Happy Sunday South Laker! We have a packed edition for you today. From local leaders hitting the brakes on a proposed fuel tax to an authentic Japanese spot in Groveland giving traditional umami flavors a low-and-slow BBQ twist, there is plenty happening in our corner of Lake County.

Let’s dive in.

β€” Charlie Ferrer

🟠 South Lake News

Image credit to Yelp

Lake County Gas Tax Rejected

Lake County roads are feeling the strain of explosive growth, but a controversial proposal to fund those repairs just ran out of gas.

This week, Lake County Commissioners voted officially to reject a proposed 5-cent local fuel tax, deciding not to place the referendum on the upcoming November general election ballot.

The money was earmarked specifically to tackle the county's mounting backlog of road infrastructure and repair projects. However, commissioners ultimately backed off, citing concerns that adding yet another complex issue to an already crowded November ballot would cause voter confusion.

πŸ“Š Community Poll

Poll Results:

We asked where you stand on Lake County’s proposal to raise the local gas tax from 7Β’ to 12Β’ per gallon starting in 2028 to fund road expansions. With 70 total votes in, the community’s response sent a loud and clear message: our wallets are feeling the squeeze.

  • 54.29% (38 votes) - Inflation is Already Too High: Taking the top spot, the clear majority gave a resounding "absolutely not." The consensus here is that families are already stretched way too thin, and residents shouldn’t face an extra penalty just for having a long daily commute.

  • 37.14% (26 votes) - Meet Me in the Middle: Over a third of respondents are looking for a compromise. You support a smaller infrastructure investment, but feel that jumping straight to the maximum 12Β’ mark is far too aggressive right now.

  • 8.57% (6 votes) - Fix The Roads: A small minority are ready to pay up. For this group, an extra nickel a gallon is a price worth paying if it guarantees a real fix for traffic gridlock and potholes.

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🏑 South Lake Homes

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

Home 1

  • Price: $449,000

  • Address: 16627 Rockwell Heights Ln, Clermont, FL 34711

  • Details: 2,674 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 2004

  • Garage: 2 Cars

Home 2

  • Price: $499,995

  • Address: 16885 Meadows St, Clermont, FL 34714

  • Details: 2,568 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 2019

  • Garage: 3 Cars

πŸ“° Community Impact

Future Growth Blueprint
Lake County leaders have officially released the initial draft of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, opening it up for public review. This master strategy will heavily dictate local growth policies, land-development regulations, and traffic corridor infrastructure over the next two decades.

Downtown Redevelopment Landmark
The historic CBS property in downtown Clermont is officially transitioning into a vibrant new mixed-use space known as the Lumberyard District. This massive redevelopment project aims to blend modern commercial opportunities with local heritage, injecting fresh economic energy into the historic core.

New Business Momentum
The local commercial sector is celebrating the grand opening of The Venue, a brand-new premier event space in Clermont designed to host magical community and private memories. The modern facility underscores South Lake’s booming retail appeal and brings a highly requested upscale hospitality option directly to local consumers.

🍽️ South Lake Eats

Image credit to Vladimir Kurlikin via Google

Kurosumi Kitchen

Kurosumi Kitchen offers a really unique setup that sets it apart from your average spot: they specialize in an authentic Japanese menu but elevate it with a distinct low-and-slow, house-smoked meat twist. Almost everything on their menu is scratch-made in-house, balancing deep, smoky barbecue notes with traditional umami flavors.

Top Recommendation: Signature Pork Ramen
If you are ordering for the first time, you have to go with the Signature Pork Ramen. They start with a rich, slow-simmered house-made tonkotsu broth that is packed with savory depth.

  • Location: 1504 Max Hooks Rd, Suite 1, Groveland, FL 34736

  • Phone: (352) 404-8398

🍷 Featured Event

Image credit to City of Clermont

Celebrate Freedom, Culture, and Community!

You’re invited to our 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the beautiful Waterfront Park.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for an uplifting evening featuring vibrant cultural performances, delicious food, and local vendors. Let’s come together to reflect on our history, celebrate our progress, and raise our voices in unity. We can't wait to see you there!

πŸ—“οΈ Events

You can submit an event here.

Monday, June 15

Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
πŸ“ Gurch Coffee
πŸ•°οΈ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM


Tuesday, June 16

Mount to Coast Demo Run | Clermont
πŸ“ The View
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 6:20 PM

Run Clemront at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
πŸ“ Suncreek Brewery
πŸ•°οΈ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday Night Run Group | Clermont
πŸ“ The View Clermont
πŸ•°οΈ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM

Thrive Summer PopUps | Groveland
πŸ“ Puryear Building
πŸ•°οΈ 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM


Wednesday, June 17

Bonkerz Comedy | Clermont
πŸ“ The Station
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Vintage Car Show | Clermont
πŸ“ 1600 Hunt Trace Blvd
πŸ•°οΈ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Clermont National Night League | Clermont
πŸ“ Clermont National
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 5:30 PM

Pop-up β€œMom & Me” Father’s Day Craft Class | Clermont
πŸ“ The Harvest Market
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 1:00 PM

Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
πŸ“ 1675 Hancock Rd.
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Downtown Clermont Run Group | Clermont
πŸ“ 741 W Montrose St.
πŸ•°οΈ 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Fairy Hair Fun at One Utopia | Clermont
πŸ“ 792 W Montrose St.
πŸ•°οΈ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Fall Meet & Greet at Lake Hiawatha | Clermont
πŸ“ Lake Hiawatha Park
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 11:30 AM

Wacky Wednesday Waterday | Groveland
πŸ“ David Blanks Playground
πŸ•°οΈ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cousins Maine Lobster at Tractor Supply Co. | Groveland
πŸ“ 9801 Broad St.
πŸ•°οΈ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Groveland Sun One Year Anniversary | Groveland
πŸ“ 450 S Lake Ave
πŸ•°οΈ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM


Thursday, June 18

Hoops With Cops-Skyridge Park | Clermont
πŸ“ Skyridge Park
πŸ•°οΈ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Salsa Night at The View | Clermont
πŸ“ The View
πŸ•°οΈ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Lake Permaculture June Movie Night | Groveland
πŸ“ Groveland Exchange
πŸ•°οΈ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Puzzles’s Action Movies Trivia | Clermont
πŸ“ The View
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 7:00 PM

Library Book Sale (Day 1) | Groveland
πŸ“ 756 W Broad St.
πŸ•°οΈ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM


Friday, June 19

USA World Cup Watch Party | Clermont
πŸ“ Mullets Sports Bar
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 3:00 PM

Groveland Juneteenth Celebration | Groveland
πŸ“ Cherry Lake Park
πŸ•°οΈ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Juneteeth Potluck Cookout | Groveland
πŸ“ 441 S Main Avenue
πŸ•°οΈ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Library Book Sale (Day 2) | Groveland
πŸ“ 756 W Broad St.
πŸ•°οΈ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM


Saturday, June 20

Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration | Clermont
πŸ“ Waterfront Park
πŸ•°οΈ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Zack Denby - LIVE Music | Clermont
πŸ“ Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
πŸ•°οΈ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Boost & Bagels | Clermont
πŸ“ Brooklyn Water Bagel
πŸ•°οΈ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

MTG Marvel Superheroes Pre-Release Event | Clermont
πŸ“ Coliseum of Comics
πŸ•°οΈ Starts at 12:00 PM

Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
πŸ“ Lake Hiawatha Preserve
πŸ•°οΈ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
πŸ“ 1675 Hancock Rd.
πŸ•°οΈ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Library Book Sale (Day 3) | Groveland
πŸ“ 756 W Broad St.
πŸ•°οΈ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM

Mascotte Cemetry Cleanup | Mascotte
πŸ“ Mascotte Cemetry
πŸ•°οΈ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

πŸ—“οΈ Civic

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Comp Plan Community Meeting | City Center
πŸ“ Clermont City Center
πŸ•°οΈ June 15, Starts at 6:00 PM

Comp Plan Community Meeting | Kings Ridge
πŸ“ Clermont City Center
πŸ•°οΈ June 16, Starts at 12:00 PM

Clermont City Council Workshop
πŸ“ Clermont City Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 16, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Comp Plan Community Meeting | ARC
πŸ“ Clermont Arts & Recreation Center
πŸ•°οΈ June 17, Starts at 6:00 PM

Minneola

City Council Meeting
πŸ“ Minneola City Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 16, Starts at 6:30 PM

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting
πŸ“ Minneola City Hall
πŸ•°οΈ June 16, Starts at 6:30 PM

Groveland

City Council Workshop
πŸ“ E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
πŸ•°οΈ June 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Montverde

No council meeting this week.

Mascotte

No council meeting this week.

❀️ 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!

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