The Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award is reserved for individuals whose dedication, heart, and service shine brightly throughout the South Lake community—and this year, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce proudly recognized none other than Chuck Seaver.
For Chuck, Clermont is far more than a hometown—it’s part of his DNA. A fifth-generation Clermont native, he has witnessed the city’s transformation from a quiet citrus town, where everyone knew their neighbors, into the thriving community it is today. Yet despite the growth, Chuck has never lost the small-town values that shaped him: service, kindness, and a deep love for community.
A graduate of Clermont High School, Chuck launched his law enforcement career at the remarkably young age of 16 as a communications officer with the Clermont Police Department. He later served with Orange County law enforcement, eventually becoming a road sergeant supervisor. Known for rolling up his sleeves and leading from the front, Chuck earned respect not by standing behind the badge, but by standing beside his team and the community he served.
But if there’s one thing South Lake residents know about Chuck, it’s that retirement from one job simply means volunteering for five more.
Chuck is currently serving his sixth term as President of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont and remains actively involved with numerous local organizations, including the City of Clermont Planning and Zoning Board, Cooper Memorial Library Association, The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, Clermont Historic Village, and Building Blocks Ministries. Whether helping guide responsible growth, preserving local history, or supporting neighbors in need, Chuck seems to have mastered the art of being everywhere at once.
And when he’s not busy serving the community? You might find him digging in the garden, researching Clermont history, or enjoying the outdoors. In many ways, Chuck is a walking history book with gardening gloves on—someone who treasures both the roots and future of his hometown.
As a contributor to the South Lake Tablet, he also helps tell the stories that bind the community together, ensuring that Clermont’s past, present, and future continue to be celebrated.
Though Chuck would likely shy away from the spotlight, those who know him understand that his quiet dedication has helped shape South Lake for decades. He represents the very spirit of the Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award: humble service, unwavering commitment, and a genuine love for community.
Congratulations to Chuck Seaver—one of Clermont’s true hometown gems.
