Happy Sunday South Laker! I hope you’ve had a fantastic weekend! We’ve got an incredible week ahead, packed with local July 4th celebrations and plenty of festive things to do.

Let’s dive in.

— Charlie Ferrer

A severe thunderstorm system rolled through eastern Lake County this weekend, triggering automated National Weather Service warnings, intense lightning displays, and localized downpours with wind gusts topping 50 mph.

While the heaviest cells tracking east at 10 mph primarily impacted Eustis and neighboring Apopka, the massive shelf clouds and booming thunder kept residents across Clermont, Minneola, and Groveland on high alert.

Poll Results:

Following the news of the county's emergency moratorium, we asked how you feel about Lake County putting a 1-year freeze on building massive tech data centers. With 79 total votes, the feedback wasn't just a majority, it was an absolute landslide.

Fiona is a lovable one-year-old mixed-breed girl weighing just 36 pounds. She adores people and thrives in social settings, doing wonderfully with other dogs in playgroups. She would do best in a home without cats.

This sweet girl is full of affection and loves nothing more than being close to her people. She walks nicely on a leash and enjoys getting out for strolls, but she is just as happy to curl up beside you on the couch for some quiet cuddle time. Fiona strikes a perfect balance between playful and relaxed.

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

Home 1

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

Home 2

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

Local Business Expansion
Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings is officially opening its second location later this summer at Crooked Can Brewing Company in Minneola. The expanding brand brings its highly rated, Asian-inspired comfort food and specialty dumpling menu directly into one of the region’s busiest craft beverage hubs.

Veterans Education Honors
Lake-Sumter State College has earned the prestigious Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation for its unwavering commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. The official state recognition highlights the college's dedicated resources, streamlined transition programs, and targeted academic assistance designed specifically for veterans.

Inclusive Community Safety
The Groveland Police Department has officially partnered with the Autism Hero Project to launch the innovative Blue Envelope Program. The vital initiative provides specialized, highly visible envelopes containing critical emergency instructions and communication tips to help officers safely navigate traffic stops involving individuals with autism.

Huarike Peruvian Cuisine brings something genuinely exciting to downtown Clermont - a restaurant that feels upscale without losing its warmth. The cooking honors traditional Peruvian flavors while adding a modern hand: dishes arrive striking to look at and even better to eat. The seafood in particular tastes pulled-from-the-source fresh, and the bold, layered flavors linger long after the last bite.

Top Recommendation:
Don't leave without trying the Lomo Saltado with Huancaína Pasta - smoky wok-seared beef, crisp vegetables, and a lush, spiced Huancaína sauce that transforms the pasta into something you'll think about later.

Join the community this Independence Day at Waterfront Park for Clermont’s premier 4th of July event. This free celebration offers activities for the entire family, featuring live music, local food trucks, bounce houses, and more. The evening will conclude with a brilliant fireworks display over the waters of Lake Minneola.

Event Details:

You can submit an event here.

Strawberry Moon Flow and Soundbath | Clermont
📍 Clermont Victory Pointe
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

A Night in Italy - 5 Course Wine Dinner | Clermont
📍 Root & Branch Bistro+bar
🕰️ Starts at 6:30 PM

Run Clemront at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday Trivia | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Surf’s Up - Sew Day | Clermont
📍 Black Dog Quilt Shop
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Pilates + Play on the Farm | Clermont
📍 13202 Hartle Rd
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Chipotle Spirit Night | Minneola
📍 1677 N Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

USA vs Bosnia Watch Party | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM

The Rundown - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM

Puzzles’s Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM

Live Effect - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Exploration Hike | Clermont
📍 Fernandale Preserve
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Trivia Night: Red, White, and Brainy! | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Red, White, and Boom! | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

AdventHealth Freedom 5k | Clermont
📍 Erika’s Tea Room & Gifts
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
🎫 Get Tickets

Clermont Waterfront Parkfun (Free 5k) | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

July 4th Suncreek Social | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 7:00 PM

Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

‘Beautiful Bobby’ Blackmon - LIVE Music | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

4th of July at Lake David | Groveland
📍 Lake David Park
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

July 4th Celebration | Groveland
📍 Hangar W-33
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 11:55 PM

Voice your concerns!

Clermont

Fifth Tuesday Forum with Council Member Bryan Bain
📍 Clermont Historic Village
🕰️ June 30, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Minneola

No council meeting this week.

Groveland

Ethics Advisory Committee Meeting
📍 Lake David Center
🕰️ June 30, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Neighborhood Huddle with Mayor Keith Keogh
📍 Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
🕰️ July 1, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Montverde

Town Council Special Meeting
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ June 29, Starts at 6:30 PM

Mascotte

No council meeting this week.

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!