The City of Minneola took center stage during the South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, held at the Sterling Event Venue in Minneola. Community leaders and business professionals gathered to hear exciting updates on the city’s continued growth, development projects, and future vision.
South Lake Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Donna Kirtland, who also serves as Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, welcomed attendees and introduced special guest speaker Pastor Jason Hitte, founder and Lead Pastor of Lakeside Church.
Pastor Hitte shared the inspiring story of Lakeside Church’s growth and impact throughout Central Florida. Following a decade of service in law enforcement, Hitte and his wife, Caroline, answered a calling to ministry and launched Lakeside Church in 2007. Since then, the church has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant multicultural and multigenerational congregations. A second campus opened in 2020, followed by a third in 2024. In 2025, Outreach Magazine recognized Lakeside as the nation’s 10th fastest-growing church, with more than 4,000 people attending weekly services. Earlier this year, the church purchased 40 acres in Minneola to further expand its mission and outreach. Pastor Hitte’s messages of grace and faith are also broadcast throughout Central Florida on a Christian television network reaching approximately 3.8 million residents across nine counties.
Acting Mayor Pam Serviss served as the featured presenter for the morning. A dedicated public servant, Serviss has been a member of the Minneola City Council since 2011, serving as Planning and Zoning Liaison for a decade, Vice Mayor for more than ten years, and currently as Interim Mayor. During her tenure, she helped establish Minneola’s first Dog Park and first Heroes Memorial and is actively working to bring the city’s first public fishing pier to Lake Minneola.
Serviss provided updates on several major projects shaping the city’s future, including continued improvements along Citrus Grove Road. She also announced upcoming commercial developments, including a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station, a Dutch Bros Coffee location, and a new RV and boat storage facility, all designed to meet the needs of Minneola’s rapidly growing population.
Minneola Councilman Erick Hernandez highlighted the many amenities available at Minneola Trailhead Park, one of the city’s most popular recreational destinations. The park features scenic walking and biking trails, a challenging mountain bike course complete with switchbacks and shaded pathways, two dog parks designed for both large and small breeds, and a skating area suitable for beginners and experienced skaters alike. The trailhead continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the region.
Tara Tedrow presented an update on the highly anticipated Hills City Center development, a transformative mixed-use destination expected to become the heart of Minneola’s future growth. Plans include 1,039 multifamily residential units across five-story buildings, 600,000 square feet of retail, dining, hotel, and senior living space, along with 500,000 square feet dedicated to medical offices and healthcare services.
Adding to the excitement, Alan Delahunt shared details about the newly opened Crooked Can Brewery, located at 1600 Crooked Can Loop. The impressive 43,000-square-foot brewery and food hall officially opened its doors on July 15 and features a two-acre outdoor gathering space complete with entertainment areas, a splash pad, free parking, and ample room for community events and family activities.
Healthcare growth was also a major topic of discussion. Kay Barnett represented AdventHealth and provided updates on AdventHealth Minneola, a full-service hospital serving South Lake County families. The facility offers comprehensive healthcare services, including 24/7 emergency care, advanced imaging, surgery, cardiovascular treatment, women’s health services, and more.
Future healthcare expansion plans include a five-story, 175-bed senior living facility as well as additional medical services such as retail pharmacy, laboratory services, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, medical oncology, orthopedics, sports medicine, urology, and vascular care.
One of the morning’s most heartfelt moments came when former Mayor Pat Kelley was honored for his years of leadership and service to the City of Minneola. Acting Mayor Serviss presented Kelley with a commemorative shadow box recognizing his many contributions. Kelley played a pivotal role in the planning and development of the Hills of Minneola, the City Center project, and the city’s carefully managed growth strategy. He recently stepped down as mayor to pursue a seat on the Lake County School Board.
The event concluded with door prize drawings, including several $50 gift cards to Crooked Can Brewery, generously provided by Lowndes, a Florida-based law firm.
With significant investments in recreation, healthcare, business development, housing, and community amenities, the message of the morning was clear: Minneola continues to emerge as one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing and most exciting communities, with a bright future on the horizon.
