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 News
Image credit to Discover Lake County FL
Lake County Tightens the Rules on Rural Development
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:
Contiguous Green Space: No more fragmented patches.
Stricter Standards: To Ensure the land preserved is actually worth preserving (natural habitats, not just golf courses or lawns).
Character Preservation: Aim to keep the "Rural Transition" areas of Clermont, Groveland, and Montverde from looking like suburban sprawl.
This is a tug-of-war between property rights and the preservation of the South Lake charm we love.
Where do you stand?
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.
82% say "Yes"—the city needs more officers to keep up with growth.
8% would prefer to see that money spent elsewhere.
8% are still looking for more information before forming an opinion.
2% support CSOs but not more sworn officers.
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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 Homes
Image credit to Realtor.com
South Lake is growing! Step up and secure your perfect home in one of Florida's fastest-growing, top-rated communities!
Home 1
Price: $510,000
Address: 16612 Fresh Meadow Dr, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 2,922 sqft / 5 Bed / 4 Bath
Built in: 2005
Garage: 2 Cars
HOA: $270 per m month
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $574,900
Address: 13031 Sunshine View Ct, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,518 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 1997
Garage: 2 Cars
HOA: N/A
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
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.
✅ South Lake Shortlist
3 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community. This is a special edition for Mother’s Day Weekend.
Gia Flowers Clermont - This shop offers a vibrant arrangement of 24 mixed color roses accompanied by a festive balloon, chocolates, and a decorative wooden pick
Clermont Florist and Wine Shop - This shop offers specialized arrangements like "Beautiful in Blue" and elegant orchid plants, with the added benefit of being able to pair your floral gift with a selection from their wine collection.
Everything Local Company - This downtown boutique offers handcrafted Mother's Day gift bundles and a curated selection of Florida-based goods, such as local honey and artisanal home items.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Alex Angelidis via Google Maps
Over The Top Pita
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.
Website: overthetoppita.com
Location: 240 Citrus Tower Blvd Suite B, Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: (352) 708-6588
🗓️ Weekend Fun
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, May 7
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
Friday, May 8
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
Saturday, May 9
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
Sunday, May 10
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
❤️ 2,000+ South Lakers
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.
Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
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See you in the next edition!
