Happy Monday South Laker!
Hope you’re having a fantastic start to your week! Today we’re diving into a proposed state tax amendment that could mean a $77M revenue shift for Lake County, along with the results of our poll on how ready everyone is for hurricane season.
We’re also covering a new interactive map tracking automated license plate cameras around town, gentle pet grooming at Akanise, and where to grab huge slices of authentic New York-style pizza in Clermont.
Let’s dive in.
— Charlie Ferrer
🟠 South Lake News
Image crdit to Lake County Commission
What a Proposed $77M Tax Amendment Could Mean for Lake County
Lake County officials are reviewing preliminary projections showing the county could lose up to $77 million in annual revenue under a proposed property tax amendment gaining traction statewide.
The measure, if approved by voters, would cut property tax bills for Florida homeowners. But local leaders say a revenue loss of that size could strain county budgets and put pressure on essential services across South Lake.
The proposed tax relief aims to lower the property tax burden for Lake County residents. However, an annual $77 million decrease would require Lake County commissioners to carefully prioritize local spending. Public safety (sheriff and fire services), road infrastructure maintenance, and county park funding would likely face close review as officials work to balance the budget.
📊 Community Poll
If a state tax amendment reduces county revenue by $77M, what should Lake County prioritize?
Poll Results:
With Atlantic hurricane season underway, we checked in to see how prepared your household is for storm season this year. With 12 total votes in, the results show that while most South Lakers are actively getting their kits in order and a few neighbors are still playing catch-up.
41.67% (5 votes) - In Progress: Taking the top spot, the largest group of readers is actively prepping. You’ve started stocking up on essential supplies, but still need to finalize home protection measures and gather your important paperwork.
33.33% (4 votes) - Fully Prepared: One-third of respondents are completely locked and loaded. Emergency kits are stocked, generators are tested, and you're already signed up for local emergency alerts through AlertLake.
16.67% (2 votes) - Not Ready: A small segment hasn't started prepping yet, but recognizes that it's time to hit the store and get organized this week.
8.33% (1 vote) - New to Florida: One neighbor noted this is their very first Florida hurricane season and needs a complete starter guide.
🚗 Together with Lending Tree
Overpaying for car insurance? Find out.
Find out if you have the best deal. Compare multiple car insurance quotes on LendingTree.
Rates have been moving around a lot lately. If it's been six months or so since you last checked yours, it's probably worth a quick look — takes about two minutes, and you'll see right away whether your current plan still lines up with what's out there now.
🏡 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: $355,000
Address: 17020 Woodcrest Way, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 1,254 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 1996
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
Home 2
Price: $385,000
Address: 16732 Glenbrook Blvd, Clermont, FL 34714
Details: 1,582 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 2003
Garage: 2 Cars
Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!
📰 Community Impact
Surveillance Map Published
Privacy advocates have published an interactive online map pinpointing automated Flock license plate readers across Central Florida, including several active locations in Lake County. The release comes as area law enforcement agencies face growing public pushback and internal audits over misuse and surveillance concerns. Residents can now see exactly where cameras are scanning vehicles along major traffic corridors.
Public Safety Accountability
A Groveland Police sergeant has received a three-day unpaid suspension and lost his take-home patrol car after an internal investigation found he drove a marked cruiser up to 124 mph while off-duty. Department GPS logs showed multiple excessive-speed violations on State Road 19 and the Florida Turnpike during early-morning commutes. The officer remains on administrative probation as state law enforcement standards officials review the findings.
Back-to-School Outreach
Hands of Hope America and the Rotary Club of Four Corners are hosting a free Back-to-School Community Event on Saturday, August 1, along US-192 in Clermont. The event will offer free school supplies, haircuts, family activities, and other resources to help ease financial pressure on local parents. The joint effort aims to support South Lake families as they prepare students for the new school year.
Housing Access Expo
Regional housing advocates and municipal partners recently hosted a Central Florida Housing Resource Fair, connecting residents with affordable housing programs, financial assistance, and eviction-prevention resources. The event included on-site eligibility screenings, tenant rights workshops, and homeownership counseling for families facing rising living costs. Organizers say these expos are a vital resource for South Lake workers seeking long-term housing stability.
🍽️ South Lake Eats
Image credit to G’s N.Y. Pizza
G's N.Y. Pizza in Clermont is a family-favorite spot, widely praised by New York transplants for serving authentic, hand-tossed pizza with a crisp and a well-balanced marinara sauce. This casual pizzeria delivers consistent comfort food that keeps locals coming back for both quick slice runs and full family meals.
What to order:
18" Mega G Cheese Pizza: A giant, classic NY-style pie with a thin, foldable crust, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly bubbly mozzarella.
Garlic Rolls: Warm, buttery dough knots infused with garlic and served with a side of savory marinara.
Manhattan Special Pizza: A specialty pie generously loaded with pepperoni, sausage, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Chicken Parmigiana Dinner: A hearty classic served with tender breaded chicken, melted cheese, penne pasta, and fresh garlic rolls.
📍 Support Local Business
Image credit to Akanise Pet Grooming and Supplies, LLC
Akanise Pet Grooming and Supplies, LLC in Clermont is the go-to choice for pet owners who want personalized, gentle care that puts their dog's comfort first. The team's patient, compassionate approach creates a genuinely stress-free environment, making it an ideal fit for anxious or sensitive pups.
Beyond expert styling and bathing, the shop offers a clean, welcoming space stocked with high-quality supplies to support your dog's health and happiness. With individualized attention and consistently beautiful results, every visit leaves dogs looking, smelling, and feeling their best.
🗓️ Local Events
Monday, July 27
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
Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp | Groveland
📍 131 Wilson Lake Pkwy
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday, July 28
Lake County Hob Nob 2026 | Clermont
📍 Clermont Performing Arts Center
🕰️ 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Run Clermont 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
Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp | Groveland
📍 131 Wilson Lake Pkwy
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wednesday, July 29
Women’s Bunco & Game Night | Clermont
📍 Panera Bread
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
1 Million Cups Gathering | Clermont
📍 The View
🕰️ 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Let’s Do Lunch at Clermont Fish House | Clermont
📍 110 W. Hwy 50
🕰️ 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Wednesday Social Bike Ride | Clermont
📍 1675 Hancock Rd.
🕰️ 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Off Beat Bingo | Clermont
📍 Gatros Dockside Clermont
🕰️ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
End of Summer Splash Bash Storytime | Groveland
📍 756 W Broad St
🕰️ 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp | Groveland
📍 131 Wilson Lake Pkwy
🕰️ 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Big Bucks Bingo | Groveland
📍 Barrels and Boards
🕰️ 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📢 Civic
Voice your concerns!
Clermont
City Council Meeting
📍 Clermont City Hall
🕰️ July 28, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Minneola
City Council Workshop
📍 Minneola City Hall
🕰️ July 28, Starts at 6:30 PM
Groveland
City Council Budget Workshop - General Fund
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ July 29, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
City Council Special Meeting - Tentative Maximum Millage Rate
📍 E. L. Puryear Building / Community Center
🕰️ July 29, 12:30 AM - 1:30 PM
❤️ 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!
