Happy Thursday South Laker! We’re starting today with a major shift in how our community grows. Plus, with Mother’s Day this weekend, so I’ve put together a "Shortlist" of local businesses to help you with gift planning.

Let’s dive in…

— Charlie Ferrer

South Lake is growing, but the County Commission is looking to put on the brakes on Rural Conservation Subdivisions.

For years, developers have used a loophole to build higher-density housing in rural areas by promising to leave 50% of the land as "open space." The problem is that the "open space" is often just a collection of disconnected backyard patches or retention ponds that don’t actually protect the environment or the rural aesthetic.

Lake County is advancing new regulations that would require:

This is a tug-of-war between property rights and the preservation of the South Lake charm we love.

Community Poll Results

We asked, you answered! Our recent poll shows that Clermont residents are largely in favor of the City Council’s $960,000 plan to hire eight new police officers.

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What's inside the guide?

It goes beyond the basics to help you stress-test your assumptions. If you've spent thirty years building your wealth, retirement shouldn't come with the nagging worry that your math was off.

We hope the guide is useful as you think through your long-term plans.

South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!

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

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Twentieth Anniversary Celebration
Dash Sports is celebrating 20 years of supporting the Central Florida fitness community as a woman-owned running specialty store with locations in Clermont and Winter Garden.

Empowering Local Adults
Building Blocks Ministries has launched the "One Block at a Time" initiative, utilizing a $62,000 grant to provide wellness programming and vocational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities through a community garden and farmers market.

National Teacher Recognition
Third-grade teacher Courtney Rector, a former student and legacy educator at Imagine South Lake, has been honored as the Imagine Schools National Teacher of the Year for her dedication to student achievement and innovative instruction.

New Communications Director
Jeff Foley, an experienced media relations professional and author, has been promoted to Communications Director for Lake County to lead the county’s public information and resident outreach efforts.

3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. This is a special edition for Mother’s Day Weekend.

*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!

Over the Top Pita is a fantastic family-owned gem that consistently delivers fresh, flavorful Mediterranean-style pitas. Their friendly, attentive service makes it an absolute standout for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Whether you're in the mood for a classic favorite or eager to try something new, the quality of their ingredients shines through in every single bite.

Best Signature Dish: The Gyro Pita is their must-try. Packed with perfectly seasoned gyro meat, fresh tomatoes, and onions, it's elevated by a house-made tzatziki sauce — then finished off with crispy French fries tucked right inside the warm, fluffy pita.

You can submit an event here.

Free Pizza at Suncreek Social | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 6:00 PM

5th Annual Hope Invitational Golf Tournament | Clermont
📍 Clermont National
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 PM

Puzzles’ Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM

Off Beat Bingo Night | Clermont
📍 Gaters Dockside
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Fearless – The Taylor Swift Experience | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Justin Phillips LIVE | Clermont
📍 Clermont Oyster Bar
🕰️ 6:00 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

2nd Friday Block Party at Cherry Lake Park | Groveland
📍 Cherry Lake Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wine Walk | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Blueberry U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mom’s On Main | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mother’s Day High Tea & Purse Auction | Clermont
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

AdventHealth Girlz on Fire Triathlon & 5K | Clermont
📍 Clermont Water Front Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

The Hat Bar Experience | Clermont
📍 Clermont Waterfront Park
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets

Jazz On The Vineyard Green 2026 (Day 1) | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 10:00 AM -5:00 PM

Global Big Day | Minneola
📍 Green Mountain Scenic Overlook & Trailhead
🕰️ 7:00 AM -11:00 AM

Outdoor Adventure Series: Kids Fish Casting Skills | Groveland
📍 450 S. Lake Ave
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Spring Concert (Live Music with Groove Infusion) | Montverde
📍 Kirk Park
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Spring Luau Youth Dance | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Celebrating Mom | Mother’s Day U-Pick with Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Mother’s Day Brunch at The View | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Mother’s Day Breakfast Buffet and Mimosa Bar | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

U-Pick Blueberries | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sip and Paint: Mums the Word “Mothers Day” | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Jazz On The Vineyard Green 2026 (Day 2) | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 10:00 AM -5:00 PM

Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue added a little brightness to your morning, share it with someone who could use a smile this week.

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See you in the next edition!