Happy Sunday South Laker!

If you’re heading out, watch for the extra traffic around downtown Clermont for the Sunday Market, it’s going to be a busy one with this perfect "spring-ish" weather we're having.

Now, in today's edition:

  • Laker Notes: New trails, park upgrades, and boutique transformation.

  • What’s Coming: Your full 6-day planner (20+ events!).

  • South Laker Eats: A “rustic but refined" vibe you’ll need to experience.

  • South Laker Homes: A trending $458K stunner with space to move.

  • And more…

Let’s get to it.

— Charlie Ferrer

Laker Notes

Data Source: Accuweather

👣 Minneola Planning for New Footsteps: Minneola city leaders are moving forward with discussions on the "Minneola Ridge" and "Shepherd’s Landing" projects, which include significant emphasis on trail connectivity and green space. Tomorrow night’s Planning & Zoning meeting will dive into how these new pockets will link up with our existing trail systems, ensuring we don't lose that "trail town" identity as we grow.

🏅 Mascotte’s "Game On" Moment: The South Lake Chamber of Commerce has officially put the Mascotte Sports Complex on the map with a scheduled ribbon cutting this month. This facility is becoming a hub for local youth sports, providing much-needed field space for Mascotte and Groveland residents who used to have to drive into Clermont for every practice.

🏢 Montverde’s Boutique Transformation Moves Forward: The landscape of Montverde is set for a high-end addition as Lake County officials recently gave the green light for a new $66+ million boutique hotel. This project is expected to bring a level of hospitality we haven't seen in the immediate area, catering to visitors of Montverde Academy and those looking for a quiet getaway. It’s a major investment that signals Montverde is no longer just a "pass-through" town but a destination in its own right.

What’s Coming (Monday-Saturday)

Image Source: Clermont Downtown

Monday, March 2

  • Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting | 6:30 PM | Minneola City Hall | Catch the latest updates on new community trails and local land use.

  • Coffee with the Chamber | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Friendly Grounds Cafe, Clermont | Start your week networking with the folks who keep our local economy humming.

  • Baby & Me Storytime | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont | Bond with your baby through books, rhymes, and songs. This program encourages language development.

  • Knitting & Crocheting Club | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library, Groveland | If you love to Knit, you can share tips and information with others who have the same interest. If not, you can learn how to knit!

  • Groveland City Council Meeting | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | E.L. Puryear Building | Stay updated on the "City with Natural Charm" and its upcoming park projects.

Tuesday, March 3

  • Lunch with Mayor Curry | 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | IHOP, Clermont | Great way to voice your thoughts and ask questions about your city and the future of Clermont.

  • Minneola City Council Meeting | 6:30 PM | Minneola City Hall | The best way to stay in the loop on what’s actually happening in your neighborhood.

  • Cooper Quilters Group | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont | Share your passion for quilting with other women and give back to your community.

  • Clermont Ukuleles | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont | Bring your ukulele and join them for intermediate to advanced group play. The chords and lyrics will be projected in a big screen!

  • Run Clermont | Starting at 6:30 PM | Suncreek Brewery, Clermont | Go and enjoy and beginner friendly run event. No registration needed for this run/walk event.

Wednesday, March 4

  • Stayin Alive RETURNS! | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Clermont Performing Arts Center | Get captivated and dance with the sound mystique of The Bee Gees.

  • Solutions Networking | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Cheeser’s Palace, Clermont | A mid-week huddle for local business owners to swap ideas and support.

  • Business After Hours | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Clermont City Center | Network with other members in a casual atmostphere, and enjoy 50/50 raffle that raises money for scholarships.

  • LEGO Club | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont | Come meet new friends who love building cool stuff! Share your own tips or pick up new techniques from others, and don’t forget to bring your imagination!

  • Gladius: Flamenco Fusion Guitar Virtuoso | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Cooper Memorial Library, Clermont | Listen to virtuoso classical–flamenco guitarist who soulfully shreds on electric.

Thursday, March 5

Friday, March 6

Saturday, March 7

What else is going on?

Feature your event here.

South Laker Eats

Image Source: Barrels and Boards

Barrels and Boards

If you’re looking for a spot in Groveland that nails the "rustic but refined" vibe, this is the place to be and it’s a local standout. This isn't just another place to grab a bite, it’s a bourbon-centric kitchen that focuses on bold flavors and a cozy, wood-heavy atmosphere that makes you want to eat more.

  • Signature Dish: It’s definitely one of their signature boards paired with a smoked old-fashioned.

  • Location: 7965 FL-50 A500, Groveland

  • Facebook page: @BarrelsAndBoards

  • View their Menu

South Laker Homes

  • Price: $458,000

  • Address: 17608 Saw Palmetto Ave, Clermont, FL 34714

  • Details: 2,208 sqft / 4 Bed / 3 Bath

  • Built in: 2022

  • Highlight: This modern, open-concept beauty features a massive kitchen island and a split floor plan perfect for growing families.

  • Click Here: View the full house

Local Spotlight

Image Source: Yodibrodi

Yodibrodi

Looking for a hat or tee that actually says something? Yodibrodi at The Downtown Exchange is the go-to for custom embroidery with a serious dose of personality. Whether you need a one-off gift or gear for your local business, they handle it with a level of detail you just can't get at a big-box store.

  • Review: “Not only did I get what I wanted for my business, Yodi went above and beyond making sure my brand was being showcased in the best possible way and being there every step of the way. Great product and great service.” - Juan Torres Reyes, Google Review

  • Website: yodibrodi.com

  • Location: 639 8th St Unit 13, Clermont

Show off your small business! We want to celebrate the shops, services, and hidden gems that make our area unique! Reply to this email to showcase your business.

Old Florida Recipe

Image Source: Southern Living

Strawberry Cobbler

With strawberry season in full swing at our local farms, there is absolutely no reason to buy the canned stuff. This Strawberry Cobbler recipe is a nod to the rustic, simple desserts served at Florida fish fries and porch gatherings for generations.

It’s bubbly, sweet, and has that perfect golden crust that begs for a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Making this at home fills the house with that "Old Florida" citrusy-sweet aroma that takes you right back to summers in the groves.

Say hello to Mona Lisa, a truly picture-perfect kitty ready to steal your heart! This lovely lady is a spayed female who’s about 1 year and 9 months old and weighs around 11 pounds — the perfect size for snuggles.

Mona Lisa is currently waiting for her forever home at the Lake County Animal Shelter, where she’s charming everyone with her gentle personality and serene presence. If you’re looking for a sweet companion with a heart as lovely as her name, come meet Mona Lisa today!

Show off your South Lake stars! Whether it’s a pampered pet, a hardworking farm animal, or a local rescue, reply to this email. Be sure to include their name, what makes them special, and where the photo was captured!

Thanks ❤️

Thanks for spending part of your day with The South Laker. If this issue brightened your morning, pass it along to someone else who could use a smile this week.

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