Happy Wednesday South Laker!
Today we’re diving into major moves in Minneola including a big leadership transition and upcoming landmarks.
We’re also spotlighting a sweet 2-year-old pup named Toast (whose adoption fee is 100% sponsored!), fresh artisanal empanadas in downtown Clermont, and a local wellness spa perfect for a stress-relieving reset.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Clermont Sun
Minneola's Big Shift: New Leadership, New Landmarks on the Way
Minneola took center stage at the latest South Lake Chamber of Commerce breakfast, unveiling a leadership transition and a slate of community projects as the city keeps up its rapid growth.
The Big Headlines:
Acting Mayor Moves On: Former Mayor Pat Kelley was honored for his years of service after stepping down to run for a seat on the Lake County School Board. Kelley was a driving force behind Minneola's commercial boom, helping shepherd the Hills of Minneola and City Center developments.
Serviss Steps In: Longtime council member and former Vice Mayor Pam Serviss is now serving as Interim Mayor. Serviss previously championed the city's first dog park and its Heroes Memorial, and she's now pushing for another first: a public fishing pier on Lake Minneola.
Growth Keeps Coming: With new residential development, healthcare expansion, and the 43,000-square-foot Crooked Can facility on the way, Minneola remains one of Central Florida's fastest-growing corridors.
📊 Community Poll
With Minneola rapidly expanding, what community improvement would you like to see prioritized next?
Poll Results:
In our last issue, we asked about your preferred way to support local South Lake non-profits and families in need. With 20 total votes in, the feedback shows a strong community preference for direct, high-impact giving.
60.00% (12 votes) - Direct Financial Contributions: Taking the top spot by a clear margin, our neighbors prefer donating directly to verified local organizations (like New Beginnings, The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, or the Community Foundation of South Lake), ensuring dollars go straight to work on the front lines.
20.00% (4 votes) - Physical Donation Drives: Tied for second place, our neighbors love getting hands-on with material goods by dropping off canned food, gently used clothing, and toys to restock local pantries and donation closets.
20.00% (4 votes) - Hands-On Volunteering: Dedicated neighbors choose to roll up their sleeves and donate their time and skills directly through local volunteer initiatives.
0.00% (0 votes) - Galas & Benefits: Not a single respondent picked attending charity galas or community benefits as their top priority.
🐕 Together with Humane Society of Lake County
Meet Toast! 🐾
Toast is a sweet and social 2-year-old pup who's roughly 50 lbs of pure joy. This friendly guy thrives on yard playtime, human affection, and making new dog friends (no cats for Toast, though!).
Best of all? Toast’s adoption fee is 100% sponsored. Visit us at Humane Society of Lake County and bring home your new best friend today!
🏡 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: $365,000
Address: 1844 Morning Star Dr, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 1,942 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2005
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $465,000
Address: 11618 Grand Bay Blvd, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,613 sqft / 5 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 1996
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Food Safety Spotlight
New state health inspection reports are in for Lake County restaurants and food trucks, covering the latest compliance scores and kitchen violations. Before your next meal out, it's worth checking how your favorite neighborhood spot scored — these reports drop weekly, and staying on top of them is a smart habit for anyone dining across South Lake.
Groveland Culinary Expansion
Kurosumi Kitchen, the beloved Japanese takeout spot, is going sit-down. The concept is relocating to a larger space at 135 E. Broad Street in downtown Groveland, where it'll serve its signature ramen, rice bowls, and handmade dumplings in a full dine-in setting. It's a welcome sign of momentum for Groveland's growing downtown dining scene.
Artisan Dessert Debut
The team behind Muse Gelato is joining forces with restaurant veteran Christopher Buxton to open Scooped & Stuffed, a new dessert spot in historic downtown Clermont. Set inside a lovingly restored 1966 Airstream trailer at 755 W. Minneola Ave., the shop will dish out small-batch gelato, warm stuffed cookies, oversized pastries, and custom dirty sodas — a playful, family-friendly addition to the city's arts district.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Beck Lamb via Google
Pico Bistro is a hidden gem tucked inside the Downtown Clermont Marketplace, known for artisanal Brazilian-style empanadas packed with creative sweet and savory fillings. Every pastry is baked fresh to order, coming out crisp, flaky, and golden - a fast meal that still feels like a step above typical casual dining.
What to order:
Chicken with Catupiry Empanada: A classic combo of tender shredded chicken and Catupiry, Brazil's beloved creamy soft cheese.
Beef with Cheddar Empanada: Seasoned, savory beef and melted cheddar wrapped in a crisp shell; a customer favorite.
Guava with Cheese Empanada: The standout sweet option, balancing tangy guava with warm, melted cheese.
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to J Sterling’s Wellness Spa
J Sterling's Wellness Spa offers high-quality, customized spa services including deep tissue massages, anti-aging facials, and laser hair removal.
Located conveniently right near the Citrus Tower, it has earned thousands of 5-star reviews thanks to its fully licensed, welcoming staff and relaxing, contract-free environment. It serves as a dependable local spot for a quick, stress-relieving reset without breaking the bank.
🗓️ Local Events
Wednesday, July 22
1 Million Cups Clermont | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Clermont Matters | Clermont
📍 Clermont Historic Village
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Dine & Dash | Clermont
📍 1601 Hooks Street
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Off Beat Bingo | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Big Bucks Bingo | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
City of Minneola - Minneola Market | Minneola
📍 800 North U.S. Highway 27
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, July 23
LIVE BAND Karaoke Contest - $1000.00 Grand Prize | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Hoops With Cops at Palatlakaha Park | Clermont
📍 Palatlakaha Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Puzzles’ Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 9:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Off Beat Bingo | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Joey Rodriquez - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday, July 24
Laine Breeden - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Studio 77 / Disco Night | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Trivia Night: Elf Squad Summer Showdown | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 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!
