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.
— 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.
📊 Community Poll
Lake County dropped the proposed 5-cent gas tax to fix our roads. Where do you stand?
Poll Results:
We asked where you stand on Lake County’s proposal to raise the local gas tax from 7¢ to 12¢ 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 12¢ 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
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
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
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 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
Website: kurosumikitchen.com
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!
🗓️ Events
You can submit an event here.
Monday, June 15
Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
📍 Gurch Coffee
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Tuesday, June 16
Mount to Coast Demo Run | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ Starts at 6:20 PM
Run Clemront at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday Night Run Group | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
Thrive Summer PopUps | Groveland
📍 Puryear Building
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 17
Bonkerz Comedy | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Vintage Car Show | Clermont
📍 1600 Hunt Trace Blvd
🕰️ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Clermont National Night League | Clermont
📍 Clermont National
🕰️ Starts at 5:30 PM
Pop-up “Mom & Me” Father’s Day Craft Class | Clermont
📍 The Harvest Market
🕰️ Starts at 1:00 PM
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Downtown Clermont Run Group | Clermont
📍 741 W Montrose St.
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Fairy Hair Fun at One Utopia | Clermont
📍 792 W Montrose St.
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Fall Meet & Greet at Lake Hiawatha | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Park
🕰️ Starts at 11:30 AM
Wacky Wednesday Waterday | Groveland
📍 David Blanks Playground
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cousins Maine Lobster at Tractor Supply Co. | Groveland
📍 9801 Broad St.
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Groveland Sun One Year Anniversary | Groveland
📍 450 S Lake Ave
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 18
Hoops With Cops-Skyridge Park | Clermont
📍 Skyridge Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Salsa Night at The View | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Lake Permaculture June Movie Night | Groveland
📍 Groveland Exchange
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Puzzles’s Action Movies Trivia | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM
Library Book Sale (Day 1) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Friday, June 19
USA World Cup Watch Party | Clermont
📍 Mullets Sports Bar
🕰️ Starts at 3:00 PM
Groveland Juneteenth Celebration | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Juneteeth Potluck Cookout | Groveland
📍 441 S Main Avenue
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Library Book Sale (Day 2) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Zack Denby - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Boost & Bagels | Clermont
📍 Brooklyn Water Bagel
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
MTG Marvel Superheroes Pre-Release Event | Clermont
📍 Coliseum of Comics
🕰️ Starts at 12:00 PM
Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Library Book Sale (Day 3) | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St.
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Mascotte Cemetry Cleanup | Mascotte
📍 Mascotte Cemetry
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
🗓️ Civic
Voice your concerns!
Clermont
Comp Plan Community Meeting | City Center
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ June 15, Starts at 6:00 PM
Comp Plan Community Meeting | Kings Ridge
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ June 16, Starts at 12:00 PM
Clermont City Council Workshop
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ June 16, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Comp Plan Community Meeting | ARC
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center
🕰️ June 17, Starts at 6:00 PM
Minneola
City Council Meeting
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ June 16, Starts at 6:30 PM
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ June 16, Starts at 6:30 PM
Groveland
City Council Workshop
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ 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!
