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Dash Sports, a beloved running and walking specialty store founded in Clermont, Florida, is celebrating 20 years in business this May. What began as a modest 500-square-foot shop inside the National Training Center has grown into a thriving community hub with two locations, thousands of loyal customers, and a reputation for helping Central Florida stay active. 

Since opening its doors in 2006, Dash Sports has become much more than a shoe store. The business has built a strong community through free custom shoe fittings, group runs, races, and lasting relationships with athletes and walkers of all levels. Today, Dash Sports serves customers from across Central Florida at its locations in Clermont and Winter Garden, helping people find the right footwear and gear to support healthy, active lifestyles. 

Over the past two decades, the store has helped fit thousands of runners, walkers, healthcare professionals, and everyday athletes with the right shoes and expert advice. The Dash Sports team has also played a key role in supporting the local fitness community by organizing run groups, hosting races, and partnering with community organizations and events. 

“Twenty years ago, we started with a small shop and a big dream of helping people move better and live healthier lives,” said Kimberly Grogan, owner of Dash Sports. “What makes Dash Sports special isn’t just the shoes—it’s the relationships we’ve built with our customers and the incredible community that has supported us along the way. Seeing friendships form in our run groups and watching customers accomplish goals they never thought possible is the most rewarding part of what we do.” 

Grogan, who owns and operates the woman-owned business, credits the store’s longevity to its focus on personalized service, expert shoe fitting, and strong community engagement. The Dash Sports team provides free custom shoe fittings using advanced gait analysis to help customers find the perfect footwear for running, walking, work, or everyday comfort. 

As Dash Sports celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company plans to mark the occasion with special promotions, events, and community celebrations throughout the year. 

“Reaching 20 years is an incredible milestone,” Grogan added. “We’re grateful for every customer who has walked through our doors, joined a run group, or supported our races. We can’t wait to continue helping our community live actively for the next 20 years.” 

For more information about Dash Sports, store locations, upcoming events, and free custom shoe fittings, visit www.godashsports.com. 

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Kadam, owner of Guru Indian Restaurant—located just across the courtyard from The Venue—has built a strong reputation in Central Florida for excellence in cuisine and hospitality. Since opening in 2014, Guru Indian Restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including recognition among the “Top 10% of Restaurants Worldwide,” based on international reviews, reader polls, and community votes. The restaurant has also received Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence multiple times.

Uday’s journey to success is as inspiring as his culinary achievements. Born in the small village of MethiMelkunda, India, he has worked tirelessly to build his American dream. His recently published autobiography, “Lone Lion: An Independent Entrepreneur’s Tale of Adventure and Adversity,” shares his remarkable story and has already become a bestseller.

Guru Indian Restaurant remains a proud, family-owned establishment, known for its authentic recipes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Unlike chain restaurants, Guru offers a truly personal dining experience that has made it a favorite gathering spot for locals.

With The Venue, Kadam is taking hospitality to the next level—transforming a dining destination into a premier space for catered events, celebrations, and special occasions.

More details about the grand opening will be announced soon, but anticipation is already building for what promises to be one of Clermont’s most exciting new event destinations.

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The Extreme Temperature and Emergency Weather Shelter Improvements project will outfit the gymnasium to serve as a climate-controlled refuge during severe weather events. Planned upgrades include a privacy divider curtain system to create organized shelter spaces, 40 to 50 emergency sleeping cots, and additional facility enhancements aimed at doubling overall shelter readiness.

The facility will serve residents across South Lake County, with a focus on those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures and severe weather. The gymnasium will also function as a pet-friendly shelter, allowing residents to seek safety without leaving animals behind.

“This investment reflects our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community, especially during times of crisis,” said Susan McLean, grants committee chair for the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “By enhancing South Lake County’s local shelter capabilities, we are helping to ensure that residents have access to safe, supportive spaces when they need them most.”

Goals of the project include reducing health risks from extreme weather exposure, strengthening local disaster preparedness, and improving emergency response infrastructure. The foundation said the initiative supports its broader mission of building long-term community resilience.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.LWFSL.org.

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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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With more than 30 years of experience in sports tourism, professional sports, and collegiate athletics, Siegel is currently in his tenth year leading GO Sports. Under his leadership, the organization has played a pivotal role in positioning the region as a premier destination for major sporting events.

Siegel emphasized the importance of sports tourism as a powerful driver of economic development. His team has successfully secured millions of dollars in grant funding while attracting high-profile events such as NCAA championships, Major League Soccer matches, international soccer competitions, WrestleMania, and the Special Olympics USA Games.

A major milestone came when Orlando was awarded a record 17 NCAA National Championship events scheduled between 2022 and 2026. Looking ahead, GO Sports is actively managing future bids valued at more than $3.5 billion through 2034.

For more information, visit GO Sports.

FIND, FEED, RESTORE
Spotlight on Community Impact – The breakfast not only provided opportunities for networking and updates but also highlighted meaningful community efforts through its main event sponsor, Find, Feed & Restore.

Dedicated to ending homelessness among families with children and individuals, the organization focuses on providing stable housing, mental health counseling, and financial literacy—critical resources for those working to rebuild their lives.

Founder Brian Broadway and Development Coordinator Holly Grant shared sobering statistics underscoring the urgency of their mission. Florida ranks 20th in the nation for domestic violence cases and 4th among all states for the number of homeless children. Even more concerning, 33% of homeless children experience a major mental health issue by the age of eight. Closer to home in Lake County, 64% of disabled veterans and single mothers are being priced out of housing.

By combining immediate relief with long-term solutions, Find, Feed & Restore continues to make a meaningful difference in the South Lake community and beyond. (FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, VISIT website – FIND, FEED, RESTORE)

SSS NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORT

The co-event sponsor, SSS Non-Emergency Medical Transport, represented by Anganie Ali, shared information about their services. The company is committed to ensuring that every journey is more than just transportation—it is an experience that provides confidence and peace of mind. Services include wheelchair, gurney, and lift-assisted transportation, ideal for doctor appointments, hospital visits, senior living facilities, road trips, and more. (For additional information, call 352-217-6505 / 352-217-6504

JASMINE GAINES IS AWARDED THE RAY GOODGAME LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Jasmine Gaines, a student at East Ridge High School, was awarded the Ray Goodgame Leadership Scholarship. To learn more, visit Goodgame Scholarship.

Additional highlights included:

• Betsy Sorg shared updates on the One-Million Cups program and upcoming opportunities.
• The Chamber encouraged sponsorship participation for its upcoming Teacher Appreciation event this summer.
• The Chamber also announced it is managing rentals for the Clermont City Center, a centrally located venue in downtown Clermont that offers flexible room layouts for a variety of events. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Hanna at the front desk.

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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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