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, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

Let’s dive in…

  • 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 more…

Let’s get to it.

— 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.

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, it’s clear that South Lake is ready for some fresh Mediterranean flavors.

The Breakdown

  • 15 votes: You’ve never tried it, but you're ready for something fresh!

  • 12 votes: You’ve 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.

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🟠 Laker Notes

Development:
Groveland prepares for the addition of 3,000 new homes and city officials have reached an agreement with the project’s developer to help fund significant improvements to one of the area’s busiest traffic chokepoints.

Civic:
Mayor Tim Murry recently met with the Clermont Woman’s 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 it’s free!

šŸ—“ļø Weekend Lineup

You can submit an event here.

Thursday, April 9

Business After Hours - Sunshine Book Co. | Clermont
šŸ“ 647 Lake Ave.
šŸ•°ļø 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Friday, April 10

Knightsnake: A Tribute to Whitesnake | Clermont
šŸ“ Clermont Performing Arts Center
šŸ•°ļø 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
šŸŽ« Get Tickets Here

Live Music with Ancient Sun | Clermont
šŸ“ Suncreek Brewery
šŸ•°ļø Starts at 7:00 PM

Spring U-Pick | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wine Walk at Southern Hill Farms | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Ribbon Cutting - Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care | Clermont
šŸ“ Clermont City Center
šŸ•°ļø 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Ribbon Cutting - 10th Anniversary - Daniela Martinez, Financial Advisor | Clermont
šŸ“ Clermont City Center
šŸ•°ļø 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Young Professionals Monthly Meeting | Clermont
šŸ“ Barrels and Boards
šŸ•°ļø 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

2nd Friday Block Party at Lake David | Groveland
šŸ“ Lake David Park
šŸ•°ļø 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM


Saturday, April 11

Move with MADD (Walk & 5k Run) | Clermont
šŸ“ Clermont Waterfront Park
šŸ•°ļø 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM

17th Annual Bras for the Cause and Boxers too! | Clermont
šŸ“ Clermont Performing Arts Center
šŸ•°ļø 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tracks & Scat | Clermont
šŸ“ Ferndale Preserve
šŸ•°ļø Starts at 9:00 AM

Spring Art Stroll at Clermont Garden Club | Clermont
šŸ“ Ferndale Preserve
šŸ•°ļø 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Live Music with 'Beautiful Bobby' Blackmon | Minneola
šŸ“ Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
šŸ•°ļø 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Hop Into Autism Awareness and Easter Egg Hunt Event | Mascotte
šŸ“ Tedder / Thomas Civic Center Playground
šŸ•°ļø 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Sunday, April 12

Downtown Clermont Farmers Market | Clermont
šŸ“ 752 West Montrose Street
šŸ•°ļø 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Sunrise Yoga at Southern HIll Farms | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM
šŸŽ« Reserve Your Spot

Spring U-Pick + Fun Zone | Clermont
šŸ“ Southern Hill Farms
šŸ•°ļø 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Live Music with Kelly Jarrad | Minneola
šŸ“ Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards
šŸ•°ļø 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Worth the drive

Discover Leesburg | Leesburg
šŸ“ Towne Square, Downtown
šŸ•°ļø April 10, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Major League Fishing (BFL Gator 4) | Leesburg
šŸ“ Venetian Gardens
šŸ•°ļø April 11, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Florida Military Collector Show | Mount Dora
šŸ“ Renninger's Antique Center
šŸ•°ļø April 11, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Candy Land Showdown Sand Volleyball Tournament Festival | Tavares
šŸ“ Hickory Point Recreational Park
šŸ•°ļø April 11, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ice Cream Stroll and Pup Walk | Mount Dora
šŸ“ Downtown Mount Dora
šŸ•°ļø April 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

šŸ½ļø 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 that’s not your thing, build your own pizza.

  • Location: 821 W Minneola Ave, Clermont

šŸ” 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; it’s your chance to be the heartbeat of our community and help our neighbors build better, more resilient lives. Whether you’re 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!

šŸ‘£ Stay Active

Get moving with Zumba for All Ages! This vibrant dance-fitness party blends infectious rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography designed for everyone—from 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!

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