Happy Thursday South Laker! We have our best summer traditions this weekend. Whether you are counting down the minutes for a perfect plate of smoky jerk chicken, ready to dance along with the steel drum orchestra, or just want to support local high school scholarships, the Caribbean Jerk Festival is the place to be this Saturday.

Let’s dive in…

— Charlie Ferrer

If you've ever waited in line for the perfect plate of smoky jerk chicken or danced along to the Lake Steel Orchestra at Waterfront Park, you know the Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival brings unmatched energy to our community. But behind the rhythm of the steel drums and the island flag parades lies the real heartbeat of the event: community lifting up community.

Organized by the Caribbean American Association of Lake County (CAALC), this massive, free festival is also a powerhouse fundraiser. Every plate of food and VIP ticket sold goes directly toward changing local lives. It funds $1,000 scholarships for hardworking Lake County high school seniors, including students from South Lake High and East Ridge High, and helping them pave their way to college or trade school.

This year's festival is Saturday, June 6th at Clermont Waterfront Park. Don't miss it!

Poll Results:

In our last issue, we asked which local road project needs the county's most urgent attention. With 64 total votes in, our locals are feeling the squeeze of rapid expansion, and a massive portion of you believe the best way to fix the roads is to pause the building.

This beautiful dog is Kelp, a neutered male, 5 years old, and weighing approximately 10 pounds. If you're looking for a forever companion, he's the perfect fit for your family.

The current adoption prices are $20 for dogs and $10 for cats (or buy one, get one free). Please check their Facebook page for current adoption specials.

South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!

Home 1

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Home 2

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Surging Water Costs
Local residents recently packed a tense neighborhood meeting to demand answers over skyrocketing utility bills and rapid local infrastructure strains. The heated discussion centered on immediate transparency regarding utility pricing tiers and how future commercial expansions will impact the existing water grid.

Constitutional Protections Secured
Lake County Commissioners have officially approved a new Bill of Rights Protection Ordinance designed to reinforce personal liberties against overreaching federal or state directives. The local policy ensures that county resources cannot be utilized to enforce mandates that infringe upon constitutional rights.

Critical Survivor Funding
Harbour Hope International is launching a comprehensive survivor care continuum to expand regional housing and mental health support for victims of human trafficking. Backed by a major grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, this life-saving initiative bridges a critical gap in local long-term recovery infrastructure.

Local Talent Showcase
Non-profit organization Thrive Clermont is officially hosting its highly anticipated "Teens Got Talent" variety show to celebrate and empower local youth. The community event provides a high-profile platform for young performers to showcase their skills while competing for cash prizes.

3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for the best Mom & Pop pizza spots in town, here’s a list for you.

*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!

Sweet vs Sinful is a highly acclaimed local bakery operated by pastry chef Stephanie, an alumnus of The Notter School of Pastry Arts. Known for providing custom cake designs and elegant dessert tables, the bakery operates primarily as a custom-order service out of Groveland and Clermont. However, her freshly baked goods can also be found locally through select regional partnerships. In addition to stunning custom creations, she offers popular treats like mini bundt cakes, seasonal rolls, and gluten-free oatmeal pies.

Popular Dessert to Try: The "Sweet vs Sinful" Cookie - a staple signature item that is frequently featured in local partner pop-ups and area cafes.

You can submit an event here.

Puzzles’ Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

BONDING LIVING: Women’s Wine, Wisdom & Connection Dinner | Clermont
📍 Root & Branch Bistro+Bar
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Moo & Chew - Petting Zoo Hotenanny | Groveland
📍 Ali’s Farm of Groveland
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Summer Fun | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Paddleboard Yoga Summer Kick off | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

Death by Chocolate Murder Mystery | Clermont
📍 Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts
🕰️ Starts at 1:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Dave Capp & France Neil - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Treat Trot (5k, 10k, 15k) Run | Minneola
📍 Minneola Trial
🕰️ 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

Let’s Glow Youth Dance | Groveland
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

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

Spring U-Pick + Summer Fun | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday Breakfast Buffet | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Cafe
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Vinyl Ventures Summer Parking Lot Sale | Clermont
📍 Vinyl Ventures
🕰️ Starts at 9:00 AM

KennaDee - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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!