Happy Thursday South Laker!
Our "default mode" has become a bit too frantic. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, local experts wants you to stop sprinting. we’re exploring the "Power of the Pause", a strategic reset designed to prevent burnout and keep you productive.
Whether it's a quiet walk through Waterfront Park or a 60-second breather between meetings, it's time to reclaim your calm.
Let’s dive in…
South Lake News: Why you need to stop sprinting
The Countdown: Our top 3 weekend picks
Weekend Lineup: Your full community calendar
South Lake Homes: This week’s best real estate deals
South Lake Eats: Southern Soul at Lingo's
And more…
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Stop Sprinting!
In honor of Stress Awareness Month, local experts are sounding the alarm: South Lake is moving too fast. The "Power of the Pause" isn't about being lazy; it's a strategic reset to prevent burnout.
Between the construction on Highway 50 and the hustle of our growing downtowns, our "default mode" is stress. Whether it's a 60-second breathing exercise or a quiet walk through Waterfront Park, resetting your nervous system can actually make you more productive.
Here’s the strategy:
The Proactive Pause: Don’t wait until you’re "broken." You should schedule 5-minute breaks between meetings or school pickups.
The Stimulus Gap: Before reacting to that passive-aggressive email or traffic cutter, pause for one beat. It’s the difference between a productive day and a ruined one.
Local Reset: Use our local trails or a quiet corner in a any our parks to disconnect from the digital noise.
Honestly, how stressed are you right now?
From our recent community poll:
We asked what makes your Florida garden shine, and the results are a perfect split between high-vibe nature and the high-stakes struggle of homeownership. It’s a two-way tie for the top spot!
Native Wildflowers: 50% (4 votes)
"I’m just trying to keep the grass alive!": 50% (4 votes)
Citrus Trees: 0%
Succulents/Cacti: 0%
★ The Countdown
Image credit to Clermont Performing Arts Center
We’ve got a packed few days ahead fo you! If you’re looking to make the most of your weekend, here are the three standout events you should be looking forward to:
Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute (Friday): You should head to the Clermont Performing Arts Center for high-fidelity harmonies and a polished live performance in a premier local venue.
Kentucky Derby Celebrations (Saturday): Whether you’re heading to Suncreek for "Big Hat Derby Day" or the Charity Event at The Cove Bar, the style will be high. This is a great excuse to dress up for a cause.
Farmer’s Harvest Dinner (Sunday): Wrap up your weekend with a farm-to-table experience at Southern Hill Farms. Get Incredible seasonal food and a quiet sunset over the fields. This is the ultimate "Power of the Pause" moment before Monday hits.
🗓️ Weekend Lineup
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, April 30
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours - Game On Clermont | Clermont
📍 524 West Ave
🕰️ 4:45 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Mic Karaoke Night | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday, May 1
Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
U-Pick Blueberries | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
First Friday Chamber Connection | Clermont
📍 Call 352-394-4191
🕰️ 7:15 AM - 8:30 AM
Hairbon’s Debut (Live Music) | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday, May 2
Family Food Fest | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Spring Garden Festival | Clermont
📍 849 West Ave
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2nd Annual Run for Hope, Walk for Change 5k | Clermont
📍 Lake Louisa State Park
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
Clermont Waterfront Parkrun (Free 5k) | Clermont
📍 Lake Hiawatha Preserve
🕰️ Starts at 7:30 AM
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Big Hat Derby Day | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 5:30 PM
Kentucky Derby Charity Event | Clermont
📍 The Cove Bar
🕰️ 11:30 AM - 8:00 PM
U-Pick Blueberries | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
KLB Cleanup Guild - Quest for a Cleaner Lake County | Minneola
📍 Old Hwy 50
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Outdoor Adventure Series: Kayak & Paddle Boarding | Groveland
📍 Ali’s Farm of Groveland
🕰️ Starts at 5:00 PM
Calling Kritter Bi-Weekly Auction | Groveland
📍 Lake David park
🕰️ 8:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Cinco de Mayo Celebration | Mascotte
📍 Lake David park
🕰️ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 3
U-Pick Blueberries | Clermont
📍 Blueberry Hill Farm
🕰️ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Farmer’s Harvest Dinner | Clermont
📍 Southern Hill Farms
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Farmers Market | Clermont
📍 Downtown Clermont
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🏡 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: $339,000
Address: 15543 Bay Vista Dr, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 1,500 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1998
Highlight: This Home features a bright 3-bedroom layout with an open floor plan and full furnishings for an effortless move-in experience. You’re also a few minutes away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Home 2
Price: $339,900
Address: 15941 Greater Groves Blvd, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 1,298 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1992
Highlight: This Home features a bright, open-concept design with vaulted ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and a stylish kitchen equipped with granite countertops and natural gas cooking.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Antown Small
Lingo’s Fish & Loaves Grill
If you're craving authentic Southern soul food, Lingo's delivers comfort on every plate. More than a place to grab a bite, it's a destination where high-quality, freshly prepared dishes speak for themselves. From Friday night specials to the beloved "Soul Food Sunday," the menu brings perfectly seasoned fried fish, crispy wings, and savory sides that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen.
Signature Dish: Grab their Chicken and Waffle or CJ’s Salmon Bites with coleslaw.
Website: lingosfishloavesgrill.com
Location: 117 North Main Avenue Groveland, FL 34736
Phone: 352-557-9533
✅ South Lake Shortlist
5 local businesses that we trust and contribute to our community.
Titan Roofing - Titan Roofing provides durable roofing solutions and expert repairs for homeowners across South Lake County, specializing in high-quality craftsmanship and storm damage restoration.
Carolina Creations LLC - They specialize in transforming outdoor environments through professional landscaping and hardscaping services tailored specifically to the Florida climate.
J Trimming Tree Service LLC - They offer comprehensive tree care and handles everything from precision pruning to hazardous tree removal with a steadfast focus on safety.
Petit Ami Pet Mobile - Petit Ami brings the salon directly to your driveway, offering stress-free, one-on-one mobile grooming services for pampered dogs and cats.
Mighty Clean Pressure Washing - Mighty Clean excels at restoring the shine to local homes by effectively removing grime, mold, and mildew from driveways, roofs, and siding.
*Want to become a business partner with us. Let us know here!
❤️ The Big Give
Image Credit to Anointed Community Services
Anointed Community Services International
Anointed Community Services International (ACSI) is a nonprofit organization that empowers economically and technologically disadvantaged youth, single women, and seniors to achieve self-sufficiency through education and vocational training.
By providing resources like entrepreneurial guidance and job preparation, they help marginalized individuals overcome barriers and create lasting change within their local communities and abroad.
How to Get Involved:
There are three primary ways to support the organization directly through their platform:
Become a Mentor: You can volunteer for the "Growing Early Minds After School Program." Mentors focus on tutoring youth in Math and Reading (specifically using phonics) to help them achieve academic success in a fun and engaging environment.
Become a Trainer: ACSI looks for volunteers to lead classes for disadvantaged women and teenage girls. Specific subjects include:
Skills for Life & Parenting
Job Preparation
Computer Technology
Self-enrichment and personal development
Give Financially: You can choose to donate generally or target a specific cause that aligns with your interests.
Fill out the volunteer interest form here.
❤️ 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!
Or, if you’d just like to donate to keep our local newsletter strong, you can do that here.
See you in the next edition!
