Happy Sunday South Laker!

I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Sunday morning with a coffee in hand. We’ve got a clear, breezy week ahead. It’s perfect for those of us hitting the trails or grabbing produce at the downtown market.

Now, in today's edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

🏢 New Grocery Hub: Sprouts Farmers Market officially opened its first Lake County location on March 6th. The grand opening was a major event for the city and marked by ribbon-cutting ceremony and a weekend full of community festivities. For many South Lake residents, this is the first major specialty grocer focused on organic, plant-based, keto, and gluten-free products. They also prioritize local sourcing, which means your groceries directly supports the regional agricultural economy.

🛣️ Groveland’s Downtown Bypass (SR 50/33): This construction project begins this summer to reroute heavy truck traffic away from the downtown core, turning the current "one-way pairs" into quiet city streets. This project is the "green light" for new outdoor dining and boutique shops to finally survive in Groveland.

🪪 Family Fun: Minneola residents Leo and Sharon have transformed a long-neglected, overgrown property into Minneola Mini Golf. Beyond mini golf, the facility offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including cornhole, disc golf, pool, air hockey, and a growing arcade. The project was inspired by their own four children and a desire to provide a family-centered space for the local community. It’s located at 650 N. Hwy 27.

The People Have Spoken! 📣

We’ve been digging into one big question: How can we make The South Laker even better for you?

We asked, you answered, and the results are in.

In our February 11th poll, we asked if you’d like a "Friday Event Reminder." An overwhelming 98% of you (62 out of 63!) said "Yes."

We want to keep your inbox clean while giving you what you want. Since we believe "less is more," we’re sticking to two newsletters a week.

Starting now, we are moving our Wednesday edition to Thursdays. This ensures the most up-to-date weekend events are in your hands right when you’re ready to make plans.

What You Want to See:

On March 4th, we asked what you’d like us to feature more often in The South Laker, and here is how the 32 votes broke down:

Since over half of you are looking for news on new construction and local growth, we’ll be doubling down on our "Laker Notes" coverage to keep you in the loop.

Bagels with council member Bill Petersen | Clermont
📍 Panera Bread, 2260 State Rte 50
🕰️ Starts at 9:00 AM

Let’s Talk: Community, Crime, and Connection | Clermont
📍 City Center
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Love & Light Chair Yoga | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center Room 2
🕰️ 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Senior Leadership Meeting | Groveland
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Clermont City Council Meeting | Clermont
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tai Chi for Health | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center Gymnasium
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lake Community Choir | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center Black Box Theater
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Mascotte PD: Community Open House | Mascotte
📍 Mascotte Police Department Building
🕰️ All Day

Story Time in the Library | Montverde
📍 Helen Lehmann Memorial Library
🕰️ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Town Council Regular Meeting | Montverde
📍 Montverde Town Hall
🕰️ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Sarah Costello Irish Dance | Clermont
📍Clermont Arts and Recreation Center - Rehearsal Room
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting | Montverde
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Watershed Wednesdays | Groveland
📍 Hickory Point Preserve Pavilion
🕰️ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Project Review Meeting | Groveland
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

In the Air Tonight - The Music of Genesis and Phil Collins | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Corey Marshall Band | Clermont
📍The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Minneola's 3rd Annual MS Awareness 5K Walk/Run | Minneola
📍Minneola Athletic Complex
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Annual Spring Book, Bake, & Craft Sale | Minneola
📍City Hall
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Grand Irish Band | Clermont
📍The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Outdoor Adventure Series: Axe Throwing & Sling Shot | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Firearms Safety Training Course | Groveland
📍 City Hall
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Citizen Firearm Safety Course | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spring Concert | Montverde
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Shamrockin’ BBQ & Beer Festival | Eustis
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ March 13th and 14th, starting at 5:00 PM

If you’re looking for a "date night" spot that doesn't involve driving to Orlando, Crafted Clermont is our best-kept secret. It’s an independent steakhouse that feels fancy without being stuffy. The atmosphere is cozy and elegant, and perfect for when you want to slow down and actually enjoy a conversation.

South Lake is booming! As our community continues to grow, so do the opportunities to find your perfect spot. We’ve expanded our featured listings this week to include even more homes for you to explore.

Home 1

Home 2

This fresh addition to the downtown scene is all about quality beans and a welcoming vibe. Whether you’re a remote worker looking for a new desk for the morning or a parent needing a post-school-drop-off pick-me-up, SevenMade delivers. It’s the kind of place where the baristas remember your name after two visits.

There is nothing that says "Saturday on the Lake" quite like a big bowl of smoked fish dip and some saltines. This recipe captures that nostalgic, rustic Florida flavor: salty, smoky, and creamy with just the right hit of lemon. It’s the perfect simple appetizer to whip up when friends drop by, or to pack in the cooler for a boat day.

Start up your kitchen—here’s a great Smoked Fish Dip recipe from Garlic & Zest.

If you’re looking for a dog with a big personality and a bit of a "main character" energy, Clover is your guy. This 3-year-old, 62-pound bundle of fun is the definition of a free spirit.

He’s also Independent and confident—the type of dog who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to march to the beat of his own drum.

Clover is neutered, healthy, and waiting for his forever home at the Lake County Animal Shelter. Come meet this spirited guy today!

Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue brightened your morning, pass it along to someone else who could use a smile this week.

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