Happy Sunday South Laker!

This week, we’re taking a look at how Clermont is reinforcing its "Choice of Champions" reputation with a new state-of-the-art facility for our local heroes. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of events that’ll keep the whole family busy—from high-flying rescue dogs to the first wave of local Easter egg hunts.

Now, in today's edition:

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

📰 Training Facility in the News: Clermont is reinforcing its reputation as the Choice of Champions™ with its new Public Safety Training Facility, which has recently garnered significant media attention from Spectrum, WESH 2, and WFTV Channel 6. By combining cutting-edge technology with innovative, hands-on instruction, the state-of-the-art site is setting a new regional standard for first responder preparedness. This investment ensures that local heroes are equipped with the elite skills and excellence necessary to serve the Central Florida community every single day.

🐕 Rescued Rascals Take Center Stage: Get ready for a night of high-flying tails and wagging stunts. The critically acclaimed touring sensation Puppy Pals LIVE is officially set to bark its way into town on April 3rd, promising a night of canine-centered chaos that the whole family can enjoy. Puppy Pals LIVE features a cast of adopted and rescued dogs that have traded shelter life for the spotlight.

🏢 Helping Professional Services Firms: Clermont-based Educational Services & Consulting (ESC) has launched its new "EDGE" framework, a strategic methodology designed to help small and mid-sized professional service firms improve operational efficiency. The structured approach guides businesses through four stages—Evaluate, Develop, Grow, and Excel—to help leaders transition from reactive decision-making to measurable, sustainable growth.

Ribbon Cutting - Imagination Village Indoor Play Center | Clermont
📍 15410 County Road 565A, Groveland
🕰️ 4:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Ribbon Cutting - The Learning Experience | Clermont
📍 16272 Golden Eagle Blvd., Clermont
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

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

Lunch with Mayor Murry | Clermont
📍 Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Solutions Networking | Clermont
📍 Cheeser’s Palace
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Strawberry & Veggie U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Puppy Pals LIVE | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets Here

Strawberry & Veggie U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

First Friday Chamber Connection | Clermont
📍 620 W Montrose St, Clermont
🕰️ 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Ribbon Cutting - Digital Universe LLC | Clermont
📍 Clermont City Center
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Exploration Hike | Clermont
📍 Ferndale Preserve
🕰️ Starting at 8:00 AM

The Ultimate Tribute to Frank Sinatra Sinatra and Friends | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets Here

Family Food Fest | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Clermont Waterfront Parkrun (Free 5K) | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Easter Egg Scramble | Montverde
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 AM SHARP!

Ladies 9 Apps & Wine | Howey-in-the-Hills
📍 Mission Resort + Club
🕰️ March 30, Starts at 2:00 PM

Meditation in the Garden Series | Tavares
📍 Mission Resort + Club
🕰️ March 30, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lake County Farmers Market | Eustis
📍 Lake County Fairgrounds
🕰️ April 2, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Vintage Garden Show | Mount Dora
📍 Renninger’s Antique Center
🕰️ April 2, Starts at 9:00 AM

Wetland Excursion | Eustis
📍 Hidden Waters Preserve
🕰️ April 2, Starts at 9:00 AM

Town of Howey Annual Easter Egg Dash | Howey-in-the-Hills
📍 Central Park
🕰️ April 4, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Talk of the Town Comedy Show | Eustis
📍 Hideaway Performing Arts Theater
🕰️ April 4, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Formerly the site of Clermont Brewing Company, this newly reimagined venue has quickly become a community hub for "Good Eats and Live Beats."

The atmosphere at The Station a balance between a polished dining experience and an energetic nightlife spot. Inside, you’ll find elevated décor and a massive 16-foot LED video wall that makes it a premier destination for watching sports, while the outdoor patio offers a more relaxed, airy vibe with pool tables.

South Lake is growing! As our community continues to grow, there are opportunities to find an affordable home.

Home 1

Home 2

Located inside The Downtown Exchange, this local gem is redefining what a cookie should be. Forget those thin, crunchy grocery store snacks—these are thick, gooey, and absolutely loaded with flavor. It’s a locally owned small business that has quickly gained a cult following for its creative rotations and massive portions.

Website: cookiequeenfactory.com
Location: 639 8th St, Clermont
Shop: View the menu

Give your side dish a sunny upgrade with this Florida Orange Juice Cornbread recipe. By substituting 100% Florida Orange Juice into the mix, you get a naturally sweet, moist, and golden finish that pairs perfectly with everything from hearty chili to holiday roasts.

This recipe delivers:

Go start baking!

Looking for a loyal companion who just needs a little time to shine? He’s a 6-year-old Cattle Dog mix at the Lake County Animal Shelter.

While he can be a bit shy with strangers, once you’re in his circle, you’ve got a friend for life! Dude is a playful soul who lives for tennis balls and treats. He’s looking for an adult-only home where he can build a bond at his own pace.

Ready to meet your new best friend? Dude is available by appointment—call (352) 343-9688 to schedule a visit!

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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