🟠 Minneola’s Mayor Steps Down & A Groveland Sushi Gem

Happy Sunday South Laker! It is truly the end of an era for our community. After 17 years of leading Minneola through a period of explosive growth, Mayor Pat Kelley has officially announced he is stepping down. But as we look toward a new chapter in city leadership, there is so much local excellence to celebrate.

Let’s dive in.

— Charlie Ferrer

If you’ve lived in Minneola at any point in the last two decades, Pat Kelley has likely been your Mayor. But this month, an era comes to a close. Mayor Kelley has officially announced he is stepping down at the May 19th City Council meeting.

He is setting his sights on a new challenge and running for the Lake County School Board (Seat 1) to replace the departing Bill Mathias. Due to Florida’s resign-to-run laws, Kelley is bowing out of city leadership early to focus on the campaign trail.

When Kelley took the mayor job in 2009, Minneola was a quiet town of 8,000 residents. As of today, It’s a booming city of 24,000. Through all that explosive growth, Kelley has stated that his proudest legacy is fighting for local education, specifically ensuring developers set aside land and resources for schools like Minneola Horizon Academy and Grassy Lake Elementary.

Community Poll Results:

We’ve received a total 74 votes! In our recent poll, it is clear that protecting our rural environment is a top priority for our readers.

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South Lake is booming! Our community continues to grow, so let’s find your Minneola home.

Home 1

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

Home 2

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

Waitress Chases Nursing Dream
An aspiring nurse working as a waitress experienced a life-changing encounter when the right customer sat at her table.

Robotics Team World Champions
The "Nerds of Prey" robotics team secured a major victory by soaring to become world champions.

Four Seniors Win Scholarships
Project Scholars selected four outstanding South Lake high school seniors to each receive a $10,000 scholarship toward their undergraduate education.

Police Debut Trail E-Bikes
The Clermont Police Department showcased new electric bikes designed to enhance patrol capabilities and ensure safer local trails.

School Tax Levy Ballot
A proposal for a school tax levy has been officially approved to appear before voters on the upcoming November ballot.

Ikaho Sushi delivers the kind of fresh, authentically crafted sushi that keeps locals coming back. The staff is attentive, the portions are generous, and the bento boxes and specialty rolls offer serious value for the quality.

Best Signature Dish: Try the spicy tuna roll paired with a warm seafood soup. Whether you're a longtime sushi lover or trying it for the first time, there's a roll here for everyone.

You can submit an event here.

Coffee with the Chamber | Clermont
📍 Foxtail Coffee
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Let's Do Lunch | Clermont
📍 Portillos
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Run Clermont at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM

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

Celebrate 20 years with Dash Sports Clermont | Clermont
📍 714 W. Montrose Street
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

Clermont Midweek Show (Pokemon & TCG) | Clermont
📍 714 W. Montrose Street
🕰️ 2:30 PM - 7:30 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Clermont City Council Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ May 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Minneola

None this week.

Groveland

Recreational Advisory Committee Meeting
📍 Lake David Center
🕰️ May 12, All Day

Montverde

Visioning Committee Meeting
📍 Montverde Library
🕰️ May 11, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Town Council Special Meeting
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ May 12, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Mascotte

First Aid/CPR Training
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ May 16, 10:00 AM - 2:00 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!