🟠 Irish Fest, Real BBQ, and Weekend Hikes

Happy Thursday South Laker!

It’s time to shake off the work week and get ready for another beautiful stretch in our neck of the woods. Whether you’re planning to hit the trails or grab a cold one at the brewery, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Now, in today's edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

🗣️ Clermont, Your Voice Is Being Heard: If you missed City Council meeting on March 10th, catch the replay to see how local advocacy is driving real change. These local government updates highlights the "wins" or the issues that directly impact your daily life. Watch the full update here.

🏅 Run Or Walk For A Great Cause: The 3rd Annual Minneola MS Awareness 5K Walk/Run is a community-driven event scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Minneola Athletic Complex. This fundraiser brings residents together to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and 100% of proceeds directly benefiting research and advocacy for those affected by the disease. This is a great way to support friends and neighbors living with MS while promoting physical health and community unity.

🏢 Clermont’s Neighborhood Businesses: The City of Clermont has implemented a proactive strategy to safeguard its local, "mom-and-pop" businesses, specifically aiming to prevent the displacement trends seen in nearby areas like Winter Garden. They are streamlining and speeding up the permitting process to help small businesses open and renovate more quickly without costly bureaucratic delays. They are also providing incubator spaces and resources to help new entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies within the community.

Project Review Meeting | Groveland
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Winter U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

In the Air Tonight - The Music of Genesis and Phil Collins | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Corey Marshall Band | Clermont
📍The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunset U-Pick + Wine Walk | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Minneola's 3rd Annual MS Awareness 5K Walk/Run | Minneola
📍Minneola Athletic Complex
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Annual Spring Book, Bake, & Craft Sale | Minneola
📍City Hall
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Grand Irish Band | Clermont
📍The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Outdoor Adventure Series: Axe Throwing & Sling Shot | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Firearms Safety Training Course | Groveland
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Citizen Firearm Safety Course | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spring Concert | Montverde
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Irish Fest 2026 (Day 1) | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ Starting at 3:30 PM

Winter U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Irish Fest 2026 (Day 2) | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ Starting at 3:30 PM

Winter U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Shamrockin’ BBQ & Beer Festival | Eustis
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ March 13th and 14th, starting at 5:00 PM

Florida Native Moths - Nighttime Pollinators | Mt. Dora
📍 W.T. Bland Public Library
🕰️ March 15th, starting at 1:30 PM

Afternoon Tea at the Mission Resort | Howey-in-the-Hills
📍 Mission Resort + Club
🕰️ March 15th, starting at 1:00 PM

If you’ve driven through downtown Groveland recently, you’ve probably caught a whiff of the hickory smoke. This isn’t just another rib joint; it’s a true local success story that started as a food truck during the pandemic and grew into a brick-and-mortar staple because the community simply couldn't get enough. By the way, you can’t miss their signature BBQ sauce that was created by Becky—one of the owners of Mahons BBQ.

South Lake is growing! As our community continues to grow, so do the opportunities to find your perfect spot.

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Since 1988, the South Lake Animal League has been the safety net for our local furry friends. They are a 100% no-kill shelter that relies entirely on volunteers and donations to keep their doors open in Clermont. Whether you can spare an hour to walk a dog or a few bucks for kibble, every bit stays right here in our community.

Please sign up as volunteer and make a real difference to end the plight of homeless pets. If you prefer to make a cash donation, you can do it here.

This 6.4-mile loop is a local favorite for a reason—it takes you through some of the most diverse ecosystems in South Lake. You’ll see everything from pine flatwoods to cypress swamps, and it’s one of the few spots where you’ll actually find some elevation changes. It’s a solid 2.5-hour hike that feels like a total escape from the suburban sprawl. Why it’s worth it: The scenic views of the park's untouched lakes are unbeatable, especially in the early morning light.

Before you go: View their trail map

Products we think every hiker should have:

☀️ Stay protected during those long stretches on the Bronson Loop with these ROCKBROS Polarized Sunglasses.

🎒 Keep your hands free and your water cold with the CamelBak Trail Run Vest—perfect for long loops.

🌬️ Beat the Florida humidity with a Kidee Portable Neck Fan to keep you cool on the trail.

Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue brightened your morning, pass it along to someone else who could use a smile this week.

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