The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted an informative and well-attended business breakfast at the E.L. Puryear Building/Community Center, where Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh and City Manager Mike Hein delivered a keynote address focused on the city’s remarkable growth, key initiatives, and plans for the future.
Mayor Keogh, known as “Chef Keogh” due to his culinary background, shared his unique journey from the kitchen to city hall. Elected in November 2024, the Florida native is a retired chef and owner of Olive Isle Family Farm in Groveland. With a 25-year career at Disney, including work on the launch of EPCOT Center, Keogh later led COOK, a publicly traded culinary education company in San Francisco, and served as Senior Vice President of Culinary & Beverage Excellence at Darden’s Red Lobster Division.
Now residing on his farm with his wife Vicki, near their two daughters and five grandchildren, Keogh’s passion for innovation and community remains central to his leadership.
City Manager Mike Hein, who has served Groveland since 2018, brings more than 30 years of public service experience, including leadership roles in several Arizona cities. A University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point graduate, Hein holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Arizona and has completed executive training at Harvard University’s JFK School of Government. Known for his signature green jeans and entertaining presentations, Hein adds a personal touch to his professional style.
During the breakfast, Keogh and Hein emphasized Groveland’s rapid rise, noting its recent ranking as the #10 fastest-growing city in the U.S., according to the New York Post. Their address underscored priorities including education, infrastructure, healthcare, business development, and community engagement.
Key Highlights from the Presentation:
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Community Development: The Elese Tomlinson Empowerment Center is poised to become a vital hub for resident support and empowerment.
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Healthcare Expansion: As the city grows, so does the need for accessible and comprehensive healthcare. The city is focused on attracting and supporting providers to meet these demands.
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Business Growth: Projects like Green Valley Commons—which will feature a car wash and additional businesses—and the continued success of the Groveland Exchange, connecting residents with locally grown produce, are enhancing the local economy.
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Infrastructure & Transportation: Major roadway improvements are on the horizon. The SR 50 bypass will break ground next year, with upgrades planned for SR 19 and Highway 33 to ease traffic and improve regional connectivity.
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Environmental Stewardship: One of Groveland’s ambitious projects, The Blue Way, involves acquiring more than 750+ acres of land stretching from Lake Lucy to Lake Minneola for conservation and recreation.
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Youth Engagement: Mayor Keogh proudly highlighted the Groveland Youth Council, underscoring the city’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Throughout the presentation, both leaders praised the Live Well Foundation for its essential role in supporting many of these transformative projects.
“Groveland is being heard in Tallahassee,” Mayor Keogh said with conviction. “They are informed and engaged.”
The presentation concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration and community involvement as Groveland—the city with natural charm—continues to grow with purpose and heart.
SLCC Main Sponsor – Dr. Kimberly Kokx, Cherry Lake Preparatory Academy
The new Cherry Lake Preparatory Academy, home of the Cardinals, is set to open in Fall 2025 with an enrollment of 615 students. The school’s mission – WISH: Wellness, Innovation, Science, and Health—paired with a Village and Classical approach—reflects its forward-thinking mission. Principal Dr. Kimberly Kokx, the breakfast’s main sponsor, helped spotlight the school’s role in the city’s future.
Chamber President Dave Colby shared that membership has reached an impressive 951 members, reflecting a thriving local business community.
