Happy Thursday South Laker! Between the new Phase III water restrictions and a Wine Stroll on the weekend, it is officially a "save the water, drink the wine" kind of week in South Lake.

Let’s dive in…

— Charlie Ferrer

🟠 South Lake News

Image credit to St. Johns River Water Management District

Navigating South Lake’s New Phase III Water Restrictions

To protect our beautiful lakes and vital groundwater, the St. Johns River Water Management District has officially issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order impacting our area.

Whether you're in Clermont, Minneola, Groveland, Montverde, or Mascotte, it’s time for us to come together and do our part for the community. Here is what you need to know to keep your lawn in check and avoid any penalties:

  • 1-Day-A-Week Watering: Landscape irrigation is now strictly limited to one day per week.

  • Odd-Numbered Addresses: Water on Saturdays.

  • Even-Numbered Addresses: Water on Sundays.

  • Non-Residential Properties: Water on Tuesdays.

  • Time Limits: Absolutely no irrigation is allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to prevent evaporation.

There are also new restrictions on aesthetic water use, pressure washing, and new sod. We take pride in their neighborhoods, and conserving water now ensures our community stays vibrant and healthy for the long haul.

Community Poll Results

In our recent newsletter, we asked what the Minneola City Council's #1 priority should be as we look ahead. With 47 total votes cast, the community voice is clear:

  • 59.57% (28 votes) believe the top priority should be to slow down residential development and allow the community to "catch our breath".

  • 21.28% (10 votes) were cast in favor of fixing roads and easing congestion around South Lake.

  • 12.77% (6 votes) want to see more local dining and retail options brought directly to Minneola.

  • 6.38% (3 votes) want to prioritized securing land and funding for more local schools.

💰 Together with Fisher Investments

Are You Ready to Actually Retire?

Knowing when to retire means knowing what it costs, how long your money needs to last, and where the income comes from. When to Retire: A Quick and Easy Planning Guide helps investors with $1,000,000 or more work through all of it.

Download your free guide.

What's inside the guide?

This guide moves beyond the fundamentals to help you stress-test your financial assumptions. After thirty years of building your wealth, retirement should be defined by confidence, not the nagging worry that a calculation was missed.

We hope these insights provide a clear framework for your long-term goals.

🏡 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: $425,000

  • Address: 3445 Capland Ave, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Details: 1,816 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath

  • Built in: 2003

  • Garage: 2 Cars

  • HOA: $501 per month

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

Home 2

  • Price: $439,999

  • Address: 15725 Heron Hill St, Clermont, FL 34714

  • Details: 2,518 sqft / 5 Bed / 4 Bath

  • Built in: 2004

  • Garage: 2 Cars

  • HOA: $43 per month

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

📰 Community Impact

2026 Hurricane Expo announced
Lake County Emergency Management is hosting the 2026 Hurricane Expo to equip and educate residents for the upcoming storm season.

Food pantry expansion plans
A local food pantry has announced bold expansion plans to increase its operational capacity and better serve the community.

KMF Advisors opens office
KMF Advisors has opened a new office in Minneola to offer business brokerage and advisory services to South Lake County entrepreneurs.

Inaugural golf classic event
An inaugural golf classic is being organized to help fund and expand access to youth sports programs across Central Florida.

Garden Club loans plants
The Clermont Garden Club loaned a Starfish Snake Plant and a Monstera Burle Marx's Flame to local public buildings to promote community horticulture awareness.

✅ South Lake Shortlist

3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. This one is for the women. Mother’s day is not over yet!

  1. The Blue Orchid Nail Spa - Get a luxurious and elegant pampering experience in a serene environment. It is the perfect spot to treat yourself to high-quality manicures and rejuvenating pedicures.

  2. La Vela Nail Lounge - If you are looking for a chic and modern atmosphere, this spot is ideal for anyone looking to experience the latest trends and techniques in nail artistry.

  3. Zen Nails Lounge & Spa - If you are looking for a tranquil and soothing escape, this is the ultimate destination to completely unwind and recharge while enjoying top-tier nail care and deeply relaxing spa treatments.

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

🍽️ South Lake Eats

Image credit to Ocho Rios Jamaican Restaurant

Ocho Rios Jamaican Restaurant

Ocho Rios Jamaican Restaurant provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where diners can enjoy generous portions of authentic Caribbean cuisine. Their menu features a wide array of traditional specialties, including jerk chicken, brown stew fish, and excellent vegan options like chickpea curry with roti. You should visit them and give them a try.

Best Signature Dish: The absolute best dish to order is the oxtail, hands-down.

  • Location: 4290 S Hwy 27, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Phone: (352) 432-5624

View the menu

🗓️ Weekend Fun

You can submit an event here.

Thursday, May 14

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Red, White & New Trade Event (Day 1) | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Business After Hours - South Lake Business Leaders | Clermont
📍 The Citrus Tower
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Watercolor Workshop: Expressive Cocktails | Clermont
📍 South Lake Art League
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Ladies’ Floral Diamond Painting Night | Clermont
📍 Panera Bread
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets


Friday, May 15

Wine Stroll | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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

Chamber Breakfast | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Red, White & New Trade Event (Day 2) | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Rob Nichols in the No Wake Zone | Clermont
📍 Clermont Oyster Bar
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM

American Legion Block Party | Mascotte
📍 307 American Legion Rd.
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM


Saturday, May 16

Fishing with a First Responder | Clermont
📍 Park Ridge Community Beach
🕰️ 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Red, White & New Trade Event (Day 3) | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SpeedTech Automotive Pre-Meet for Boost & Bagels | Clermont
📍 789 State Rte 50
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 AM

Boost & Bagels | Clermont
📍 Brooklym Water Bagel
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Switch - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM

Create a Kokedama - Fun with Flowers Workshop | Clermont
📍 Clermont Garden Club
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday Group Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Happy Go Lucky Sew Day | Clermont
📍 Black Dog Quilt Shop
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Karaoke Night with DJ Manser | Clermont
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Minneola Trail Work Day | Minneola
📍 315 Madison St.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Maria Salerno - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 The Station
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Sunday, May 17

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

Red, White & New Trade Event (Day 4) | Clermont
📍 2480 South Highway 27
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Groveland Exchange Book Faire | Groveland
📍 132 W Broad St.
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

❤️ Thanks!

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!

Keep Reading