Happy Thursday South Laker!
South Lake is growing fast, and this week's news proves it. We're breaking down everything from a massive indoor-outdoor entertainment hub hitting Minneola to available local homes hitting the Clermont market. We also have a very special, laid-back furry friend looking for a quiet home.
Let’s dive in…
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Crooked Can Brewing Company
Minneola’s Mega-Brewery: What’s Coming
Crooked Can Brewing Company is opening a flagship Minneola destination that is four times larger than their original Winter Garden location. The space bridges local biking trails and green spaces directly into a massive indoor-outdoor entertainment layout.
The Quick Breakdown:
The Taproom: 2,000 square feet featuring 24 craft beers on tap, plus wine, sake, and hard ciders.
The Vibe: An expansive outdoor beer garden paired with a dedicated live music stage.
The Food Hall: 11 local vendor bays serving up a massive variety of culinary styles.
The Food Hall Vendor Lineup:
Classics & BBQ: Daniel's Cheesesteak House, AJ's Pizza Joint, This Little Piggy, Braza Orlando, and Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings.
Global Eats: Norigami (Sushi), Empanada And Co., and Pita Street Food.
Sweets & Coffee: Sir Benji's Donuts, Three Birds Cafe Express, and The Local Butcher & Kitchen.
The taps are expected to start flowing later this summer.
📊 Community Poll
Which food hall concept are you hitting first on opening day?
Poll Results:
In our last issue, we asked which public infrastructure project needs the most immediate funding and attention as South Lake continues to grow. With 42 total votes, the feedback was a definitive shout for traffic relief.
66.67% (28 votes) - Road & Intersection Upgrades: Taking home a massive two-thirds of the vote, widening corridors like Hartwood Marsh Road and improving busy intersections (like Highway 50) is your undisputed number one priority.
16.67% (7 votes) - Public Safety Infrastructure: This group wants to see Fire, EMS, and police stations expanded directly alongside our expanding subdivisions to ensure emergency services never fall behind.
11.90% (5 votes) - School & Classroom Expansions: A segment of readers focused heavily on education, prioritizing new public schools and classroom additions to accommodate the steady influx of local families.
4.76% (2 votes) - Parks, Trails, & Green Spaces: Trailing at the bottom, recreational spaces took a major backseat this week, proving that while walking paths are great, surviving the daily commute matters more right now.
🐕 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Meet Truffle! 🐾
Looking for a calm, affectionate companion to brighten your home? Meet Truffle, a sweet 6-year-old lady who is ready to find her forever family.
She is the ultimate laid-back companion. She loves nothing more than gentle head scratches and soaking up affection from her favorite people. At a compact 12 pounds, she is the perfect size for cozying up on the couch next to you.
Ready to adopt? If you have a quiet home and plenty of love to give, come meet Truffle at the Lake County Animal Shelter today!
🏡 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: $440,000
Address: 10945 Big Tree Ln, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 1,725 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1967
Garage: N/A
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $450,000
Address: 4316 Renly Ln, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 1,836 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1999
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Persistent Drought Conditions
South Lake County remains in the grip of a severe long-term drought, and recent afternoon downpours haven't been enough to change that. Environmental officials say the seasonal rain has barely dented the deficit and is doing little to relieve pressure on regional water tables. Residents are urged to keep following local conservation rules.
Critical Healthcare Funding
The Live Well Foundation of South Lake has opened its next major grant cycle, with funding aimed at initiatives that improve local mortality rates and life expectancy. The foundation plans to direct significant resources toward preventative care, healthcare access, and wellness infrastructure for the community's most vulnerable residents.
Back-to-School Initiative
The Mascotte Police Department is gearing up for its 5th annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, with officers and volunteers collecting quality school supplies to help local students start the year ready and confident.
Emergency Response Boost
Lake County Fire Rescue is celebrating its second in-house paramedic graduation class, adding advanced life-support personnel directly to local response teams. The training program lets existing emergency staff level up their medical skills, sharpening response times and care quality for families across the county.
Local Political Showdown
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host the 2026 Lake County Hob Nob at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The event gives residents a chance to meet local candidates, raise neighborhood concerns, and cast straw ballots ahead of upcoming elections — making it one of the region's key gatherings for civic engagement.
✅ South Lake Shortlist
3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. If you are searching for a boutique clothing store, here’s a list for you.
Orange Blossom Belle - Capturing classic Florida charm, this delightful boutique features a rotating seasonal collection of southern-style clothing, gorgeous jewelry, and perfect gifts. Be sure to stop by to snap a photo in front of their beautiful, new Florida-inspired storefront mural before you head inside!
4 Oak Lane Apparel - This beloved, award-winning boutique specializes in size-inclusive women's clothing designed to fit and flatter all ages and stages of life. The incredibly welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like family the moment you walk through the door.
Boutique Paloma - Perfect for finding unique, thoughtfully curated styles, Boutique Paloma offers an intimate shopping experience filled with hidden gems and a welcoming, personal touch. It’s the ultimate stop if you want to discover elevated, standout pieces that you won't find anywhere else.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Blue Deep Sea Coffee
Blue Deep Sea Coffee
Walking into Blue Deep Sea Coffee in downtown Clermont feels like discovering a hidden gem. Tucked inside the Montrose West building, it offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a touch of hip charm - the perfect spot to relax, chat with friends, or settle in with some work.
Here are three reasons to visit:
Signature Turkish Breakfast - Fresh and authentic, this spread is a visitor favorite for capturing the true flavors of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Exceptional Coffee Menu - From perfectly balanced caramel macchiatos to rich signature lattes, the espresso quality here truly stands out.
Fresh Fruit Smoothies - We rave about the flavor-packed smoothies, with strawberry banana, mango, and piña colada topping the must-try list.
More Information:
Location: 793 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: (407) 749-7078
Instagram: @bluedeepseacoffee
🗓️ Weekend Fun
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, July 9
Puzzles’s Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Hoops with Cops at Felter Park | Clermont
📍 Lake Felter Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Friday, July 10
Friday Family Movie Night | Clermont
📍 2751 Hartwood Marsh Rd.
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM
Popsicles with a Cop | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Girls Night Paint Party | Mascotte
📍 AMB Outpost
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, July 11
16th Annual Things and Blings Craft Fair | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center
🕰️ 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Christmas in July High Tea | Clermont
📍 Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts
🕰️ Starts at 1:00 AM
🎫 Get Tickets
Clermont Waterfront Parkfun (Free 5k) | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 AM
Author Robert Redd - 100 Things to do in Daytona Beach Before You Die | Clermont
📍 647 Lake Avenue
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Meet-and-Greet Adorable Adoptables at Petco | Clermont
📍 2565 E SR-50
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
SWITCH - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM
Groove Infusion - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Karaoke Night with DJ Manser | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Calling Kritter Bi-Weekly Auction | Mascotte
📍 Ali’s Farm of Groveland
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, July 12
AdventHealth Cool Sommer Mornings Triathlon-Duathlon-5K Series | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Peddle and Paddle | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 AM
Ladies Coffee Meetup | Clermont
📍 Just Love Coffee Cafe
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 AM
Sunday Breakfast Buffet | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Cafe
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Scott Davidson - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Summerween at the Exchange | Groveland
📍 132 W Broad St, Groveland, FL
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
❤️ Thanks!
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