The Sunshine Book Company, located at 647 Lake Avenue, Clermont, celebrated its five-year anniversary  on Thursday, April 9^th, with a host of commemorations, including a traditional ribbon-cutting sponsored by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The Sunshine Book Company is a family-owned, independent business that offers a wide variety of book assortments. From children’s sections to new releases, the store carries a large assortment of old favorites, romance, mystery and reference books, just to name a few of the subjects available.

Store Owners Beth and Todd Merrick had long dreamed of owning their own bookstore. Along with the couple’s three children, the couple would often discuss a vision for making that dream come true while visiting other independent stores. The Covid era provided the Merrick’s with an opportunity to take a deep breath and sketch out a plan to make that dream come true.

“We feel that it is really essential and critical that every community has an independent bookstore. It brings people together and offers a way for people to partner and participate in community. Bringing people together is one of the many things about the store that we love,” says Beth. One of the additional charming points of the store, located in historic downtown Clermont, is the rich history that the two-story, 100+ year old, wood frame former home holds within the cozy walls and heart-of- pine floors that still exist today.

The once home that turned into a comfortable and welcoming business was built in 1915 by Isiah and wife Nellie Benson of Woodstock, Vermont. Isiah and Nellie started visiting the Clermont area in 1905 as winter season residents. After moving to Clermont as permanent residents, the couple purchased the then vacant lots from Lake Avenue to Fifth Street, and from Montrose Street to Minneola Avenue. Over a period of time, the Bensons built homes at 607 Lake Avenue, 619 Lake Avenue and 647 Lake Avenue – the present-day Sunshine Book Company.

The grounds of the Lake Avenue residences are believed to be the site of social gatherings hosted by the New England Club. A club formed by Nellie and other transplant New Englanders. Some of the fun activities of the club included the making of maple sugar from Vermont’s finest syrup that was secured from Woodstock, Vermont by the Bensons.

In a time when progress in downtown Clermont was moving at a rapid pace, the well-maintained home turned bookstore was brand new at the time when fresh sidewalks were installed in the area. The sidewalks were accented by streetlamps powered by the first glimpse of electricity in downtown Clermont on July 1, 1915, at exactly 7:30 PM. Fresh water to homes was a work in progress, but was well underway, thanks to Alexander Kern. Kern was a nearby neighbor of the Lake Avenue homes after building his family home at 543 Montrose Street, just one-half block east of Lake Avenue.  

The Lake Avenue home was built during the same year that the Clermont and Minneola School Districts were merged, and would later that year lead to a brand new, two-story brick school being constructed at the corner of Second Street and Oak Street, only blocks from the present-day Sunshine Book Store. The school would, years later, be deemed an elementary school and the longtime workplace of elementary teacher Ruth Delanos. Ruth resided in the bookstore home for many years before selling the home to then United Methodist Church of Clermont, Pastor Dale Harward, in 1984. Pastor Harward maintained the structure as a home until he sold it in 1999 to the current owner, sisters Laura Stokes-Henry and Rebecca Stokes-Mendoza. The Stokes family wanted to maintain the home’s nostalgic and historic image while also envisioning a place that welcomed entrepreneurial endeavors.  

With some planning and preservation thoughts, the home was remodeled to accommodate a business downstairs while maintaining residential accommodations upstairs.  Although the nostalgic and hospitable home on Lake Avenue has seen many changes over the years, its 111 years of existence remain as a positive symbol going forward in a community that takes pride in its hometown feel and family-oriented touch.

Stop by the store in person and enjoy a warm welcome from owners Todd and Beth, or visit www.SunshineBookCo.com for more information.

(Story and picture contributions from Rebecca Stokes-Mendoza, Dennis Bronson’s Walking Tour Guide-Downtown Clermont, Clermont: Gem of the Hills, Clermont Historic Village Museum and Florida Memory)

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On April 4, 2026, young people got a chance to take their first airplane ride in a small general aviation aircraft at the Leesburg International Airport in Leesburg, Florida.

The flying weather was ideal, as there were blue skies, little wind and a comfortable temperature. Just what the Florida Camber of Commerce would advertise.

This was a Young Eagles Rally where young people get to fly for free in a small, single engine aircraft hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534.

These flights are piloted by experienced EAA pilots who volunteer their time, private planes, and the cost of fuel so young people get to experience the wonder and freedom of flight. This experience is open to kids eight to seventeen years of age with permission provided by a parent or guardian.

Flights last 15 to 20 minutes and if the child lives nearby, they may get to see their neighborhood from the air.

They may get a chance to be invited to fly the plane to get the feel of it. This is done under the watchful eye of the EAA pilot.

The motivation for Young Eagle flights on the part of EAA is to give a young person the experience of flying in a small plane with the hope they will one day get their own private pilots license. This experience also might spark an interest in some other form of aerospace for future vocation.

Becoming a Young Eagle has many additional perks beyond the flight.

To name a few, each child will receive a commemorative certificate of their flight and an official log book, signed by their EAA pilot.

They will get free access to Sporty’s online Learn to Fly course. This course will help them dig deeper into the information they need to know to acquire a private pilot license. The course will help them to pass the Federal Aviation Administration written exam.

It’s interesting to note the smiles of the kids as they deplane. It’s obvious they enjoyed their flight.

Many of them will come back again and learn more about aviation with each visit.

If your child has ever expressed an interest in aviation, help them scratch that itch by getting them enrolled in a Young Eagles program like the one at EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida, or at a local airport near you.

 On this day 24 young people took to the sky with nine experienced EAA pilots. These pilots provided 8 fixed wing, single engine aircraft and one helicopter.

Twelve additional EAA members turned out to help this event be a success by doing the necessary paperwork, escorting kids and parents safely back and forth to the ramp.

The next Young Eagle rally at EAA Chapter 534 will be May 2, 2026, weather permitting.

If you would like more information about the Young Eagles program, or EAA Chapter 534 go to the following websites,www.eaa.org  or www.eaachapter534.org.

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Frank worked with the City of Inverness and Citrus County, where he focused on community development, economic growth and local business support. His background and leadership will play an important role, strengthening Groveland’s downtown and creating opportunities for businesses to succeed.

Frank, Welcome to the Groveland Community.

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The new restaurant is expected to create a number of local jobs and contribute to the continued economic growth of the area. Its arrival reflects Clermont’s ongoing development and increasing demand for diverse dining options.

Construction and renovations at the Ruby Tuesday property are anticipated to begin soon, with an opening date to be announced in the coming months.

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One of the highlights this month is our inaugural Art and Jazz Festival, taking place April 18 and 19. This exciting new event will bring together incredible live performances from acclaimed artists including Walter Beasley, Ghost-Note, Kim Scott, and Keiko Matsui, along with several other talented musical artists. We are especially proud to feature Clermont resident Craig Crawford, a world class jazz musician whose talent is recognized well beyond our city. Guests will also enjoy artisans, unique vendors, and a variety of food and drink options throughout the weekend. I encourage all of our champions to come out, take in the sights, sounds, and shopping, and enjoy this memorable two-day celebration. Tickets and show details are available at ClermontFl.gov/Jazz. 

Before that, join us on April 11 for the Dragon Boat Festival on our sparkling Lake Minneola. This exciting event brings incredible energy to the waterfront as teams paddle in sync, their vibrant boats gliding across the water in a powerful display of teamwork and determination. It is a fantastic opportunity to gather along the shoreline, cheer on the athletes, and enjoy the beauty of one of Clermont’s most treasured natural spaces. 

We also invite our champions to celebrate Earth Day with us on April 25 during our Earth Day and Lake Cleanup event. This is a wonderful way to give back, connect with neighbors, and help keep our community beautiful. Learn more at ClermontFl.gov/EarthDay. 

April is also a meaningful time for many who celebrate Easter. I extend warm wishes to all observing this special season. It is a time centered on renewal, hope, and spending time with loved ones, values that resonate across our community. 

I am proud to share that our Finance Department has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting for the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This achievement reflects the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. 

We are also expanding how we connect with you. Our new ENews page is designed to keep residents informed and engaged with easy access to important updates. This page includes a digital version of our biweekly SUN news advertisement, along with a mini digital e-zine that provides additional city news straight from the source. Visit ClermontFl.gov/eNews to stay connected. 

I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with you. Join me for Lunch with the Mayor on the first Tuesday of each month at noon. In May, we will gather at Guru Indian Restaurant, located at 2400 US 27 Suite 101. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

If you would like to connect one on one, I am available to meet with residents at City Hall on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can reach me directly by email at tmurry@clermontfl.org or by phone at 352-241-7358. 

Thank you for being engaged champions in our community. Together, we continue building a strong, connected Clermont. 

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Located at 15410 CR 565A, Suite H-I, Imagination Village is a destination for children under the age of seven. Designed as a charming “tiny town,” the indoor play center offers a variety of interactive play areas and educational activities that encourage imagination, exploration, and social interaction.

The center also serves as a popular venue for birthday parties and special events, giving families a unique and memorable way to celebrate milestones.

By combining fun with learning, Imagination Village continues to foster creativity, curiosity, and friendship among its young visitors.

For more information about Imagination Village Indoor Play Center, call 352-227-3999 or visit www.imaginationvillagegroveland.com

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A significant new development is on the horizon for South Lake County as Crooked Can Brewing Company gets closer to opening one of the largest breweries in the state.

The facility, spanning approximately 35,000 square feet, will serve as a flagship destination featuring a spacious taproom, a vibrant food hall, a full-scale brewery, dedicated event space, and the company’s corporate headquarters—all under one roof.

A grand opening is expected the Summer 2026 and will bring new energy, jobs, and tourism to the area.

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