Happy Thursday South Laker!

Lake County officials just took a massive, unanimous stand against the nationwide tech boom, advancing an emergency moratorium to freeze large-scale AI data center developments to safeguard our rural water supply and local power grid. From Clermont's discolored tap water frustrations to an incredible Groveland food truck serving up unbeatable seared steak tacos, we've got your community roadmap ready.

Let’s dive in…

— Charlie Ferrer

Lake County officials are pushing back against the nationwide AI boom, moving to shield the region's rural character and strained utilities from the surge in large-scale data center development.

At a packed Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday, leaders voted unanimously to advance a one-year emergency moratorium that would halt all new applications, permits, and rezoning requests for data centers in unincorporated parts of the county.

Commissioner Anthony Sabatini (District 1) led the charge, arguing the facilities are fundamentally at odds with what makes Lake County distinct. "These are huge centers that don't fit the character and the feel of Lake County," he said, pointing to the enormous demands they place on power and water infrastructure.

Poll Results:

Following our coverage of the massive new 12-acre district project, we asked what part of the downtown Clermont transformation you are most excited to see expand. With 41 total votes in, it was a incredibly tight race between commercial charm and natural spaces, but park space ultimately took the crown.

Walt is a gentle, shy 2-year-old (40 lbs) who has come a long way since arriving at the shelter. He's blossoming with patience and is looking for a calm, quiet home where he can continue growing at his own pace — no kids, no chaos, just kindness.

As a "Build the Bond" dog, he'll require a few meet-and-greets before going home. Worth every minute!

Come and see him today at Lake County Animal Shelter.

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!

Big-Box Plans Withdrawn
Plans for a Walmart Supercenter at the proposed Minneola Marketplace have been officially withdrawn after months of community opposition. Hundreds of nearby residents rallied against the project, citing concerns over traffic and the impact on Minneola's walkable town center vision.

Tap Water Backlash
Clermont residents are reporting brown, discolored tap water in their homes, fueling frustration across local neighborhoods. Municipal officials say there is no immediate public health risk, but families are pressing for more transparency about the cause and a clear timeline for repairs.

Workforce Training Triumph
Lake Technical College took first place in technical excellence at Florida's Statewide Welding and Fabrication Challenge. The student team earned the top honor by designing and building an original metalwork installation celebrating workforce innovation.

Vibrant Downtown Transformation
Local artists have completed a Florida-inspired mural in the heart of historic downtown Clermont. The public art project celebrates regional heritage and transforms blank walls into cultural landmarks for residents and visitors alike.

4 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for delicious ice cream and sweets to treat yourself, here’s a list for you.

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

Tacos De Don Ramon is the kind of spot that earns regulars on day one. The food truck setup is unpretentious and lively, the service is fast, and everything tastes like it was made five seconds ago. Overall, these are tacos that make you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else.

What to get: Tacos de Asada, regular style. Cilantro, raw onion, warm tortilla. The steak is beautifully seared, juicy, and seasoned just enough to let the meat do the talking. Simple, and completely unbeatable.

You can submit an event here.

Country Artist Jacklyn Hayden - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

USA World Cup Watch Party | Clermont
📍 Mullets Sports Bar
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 PM

Ladies Duck Swap and Showcase | Clermont
📍 LongHorn Steakhouse
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Action Water Sports of Clermont - One Year Anniversary Party | Clermont
📍 16212 State Road 50
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

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

Friday Night Vibes Food Truck Event | Mascotte
📍 334 E Myers Blvd
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

City Hall Garden Project | Mascotte
📍 Mascotte City Hall
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Stories of Water | Clermont
📍 Crooked River Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 9:00 PM

The Wild Reset - A Lakefront Pilates Experience | Clermont
📍 13202 Hartle Rd
🕰️ Starts at 9:00 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

Adults Can Be Princesses Too High Tea | Clermont
📍 Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts
🕰️ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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

Clermont Waterfront Parkrun (Free 5K) | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

33 Years - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Community Grill N’ Chill | Groveland
📍 The Groveland Exchange
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Swim Run Swim | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 AM

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

Marti the Guitar Guy - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Paint Your Own Outdoor Paver | Minneola
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ Starts at 1:00 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!