Happy Friday, South Laker!

The weekend is here, and our community is coming together in a big way. From the free Sips & Salsa festival lighting up Waterfront Park to the upcoming "Viva La Comunidad" Latin Festival, South Lake is celebrating family, music, and the vibrant cultures that make our area so special.

Let’s dive in.

— Charlie Ferrer

Property Tax Debate
A proposed Florida constitutional amendment would exempt the first $250,000 of a primary residence's assessed value from most non-school property taxes, offering homeowners significant savings. However, local leaders warn the change could cost counties and cities tens of millions in annual revenue, putting future funding for roads, parks, and infrastructure repairs in question. Residents should watch for how county and municipal officials plan to respond if voters approve the measure, whether through replacement funding or budget cuts. (South Lake Tablet)

Boil Water Response in Groveland
A pump failure at the Sunshine Water Plant knocked out water service to roughly 5,000 Groveland residents, prompting the city to launch emergency bottled water distribution at the Cherry Lake Prep car line. Crews have since restored pressure, but a precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect across the northern service area. Affected families can still access drive-thru water pickups while the advisory continues. (Click Orlando News 6)

Road Vibration Concerns in Minneola
Residents along the Citrus Grove Road widening corridor say heavy construction vibrations are shaking two-story homes and may be cracking foundations. Lake County Public Works monitoring found vibration levels within legal and safety limits, and no violation was issued. Even so, homeowners are pushing for continued oversight as construction continues into next summer, a tension worth watching as the project moves through residential areas. (Click Orlando News 6)

Emergency Registry Outreach
Lake County emergency officials are encouraging residents with medical, mobility, or electrical dependency needs to enroll in the county's Special Needs Registry ahead of severe weather season. Registering in advance allows first responders to arrange specialized transportation, accessible shelter, and life support resources during mandatory evacuations. Families and caregivers are urged to sign up now, before storms make the need urgent. (Clermont Sun)

School Referendum Vote
Lake County voters will decide whether to renew an existing 0.75 mill school property tax on the upcoming general ballot, which funds student safety, mental health services, and instructional staffing. The revenue supports school resource deputies, campus security upgrades, and pay aimed at retaining experienced teachers across the district. Voters can find sample ballots and registration help through the Lake County Supervisor of Elections. (Clermont Sun)

Cultural Unity Celebration
South Lake County is gearing up for the 2nd Annual "Viva La Comunidad" Latin Festival, which celebrates Hispanic heritage through food, music, and art. The event creates space for small businesses, local artisans, and community organizations to connect with residents. It reflects South Lake's growing diversity and its expanding lineup of family centered weekend events. (Clermont Sun)

Place to Eat Right now
Minneola Grill is a beloved local staple that charms visitors with its nostalgic, old-school diner atmosphere and warm, friendly service. It’s the go-to spot for comforting, down-home morning favorites like hearty pancake breakfasts and famous homemade cakes. (Check out their menu)

Tutor's wish is simple: to be wherever you are. This easygoing, affectionate girl loves companionship above all else. She’s happy to join you on an adventure or just relax by your side. Her sweet, laid-back nature makes her a wonderful addition to any home.

Quick Bio: Spayed female hound, approx. 5 years old, 51 lbs
📍 Read her profile at Lake County Animal Shelter

Here are some construction and road updates in the South Lake area.

🚗 Clermont & South Lake Gateway
U.S. 192 (U.S. 27 to Orange Co. Line)
Active safety resurfacing on the primary commuter corridor to Disney/I-4. Expect periodic overnight lane closures, ramp resurfacing onto U.S. 27, and new turn-lane striping.
🔗 Track Project 448764-1

⚠️ Groveland
S.R. 33 Curve Widening (Edgewood Boys Ranch Rd to Wright St)
Operational safety overhaul adding paved shoulder widening through dangerous curves and dedicated southbound left-turn lanes into Pine Island Rd and Groveland Airport Rd. Flaggers and shoulder work on site.
🔗 Track Project 445685-1

🚗 Clermont & Minneola
U.S. 27 Resurfacing (North of S.R. 50 to C.R. 561A / Southern Breeze Dr)
Active 2.6-mile resurfacing. Expect milling/paving operations with overnight lane closures permitted from 8:30 PM to 6:30 AM, along with ADA curb updates.
🔗 Track Project 450740-1

🚜 Groveland & Mascotte
S.R. 50 / S.R. 33 Realignment (C.R. 565 / Villa City Rd to 2nd Ave)
Constructing the new 2.1-mile bypass north of downtown Groveland to reroute heavy truck traffic. Watch for night lane closures, new intersection work near S.R. 19, and intermittent traffic shifts.
🔗 Track Project 427056-1

🚴‍♂️ Clermont & Montverde
South Lake Trail Phase IIIB Extension (2nd Ave to Silver Eagle Rd)
Active construction connecting South Lake’s trail spine toward the county line. Watch for equipment movement across local crossing points
🔗 Track Project 422570-3

🛑 Complete District 5 Lake County Project Dashboard
Access the full FDOT live database for county-wide resurfacing, bridge maintenance, and active traffic signals.
🔗View All FDOT Lake County Projects

What began as informal winter training camps became official in 2001 with the founding of the National Training Center (NTC) on Citrus Tower Boulevard. Since then, athletes from more than 25 countries have trained on Clermont's clay loop roads and open waters, preparing for the Olympic Games, Ironman World Championships, and global track events.

South Lake’s unique topography made it a mecca for Olympians, triathletes, and distance runners worldwide.

^{*Answer at the bottom of this email.}

It's time to twirl, whirl, and dance the night away! Sips & Salsa is a free community event cohosted by the City of Clermont and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, that brings together live music, great food, good drinks, and dancing that lasts all evening long.

Come celebrate the cultures that make our community so vibrant. Enjoy the flavors, feel the rhythm, and enjoy a night of movement and music with family and friends.

📅 Saturday, September 19 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 100 3rd Street Clermont, FL 34711

Click here for event details

Dish Rack Comedy | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts & Recreation Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Dance Party - DJ Don | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Audio Exchange | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Late Night Karaoke | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 11:00 PM - Close

Mike Lynch - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

September Wine Stroll | Clermont
📍 756 West Montrose Street
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

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

Trivia Night - College Football | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sips and Salsa | Clermont
📍 Waterfront Park
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Steel Jam IX: Two Day Event! | Clermont
📍 620 W Montrose Street
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 7:15 PM

School of Rock - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hot Property / Bob Zs Band | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

DJ Mynd / Dance Party | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 11:00 PM - Close

Kaci Jo - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

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

Fall into Wellness 2026 | Clermont
📍 Victory Pointe Park
🕰️ Starts at 10:00 AM

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Farmers Market | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Maria Salerno - LIVE MUSIC | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Quarterly Bird & Buttery Survey | Minneola
📍 Ferndale Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM

Legends for Youth Clinic | Groveland
📍 South Lake Reginonal Park
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Calling Kritter Bi-Weekly Auction | Groveland
📍 Ali’s Farm of Groveland
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Career and Health Fair | Mascotte
📍 Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Mike Morley Trio - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Neil Shaw - LIVE MUSIC | Minneola
📍 Lakeridge Winery
🕰️ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Rock and Roll Bingo with Casey | Clermont
📍 The Station Live
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hear Right Now - LIVE MUSIC | Clermont
📍 The Roasted Spirit
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Steel Jam IX: Two Day Event! | Clermont
📍 620 W Montrose Street
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM

Downtown Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 752 W Montrose Street
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The trivia answer is Choice of Champions.

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!