Happy Sunday South Laker!
As we hit the peak of summer, health officials are sharing some essential tips on giving your favorite produce an extra-thorough wash. While local risk is incredibly low, we have the quick safety breakdown you need before your next grocery run. Plus, we’ve got details on an urgent youth food program shortage and a free family holiday party!
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Summer Produce & Safety in Lake County
State and federal health officials are tracking a seasonal rise in Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic foodborne parasite. The CDC notes these parasites typically peak in summer, often linked to contaminated fresh produce.
Florida has logged 50 cases since May, but there's little cause for local concern: Lake County has recorded just one isolated case, per the state health department's tracker.
Since the parasite clings to raw produce, doctors recommend extra care when washing these summer staples:
Bagged Salads & Leafy Greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed mixes. Discard the outer two layers, then rinse inner leaves thoroughly.
Fresh Berries: Raspberries' bumpy texture hides particles easily—wash thoroughly or use frozen berries for baking.
Herbs & Green Onions: Separate basil and cilantro leaves and rinse under running water. For green onions, trim the roots and peel off the outer layer before slicing.
📊 Community Poll
When it comes to fresh summer fruits and vegetables, what is your go-to buying habit?
Poll Results:
We asked which culinary concept you are hitting first on opening day at Crooked Can Minneola, and with 44 total votes, the results prove you just can't beat the absolute classics.
54.55% (24 votes) - Real Cheesesteaks & Fresh Pizza: Taking home the crown by a definitive landslide, more than half of our readers are heading straight for the ultimate comfort food combination.
20.45% (9 votes) - Fresh Sushi & Handheld Empanadas: Snagging the number two spot in a tight race for second place, a fifth of you are eager to mix fresh coastal rolls with savory, golden pockets.
18.18% (8 votes) - Fusion BBQ & Dumplings: A strong contingent of adventurous foodies are prioritizing this unique culinary mashup as their very first stop.
6.82% (3 votes) - Artisanal Mini Donuts & Premium Coffee: The "dessert first" crowd may be small, but they are dedicated and ready to lock in their morning sugar and caffeine fix.
🐕Together with Lake County Animal Shelter
Meet Cannon! 🐾
If you are looking for a loyal companion to join you on all of life’s adventures, look no further than Cannon!
Cannon is your classic hound dog through and through. With his nose to the ground and his tail happily wagging, he treats every single walk like a grand expedition. For this curious boy, every smell tells a story, and he is happiest when he’s outdoors exploring the world one sniff at a time.
Ready to meet your new best friend? Head over to the Lake County Animal Shelter to meet Cannon in person and see if he's the perfect fit for your pack!
🏡 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: $509,000
Address: 12549 Hammock Pointe Cir, Clermont, FL 34711
Details: 2,383 sqft / 4 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 2013
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $575,000
Address: 4108 Deermoss Dr, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 2,289 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath
Built in: 2012
Garage: 3 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Food Safety Spotlight
The latest state health inspection reports for local restaurants and food trucks are now available, highlighting both compliance and critical violations across the area. Diners are encouraged to check the latest grades to make sure their favorite neighborhood spots are meeting clean kitchen standards. Staying on top of these weekly reports is a smart move for anyone dining out around South Lake.
Urgent Youth Hunger
A vital local summer meal program is facing critical supply shortages and is issuing an urgent call for community volunteers and donations. The initiative helps bridge the gap for vulnerable South Lake students who lose access to school-provided meals during summer break. Without immediate local support, hundreds of area children could face serious food insecurity before the new school year begins.
First Responders Mobilize
Clermont's fire departments faced an intense workload over the busy July 4th holiday weekend, managing a surge of emergency medical calls and fire hazards. The high volume of incidents highlights the growing strain on public safety resources as local subdivisions continue to grow. Their quick, steady response reflects the dedication of the local heroes who keep our community safe during major holidays.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to Michael Korostensky via Google
Orochi Ramen
Eating at Orochi Ramen feels like finding a hidden gem. It is a cozy, casual little spot that gets packed quickly because the kitchen really knows how to deliver comforting, soul-warming bowls.
The absolute best dish to order is the Tonkotsu Ramen with Black Garlic. It is a rich flavor dish, and easily the standout item on the menu.
The Broth: The base is a deeply savory, creamy pork bone broth. The addition of black garlic oil takes it to the next level, swirling in a complex, earthy, and slightly sweet garlic depth that cuts through the richness beautifully.
The Chashu Pork: You get massive, thick cuts of pork that are incredibly tender and melt in your mouth. They torch the edges just right to give the meat a fantastic smoky flavor.
The Perfect Egg: The ramen egg is exactly how you want it—perfectly marinated with a rich, jammy soft yolk that blends into the soup.
More Information:
Location: 786 FL-50, Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: (352) 404-7389
Facebook: @orochiramen
Instagram: @Orochi.ramen
🍷 Featured Event
Image credit to Central Florida Dreamplex
Christmas in July Celebration
Celebrate the season, Florida family-style! Join us for an evening of Christmas music, complimentary specialty holiday cocktails, festive desserts, and raffles.
Browse handmade ornaments crafted by Friendship Place clients, and treat the kids (or yourself!) to free ice cream from Pat's Soft Serve, formerly Mister Softee.
Click Here: Admission is free, but registration is required.
🗓️ Events
You can submit an event here.
Monday, July 13
Survery Says | Clermont
📍 Buffalo Wild Wings
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Coffee with the Chamber at Dunkin’ | Clermont
📍 1110 E Highway 50
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Tuesday, July 14
Women’s Her Item, Her Story & Lucky Duck Connection Night | Clermont
📍 Root & Branch bistro+bar
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Let’s Do Lunch - Culver’s | Clermont
📍 1431 John's Lake Rd
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Run Clemront at Suncreek Brewery | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday Night Run Group | Clermont
📍 The View Clermont
🕰️ 6:45 PM - 9:45 PM
Wednesday, July 15
Christmas in July - Dreamplex & The Friendship Place | Clermont
📍 2400 S US-27
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Downtown Clermont Run Group | Clermont
📍 741 W Montrose St
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday, July 16
Bonkerz Comedy | Clermont
📍 The Station
🕰️ Starts at 8:00 PM
Salsa Night | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Puzzles’s Trivia League | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Hoopy Heathens #11 | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday, July 17
We Are Here Conference 2026 | Clermont
📍 Clermont Arts and Recreation Center
🕰️ Starts at 2:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
New Collective - LIVE Music | Clermont
📍 Suncreek Brewery & Distillery
🕰️ Starts at 2:00 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Women’s Glow Night Mini Golf | Minneola
📍 Minneola Mini Golf
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
🎫 Get Tickets
Music & Wine Tasting Night | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
STIHL Demo Day | Groveland
📍 Toole’s Ace Hardward
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, July 18
Saturday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Mini Maker’s Market | Groveland
📍 132 W Broad St
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
🗓️ Civic
Voice your concerns!
Clermont
Smoke Alarm Battery Replacements
📍 Clermont Fire Department
🕰️ July 15, All Day
Minneola
No council meeting this week.
Groveland
Recreational Advisory Committee Meeting
📍 Lake David Center
🕰️ July 14, All Day
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Budget Workshop
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ July 16, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
City Council CIP Budget Workshop
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ July 16, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Montverde
Town Council Regular Meeting
📍 Town Hall
🕰️ July 14, Starts at 7:00 PM
Mascotte
No council meeting this week.
❤️ 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!
