Happy Friday South Laker!
Hope your week is going smoothly! Today we’re diving into Groveland’s latest hurricane preparedness push and breaking down our community poll results on how local leaders should handle our area's rapid growth.
We’re also spotlighting Fiona (a total sweetheart of a pup looking for her forever couch!), fresh Pan-Asian flavors and sushi at Akina Bistro, and a new boutique downtown project coming to historic Clermont.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image credit to Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Lake County Sheriff Searching for Missing Eustis Teen
The Lake County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating 16-year-old Jonathan Matthews, missing since earlier this week. Deputies say he was last seen Tuesday near County Road 44A and Huff Road in Eustis.
Description: White male, 5'6", approximately 140 lbs., hazel eyes, brown hair.
If you have information: Contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office at (352) 343-9500, email [email protected], or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers at (800) 423-8477 (Reference Case No. 260079432).
📲 Community Action Step
Help Us Spread the Word Across Lake County:
🔗 Share this update on Facebook to help local law enforcement
📧 Forward this email to a neighbor or local community group
Poll Results: Standing Guard for School Bus Safety
We asked how you feel about Lake County installing automated safety cameras on school buses to catch drivers passing stopped buses. With 53 total votes, the response wasn't just a majority, it was an absolute landslide in favor of protecting local students.
90.57% (48 votes) - Strongly Support: Over 90% of our readers agree that keeping kids safe at the bus stop is worth whatever automated enforcement it takes.
5.66% (3 votes) - Skeptical: A small handful of voters expressed caution, voicing concern over potential false citations, technical glitches, or cameras being used as driver traps.
1.89% (1 vote) - Indifferent: One reader is fine with the rollout, as long as the county includes a fair grace period and warning phase to help drivers adjust first.
1.89% (1 vote) - Non-Commuters: A single respondent noted they simply don't drive during morning or afternoon school pickup hours.
The Bottom Line: Over 90% of respondents firmly back the camera initiative. While a couple of readers raised fair points about system accuracy and warning phases, South Lakers are overwhelmingly united on one core principle: ensuring our children can get to and from school safely every day is non-negotiable.
🐕 Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Meet Foxy! 🐾
Foxy is an 8-year-old, 30 lb. spayed female looking for her second chance at a quiet, peaceful life. She can be shy and a little overwhelmed by new environments at first, but she's a sensitive soul who forms deep, loyal bonds once she feels safe.
She is currently one of our "Build the Bond" dogs. She'll do best with an adopter who has patience for a slower introduction. Give her a calm home, a predictable routine, and time to settle in at her own pace, and she'll reward you with steady, devoted companionship.
If you’re interested, please visit Foxy at Lake County Animal Shelter.
🏡 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: $899,900
Address: 2336 Zaltana Cir, Minneola, FL 34715
Details: 2,839 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2020
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $950,000
Address: 11417 Lake Minneola Shrs, Minneola, FL 34715
Details: 3,259 sqft / 4 Bed / 3.5 Bath
Built in: 1965
Garage: N/A
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Elite Neonatal Infrastructure
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital has broken ground on Lake County's first Level 2 NICU. The 7,200-square-foot unit will let local families keep critical newborn care close to home, instead of crossing county lines. A big step forward for Clermont as a hub for growing families.
Neighborhood Construction Backlash
Lake County homeowners are pushing back on new construction proposals they say threaten the character and traffic flow of established subdivisions. Concerns center on property values, zoning changes, and unchecked infill — and residents are now organizing to demand stronger oversight and clearer communication from county planners.
Statewide Host Honor
Clermont Main Street took home three awards at the state conference and locked in the bid to host the 2027 Florida Main Street Statewide Conference. The event will bring hundreds of urban planning and economic development leaders to historic downtown Clermont, reinforcing our reputation as a model for revitalization and small business growth.
Political Hob Nob
South Lake residents and business leaders packed the Clermont Performing Arts Center for the 2026 Lake County Hob Nob, connecting directly with election candidates ahead of the primaries. Straw polls and lively debate on key local issues showed just how engaged this community is in shaping its future.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Lynn Widner via Google
Craving something different? Leo's Grill & Barbecue in Clermont/Minneola brings together two great grilling traditions under one roof: authentic Brazilian churrasco and low-and-slow American barbecue. It's become a go-to spot for meat lovers, known for high-quality, kosher-style cuts cooked over wood for hours.
What to Order:
🔥 Steak Sandwich: Grilled, diced steak piled onto toasted bread with melted white cheese, grilled onions, and Leo's signature aioli. Hearty, messy, and exactly what a great steak sandwich should be.
🔥 Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket: Smoked low and slow for up to 16 hours until it's fall-apart tender, with a deep, smoky bark that's worth the wait.
🔥 Yucca Fries & Parmesan Fries: The perfect side to share (or not). Crispy yucca or shoestring fries, dusted with grated cheese and served with a housemade aioli for dipping.
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to Sunshine Book Co.
Tucked into historic downtown Clermont, Sunshine Book Co. is the kind of independent bookstore every neighborhood deserves. Browse a thoughtfully curated mix of new releases, timeless classics, and one-of-a-kind literary gifts.
Stop by for a local author event, join a workshop, or pull up a chair for a lively book club discussion. And with a staff that genuinely knows their books (and their regulars), you'll always leave with a recommendation worth reading and a reason to come back.
🗓️ Local Events
Friday, July 31
Women’s Downtown Clermont Sunset Sip & Stroll | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 6:30 PM -8:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Pressed Flower Bookmark Workshop | Clermont
📍 Sunshine Book Co.
🕰️ 6:30 PM -7:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Black Diamond / Classic Rock | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Late Night Karaoke | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 11:30 PM - 1:00 AM
Gravity Parade | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Count Me In - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM
Derek Stroker - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Hoops With Cops at McKinney Park | Clermont
📍 McKinney Park
🕰️ 9:00 AM -11:00 AM
Friday Night Vibes Food Truck Event | Groveland
📍 334 E Myers Blvd
🕰️ 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Shark Week Watch Party | Groveland
📍 132 W Broad St
🕰️ 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
‘Even Bigger’ Bucks Bingo | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 1
Jersey Girls Living in Clermont - August Luncheon | Clermont
📍 Guru Indian Restuarant
🕰️ Starts at 12 PM
Family Food Fest | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Rhythm Me Up | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
DJ Mynd Dance Party | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM
‘Beautiful Bobby’ Blackmon - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday, August 2
Women’s Polka Dots & Pancakes | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Paddleboard Yoga Flow Summer | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Peddle and Paddle | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 10 AM
Saturday Group Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 752 West Montrose Street
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Rock and Roll Bingo with Casey | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Mic Night | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
David Julia - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Summer Sizzler 5K | Minneola
📍 13930 Education Ave
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 AM
🎫 Get Tickets
❤️ 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!
