Happy Wednesday South Laker!
You should go for a walk by Lake Minneola and enjoy the refreshing breeze as we’re approaching closer to the weekend. Our community is buzzing with energy right now, and especially with the Florida Philharmonia bringing a touch of world-class culture to our backyard this Friday.
Now, in today's edition:
The Digest: Get a safety boost for our homes.
Know Before You Go: Smooth sailing on the roads and local trail tips.
The Weekend Social: Valentine's hunts, live symphonies, and 5Ks.
South Laker Eats: The ultimate local caffeine kick.
The Big Give: How to help our neighbors in need.
Vintage South Lake: The Townsend House.
Move This Week: A scenic stroll through Clermont’s past.
Let’s get to it.
— Charlie Ferrer
The Digest
Fire Safety on the House
The Clermont Fire Department is once again stepping up to keep our community safe! On Wednesday, February 18th, firefighters will be assisting residents by replacing smoke alarm batteries at no cost. This is especially helpful for those with hard-to-reach alarms, high ceilings, or anyone who isn’t confident checking their sensors on their own..
Why should we care? Functioning smoke alarms can double your chances of surviving a house fire, but many fail simply because of weak or dead batteries. It’s a simple, proactive way to protect your family without having to climb a ladder yourself. You can fill out their form here.
Know Before You Go
🚗 Beat the Night Shift: You should plan for nightly lane closures on SR 44 and US 27 through February 20th. The work stops on weekends, so your Saturday night plans are safe, but keep it in mind for those late Thursday arrivals. (FDOT Lake County)
🅿️ Park at the Winery: You should expect a crowd at Lakeridge Winery for Winefest this weekend. Please arrive 20 minutes early to snag a spot closer to the gate so you aren't hiking before your tasting. (Lakeridge Events)
🚧 SR 33 Detours: If you're heading toward Groveland, please be aware of rotating lane closures between Anderson Road and Domenico Court for paving. You’ll need to give yourself an extra 10 minutes to avoid the "hurry-up-and-wait." (FDOT Lake County)
Live Music 🎶
Florida Philharmonia Valentine's | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM - Feb 13 | Get Tickets
Location: Clermont Performing Arts Center, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Skip the noisy bars for a night of incredible strings that’ll actually let you hear your date talk.
Weekends at the Winery | 12:00 PM–4:00 PM - Feb 14 & 15 | Event Link
Location: Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Local solo artists and expansive views. This is the perfect way to kill a Saturday afternoon with a glass of Southern White wine.
Winefest 2026 Live Bands | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM - Feb 13 | Event Link
Location: Lakeridge Winery, Clermont
Why You Should Go: A full weekend of outdoor music and local crafters. It’s a Clermont staple for a reason.
Family & Kids 📅
Valentine’s Hunt by Flynn’s Finders | 6:00 PM - Feb 11 | Event Link
Location: Suncreek Brewery, Clermont
Why You Should Go: A fun, local scavenger hunt that gets the kids moving while you enjoy the downtown vibe.
K-POP Golden Show | 3:00 PM - Feb 15 | Get Tickets
Location: 620 W Montrose St, Clermont
Why You Should Go: A high-energy dancing and music that’ll keep the teens entertained on a Sunday afternoon.
Community Events & Fun ☀️
Clermont City Council Meeting | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM - Feb 10 | Catch the Replay
Location: Clermont City Hall
Why You Should Go: Stay in the loop on what’s actually being built in your neighborhood.
Fun and Stunt Talent Show | 6:00 PM - Feb 21 | Event Link
Location: E.L. Puryear Building, Groveland
Why You Should Go: Win cash prizes and local bragging rights at Groveland’s Got Talent!
Sports, Fitness & Nature 🏆
Honoring the Fallen 5K | 5:30 PM–7:00 PM - Feb 21 | Sign Up Here
Location: Suncreek Brewery, Downtown Clermont
Why You Should Go: Run for a great cause and finish right where the beer is cold.
Florida Anvil Ultra Triathlon | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM - Feb 19 | Sign Up Here
Location: Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont
Why You Should Go: Even if you aren't racing, watching these ultra-athletes tackle our hills is pure motivation.
South Laker Eats
Image Source: Energy Lab Cafe’s Website
Energy Lab Cafe
If you haven't swung by Energy Lab Cafe in Clermont lately, you're missing out on the ultimate local fuel. They don’t just do smoothies; they do meal replacements that actually taste like a treat. If you’re not a fan of smoothies, order up some caffeine!
Signature Move: Grab the "Ethiopian Honey Brewed Coffee" for a midday boost that won't leave you crashing before dinner.
Location: 528 8th St, Clermont
Website: energylabcafe.com
The Big Give
Image Source: Thrive Clermont’s Volunteer Page
Thrive Clermont is looking for adult volunteers play a vital role in empowering local teens through a wide range of opportunities. Whether you help with operations, plan events, or share your expertise as a presenter at one of our interactive sessions, they’ll help you find the perfect way to get involved and make an impact in your community.
You can submit your volunteer application form in this page. They’ll help you find your perfect volunteer opportunities.
Vintage South Lake
The Townsend House
Did you know the oldest home in Clermont was built by the city's first African-American couple? James and Sallie Townsend built this beauty back in 1895.
It originally sat over on Highway 50 but was moved to the Historic Village in 2002 to save it from the wrecking ball. It’s a stunning piece of 19th-century architecture that has seen our town grow from citrus groves to what it is today.
Move This Week
Image Source: Trip Advisor
Trail of the Week: The Historic Village Stroll
Instead of the usual gym session, you should take a walk through the Clermont Historic Village. It’s located right at the corner of West Avenue and Osceola Street. You can get your steps in while weaving through the original Train Depot and the old Cooper Memorial Library.
Location: 490 West Ave, Clermont
Before You Go: Download their parking guide (PDF).
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 for this weekend.
