our home in South Lake.
- We use the weekend to talk to our kids/grandkids about the history and sacrifice of our veterans.
- All of the above—proud to live in such a patriotic community!
Community Poll Results
In our last issue, we asked how safe you feel navigating through the roads as a cyclist or pedestrian. With 23 total votes, the results showed a strong preference for staying separated from traffic.
43.48% (10 votes) - I Avoid the Roads Entirely. Nearly half of you stick strictly to paved park paths and refuse to risk walking or cycling anywhere near regular traffic.
30.43% (7 votes) - Unsafe. The consensus here is that traffic is too fast, distracted driving is rampant, and local infrastructure simply hasn’t kept pace with our rapid growth.
21.74% (5 votes) - Somewhat Safe. You love our designated paths but agree that mixing with traffic on major thoroughfares remains highly risky.
4.35% (1 vote) - Completely Safe. Just one solo respondent feels totally safe and praising our world-class trails and finding local drivers to be incredibly mindful.
🏠 Together With HERCA Construction & Roofing
If you own a home in Central Florida, you know how hard it is to find a roofer or contractor who actually shows up on time, explains what they're doing, and doesn't disappear after the deposit clears.
HERCA Construction & Roofing is the kind of company that used to be easier to find — licensed, insured, and genuinely built on a handshake-level of honesty, integrity, and hard work. They handle roofing, remodeling, repairs, and property improvements. No runaround. No surprises on the final bill.
They’ll keep you in the loop, and treat your home like it matters. 💪
Learn more at hercacontractors.com
🏡 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: $650,000
Address: 3520 Banana Shrub Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 3,295 sqft / 5 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Built in: 2024
Garage: 3 Cars
HOA: $130 per month
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $680,000
Address: 4484 Lions Gate Ave, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 3,076 sqft / 5 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Built in: 2023
Garage: 2 Cars
HOA: $144 per month
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Future Growth Blueprint
Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks and county leaders unveiled critical updates on the 2050 Comprehensive Plan at the recent Chamber breakfast. The long-term vision focuses on balancing rapid development with environmental conservation and expanding key transportation networks.
Managing Rapid Development
Lake County’s Office of Planning and Zoning is launching an aggressive public outreach campaign that’s kicked off by a crucial joint workshop scheduled for June 10.
Local Economic Momentum
Clermont’s commercial sector is seeing another wave of growth with a newly expanded café at The Harvest Market, the official opening of Haven Butcher Shop, and an upcoming Huey Magoo’s location on US-27.
End Of An Era
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce formally honored Minneola Mayor Pat Kelley for his remarkable 18 years of leadership as his final term officially concludes. Over nearly two decades, Kelley fearlessly navigated the city through a period of historic expansion while fighting to preserve its unique community character.
Park Facility Upgrades
Clermont’s historic Bishop Field baseball park is slated for major infrastructure upgrades to revitalize the venue for local youth sports and families. The planned improvements aim to modernize the beloved facility while honoring its deep-rooted history in the community.
✅ South Lake Shortlist
3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are looking to feel amazing for this weekend, give these businesses a call.
Flying Scissors Salon & Spa - A Clermont staple that brings national-level talent to the area while keeping things warm and unpretentious. Whether you're after a fresh cut or a lived-in color that can actually stand up to Florida humidity, this is a solid first stop.
Salon number 10 - From vivid statement colors to tricky blonding corrections, the stylists here have the skills to pull it off. A nice bonus: you can request a quiet, no-pressure appointment if you'd rather skip the small talk and just decompress.
Clove Salon Aveda - A plant-based approach to hair care in a space that genuinely feels easy to be in. Regulars keep coming back for the reliable cuts and color, but also for the unhurried, low-key atmosphere that's tough to find elsewhere.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to El Sazon de La Abuela
El Sazon de la Abuela Mexican Food
El Sazon de la Abuela (which translates to "Grandmother's Seasoning") is a food truck/eatery operating out of Clermont. True to its name, the business focuses on authentic, comfort-style Mexican street food made with traditional recipes. It has built up a great reputation for serving fresh, highly seasoned meats, generous portions, and authentic flavors that taste like a home-cooked meal rather than standard fast-casual Tex-Mex.
Popular Dish: While their steak is a crowd pleaser, their Al Pastor is the true standout. It features traditional marinated pork cooked with sweet pineapple, creating a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors.
Location: 2700 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
Business Hours: Friday through Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Phone: (863) 350-5623
🗓️ Weekend Fun
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, May 21
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Craft Cocktail Dinner | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM
Salsa Night | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Miniature Golf Event | Clermont
📍 1600 Hunt Trace Blvd.
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Off Beat Bingo | Clermont
📍 Gators Dockside
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Reese Gus & The Fifths - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Legacy Concert | Montverde
📍 Sandra O. Stephens Auditorium
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM
High Stax Poker Night | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday, May 22
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Grand Opening VIP Party | Clermont
📍 Pups Pub Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Beer Tasting Night | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 23
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Watercooler Workshop: Expressive Cactuses | Clermont
📍 South Lake Art League
🕰️ Starts at 11:00 AM
🎫 Get Tickets
Rob Hazen - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ladies Technique & Body Movement Workshop | Minneola
📍 540 S Hwy 27 Unit B
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
City of Groveland Memorial Day Breakfast | Groveland
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Karaoke Night with DJ Manser | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday, May 24
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ever After Once Upon a Swamp Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Rob Nichols - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Groove Infusion - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Loyal Order of Moose Lodges
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
‘Beautiful Bobby’ Blackmon - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
❤️ Thanks!
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See you in the next edition!
