
Happy Thursday South Laker!
Ready to swap the office lights for some lakefront sunsets? The weekend is looking bright, and whether you're over in Groveland or hanging out in downtown Clermont, thereās plenty to keep you busy.
Letās dive inā¦
Community Spotlight: Friendly Grounds & the power of inclusive employment.
Laker Notes: Groveland's 3,000-home expansion and Firefly Nights.
Weekend Lineup: Yoga, Wine Walks, and a tribute to Whitesnake.
South Laker Eats: Folding the perfect slice at Chef'n It Up Pizza.
And moreā¦
Letās get to it.
ā Charlie Ferrer
ā Community Spotlight

Image credit to Central Florida Dreamplex
Back in February, our community celebrated the grand opening and expansion of the Friendly Grounds Community CafƩ inside the Central Florida Dreamplex. This wasn't just another coffee shop opening. It was a major step forward for inclusive employment in Clermont. Since that launch, the program has flourished, proving that a "cup of coffee" can be a powerful tool for social change. For more information, visit Friendly Grounds page here.
How do you prefer to support our local South Lake non-profits?
Poll Results
We asked how excited you are for the new CAVA opening in our recent "Big News for Clermont" update, and the results are in. With 37 total votes, itās clear that South Lake is ready for some fresh Mediterranean flavors.
The Breakdown
15 votes: Youāve never tried it, but you're ready for something fresh!
12 votes: Youāve been waiting for this healthy option to finally land in our community.
5 votes: You are officially celebrating the end of that 30-minute drive just to grab a pita.
5 votes: A few of you are sticking to your tried-and-true local spots for now.
š¢ Together with Niagara Sleep Solution

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Theyāre basically the internet's best-kept secret for high-quality bedding essentials. Iām talking cooling bamboo toppers, waterproof protectors that don't feel like plastic, and pillow covers that actually keep things fresh. Everything is hypoallergenic and easy to wash, which is a huge plus.
š Laker Notes
Development:
Groveland prepares for the addition of 3,000 new homes and city officials have reached an agreement with the projectās developer to help fund significant improvements to one of the areaās busiest traffic chokepoints.
Civic:
Mayor Tim Murry recently met with the Clermont Womanās Club to discuss the city's rapid growth and his perspective as a native Laker.
Health:
Sunrise Yoga at Southern Hill Farms is officially in full swing for the spring. Reserve your spot online early, and these sessions include a pint of u-pick blueberries!
Outdoors:
The Oakland Nature Preserve is hosting "Firefly Nights" now through late April. No flashlights, phone lights or flash photography allowed.
Active:
Mascotte is adding more evening fitness sessions at the Civic Center due to high demand from residents. Check out their weekly calendar.
Real Estate:
New residential permits in Minneola are trending toward multi-use developments near the turnpike interchange.
Concert:
Ancient Sun is taking the stage at Suncreek Brewery this Friday night, and itās free!
šļø Weekend Lineup
You can submit an event here.
Thursday, April 9
Business After Hours - Sunshine Book Co. | Clermont
š 647 Lake Ave.
š°ļø 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, April 10
Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake | Clermont
š Clermont Performing Arts Center
š°ļø 7:00 PMā-ā9:00 PM
š« Get Tickets Here
Live Music with Ancient Sun | Clermont
š Suncreek Brewery
š°ļø Starts at 7:00 PM
Spring U-Pick | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wine Walk at Southern Hill Farms | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Ribbon Cutting - Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care | Clermont
š Clermont City Center
š°ļø 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Ribbon Cutting - 10th Anniversary - Daniela Martinez, Financial Advisor | Clermont
š Clermont City Center
š°ļø 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Young Professionals Monthly Meeting | Clermont
š Barrels and Boards
š°ļø 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David | Groveland
š Lake David Park
š°ļø 5:00 PMā-ā9:00 PM
Saturday, April 11
Move with MADD (Walk & 5k Run) | Clermont
š Clermont Waterfront Park
š°ļø 7:00 AMā-ā11:00 AM
17th Annual Bras for the Cause and Boxers too! | Clermont
š Clermont Performing Arts Center
š°ļø 5:00 PMā-ā10:00 PM
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tracks & Scat | Clermont
š Ferndale Preserve
š°ļø Starts at 9:00 AM
Spring Art Stroll at Clermont Garden Club | Clermont
š Ferndale Preserve
š°ļø 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Live Music with 'Beautiful Bobby' Blackmon | Minneola
š Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
š°ļø 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Hop Into Autism Awareness and Easter Egg Hunt Event | Mascotte
š Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
š°ļø 2:00 PMā-ā4:00 PM
Sunday, April 12
Downtown Clermont Farmers Market | Clermont
š 752 West Montrose Street
š°ļø 9:00 AMā-ā2:00 PM
Sunrise Yoga at Southern HIll Farms | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM
š« Reserve Your Spot
Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
š Southern Hill Farms
š°ļø 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Live Music with Kelly Jarrad | Minneola
š Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
š°ļø 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Worth the drive
Discover Leesburg | Leesburg
š Towne Square, Downtown
š°ļø April 10, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Major League Fishing (BFL Gator 4) | Leesburg
š Venetian Gardens
š°ļø April 11, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Florida Military Collector Show | Mount Dora
š Renninger's Antique Center
š°ļø April 11, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Candy Land Showdown Sand Volleyball Tournament Festival | Tavares
š Hickory Point Recreational Park
š°ļø April 11, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ice Cream Stroll and Pup Walk | Mount Dora
š Downtown Mount Dora
š°ļø April 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
š½ļø South Laker Eats

Image credit to Chef'n It Up Pizza
Chef'n It Up Pizza
This spot is a local favorite for their thin, foldable crust that hits that perfect balance of crispy and chewy. If you're craving a real New York-style slice, grab a quick slice at the bar or take a whole Sicilian pie home for the family. Plus, they even have garlic bagels for the morning crowd!
Signature Dish: Go for The Queen Pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. If thatās not your thing, build your own pizza.
Website: chefnituppizzafl.com
Location: 821 W Minneola Ave, Clermont
š” South Laker Homes

Image credit to Realtor.com
Minneola is booming! South Lake continues to grow, so do the opportunities to find your perfect home.
Home 1
Price: $398,000
Address: 941 Jayhil Dr, Minneola, FL 34715
Details: 2,008 sqft / 3 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 2003
Highlight: This home features a screened pool and a spacious, vaulted family room perfect for entertainment.
Home 2
Price: $540,000
Address: 11722 Lake Minneola Shrs, Minneola, FL 34715
Details: 1,348 sqft / 2 Bed / 2 Bath
Built in: 2024
Highlight: The property is a hobbyist's dream, boasting an oversized screened lanai for outdoor living and a massive detached 3-car garage perfect for car collectors or serious storage.
ā¤ļø The Big Give

Image Credit to United Way of Lake & Sumtner Counties
United Way of Lake & Sumtner
Volunteering with United Way is more than just giving your time; itās your chance to be the heartbeat of our community and help our neighbors build better, more resilient lives. Whether youāre helping families navigate tax season, mentoring students, or supporting local health initiatives, every hour you invest creates a ripple effect of positive change.
Join with United Way in making a real impact! Check out the link and find a volunteer opportunity that speaks to you today!
š£ Stay Active

Get moving with Zumba for All Ages! This vibrant dance-fitness party blends infectious rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography designed for everyoneāfrom active adults to energized seniors.
Check out the calendar here.
ā¤ļø 2,000+ South Lakers
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.
See you in the next edition!

