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 In an age of keyboards, touchscreens, and texting, Orlando Cat Cafe is inviting the community to slow down, pick up a pen, and rediscover the timeless skill of cursive writing—with the help of some furry friends.

Beginning July 15, Orlando Cat Cafe will launch “Cursive with the Cats,” a unique three-part course designed for children and adults ages 8 and older who want to learn or improve their cursive handwriting in a relaxed, engaging environment surrounded by adoptable cats.

The series will be held on July 15, July 22, and July 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each 60-minute class includes 45 minutes of cursive instruction followed by 15 minutes of playtime with the cafe’s adoptable cats, providing a rewarding and stress-free learning experience.

“While technology has changed how we communicate, cursive remains an important life skill that encourages creativity, improves fine motor skills, strengthens memory, and provides a personal connection that typing simply can’t replace,” said Sandra Cagan, founder of Orlando Cat Cafe. “We wanted to create a class that makes learning enjoyable while giving participants the added therapeutic benefit of spending time with our amazing rescue cats.”

The course costs $60 and includes all three sessions. Because each class builds upon the previous lesson, participants are expected to attend all three classes. Payment is due at registration, and refunds or discounts cannot be provided for missed classes.

Parents are welcome to remain on-site during class and relax in the cafe, where they can enjoy specialty coffee, tea, pastries, and light refreshments while students participate.

Known for blending education, community engagement, and animal welfare, Orlando Cat Cafe continues to introduce creative programming that connects people with adoptable cats while offering memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

Space is limited, and advanced registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit www.orlandocatcafe.com or call (352) 989-4820.

About Orlando Cat Café

Orlando Cat Cafe is America’s first cat cafe to franchise and has helped more than 3,600 cats and kittens find forever homes since opening in 2016. Located in Clermont, Florida, the cafe combines a full-service coffee shop with a comfortable cat play area featuring adoptable cats from its shelter partner, creating a one-of-a-kind destination where guests can enjoy coffee while making a difference in the lives of homeless animals

ABOUT SPCA FLORIDA

Founded in 1979, SPCA Florida is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Lakeland, serving all of Polk County and the surrounding communities. Dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people, SPCA Florida provides caring, compassion and hope to more than 4,000 homeless animals entering our doors each year. Simplistically, every $100 donated to SPCA Florida, or essentially the cost of an average adoption, equates to $3,000 worth of positive economic impact throughout Polk County, Central Florida, and the state. Additionally, we are proud of the fact that 91% of every dollar goes to program resources and helping homeless animals.

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As a FREE, nonpartisan event, Hob Nob provides residents with the opportunity to meet candidates running for city, county, state, and federal offices, ask questions, and learn more about the issues and initiatives impacting Lake County before Election Day.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to encourage civic engagement, especially among first-time voters and residents who want to become more informed about the candidates seeking public office. 

The post 2026 Lake County Hob Nob (Monday, July 27) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Award-winning craft brewery Crooked Can Brewing Company is preparing to open its new home in Minneola, bringing a massive new brewery, food hall, beer garden, and entertainment destination to South Lake.

The 43,000 square feet, new Minneola location is four times larger than the original Crooked Can’s brewery at Plant Street Market, which will continue serving customers in downtown Winter Garden.

Visitors can look forward to a spacious beer hall, an outdoor beer garden, a live entertainment stage, and a 2,000-square-foot taproom featuring at least 24 beers on tap, including seasonal brews. Wine, sake, ciders, and other beverage options will also be available to enjoy.

The new food hall will feature 11 local vendors serving everything from pizza and cheesesteaks to barbecue, dumplings, donuts, empanadas, and more.

The vendor lineup includes:
• AJ’s Pizza Joint
• Braza Orlando
• Daniel’s Cheesesteak House
• Empanada And Co.
• Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings
• Norigami
• Pita Street Food
• Sir Benji’s Donuts
• The Local Butcher and Kitchen
• This Little Piggy
• Three Birds Cafe Express

Located within the 96-acre Hills City Center development on North Hancock Road, the brewery will become part of a growing mixed-use community featuring apartments, senior living, shopping, medical offices, trails, and green spaces.

Stay tuned—the taps are almost ready to flow.

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Members of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce officiated a ribbon cutting celebrating FastSigns 1-year anniversary in the business community.

Located at 602 East Highway 50, Unit D, Clermont, FASTSIGNS of Clermont offers a comprehensive range of services, including custom signage, graphic design, content development, and project management. The company specializes in creating tailored visual communication strategies that help businesses strengthen their brand presence and achieve their marketing goals.

For more information, contact FASTSIGNS of Clermont at 352-306-2743, visit the showroom at 602 East Highway 50, Unit D, Clermont or go to their website: https://www.fastsigns.com/clermont-fl/

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In recognition of National Pet Fire Safety Day, Orlando Cat Cafe will present a donation of pet oxygen masks to Lake County Fire Rescue during a special ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, at 10:00 am.

The presentation marks the ninth consecutive year Orlando Cat Cafe has donated this specialized life-saving equipment to Lake County Fire Rescue, bringing the community one step closer to its goal of equipping every fire apparatus in Lake County with reusable pet oxygen masks.

National Pet Fire Safety Day was established by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services to help reduce the estimated 50,000 pets affected by home fires each year. This nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about the risks of leaving pets home alone and promotes proven fire prevention measures to help keep them safe. The reusable Wag’N Pet Oxygen Mask Kits include three different-sized masks and can be used on a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and more.

“Our pets are family members, and firefighters routinely risk their own lives to rescue them during emergencies,” said Sandra Cagan, Founder and CEO of Orlando Cat Cafe. “National Pet Fire Safety Day is the perfect opportunity to recognize the incredible work of our first responders while providing them with equipment that can make the difference between life and death for a beloved pet. We are honored to continue this tradition for the ninth year.”

Lake County Fire Rescue personnel will join Orlando Cat Cafe representatives and local elected officials for the presentation, celebrating a partnership dedicated to protecting both people and animals throughout the community.

Since launching this initiative, Orlando Cat Cafe has remained committed to supporting first responders while advancing its broader mission of improving animal welfare throughout Central Florida.

“Losing a pet due to a house fire is a devastating experience. As most pet owners leave their furry companions home alone during the day, pets are left to fend for themselves in the event of a fire. Unlike humans, who instinctively flee, pets often hide, making rescue more difficult. Far too many die each year from smoke asphyxiation,” said Sandra Cagan, owner of the Orlando Cat Café. “While firefighters do their best to save pets from burning homes, they can’t always revive them without the proper equipment. That’s why pet oxygen masks are so important. These specially designed masks can be used on both conscious pets suffering from smoke inhalation and those that have lost consciousness due to toxic fumes. Our responders have in fact used these masks on pets in our community, making this annual donation very meaningful. Every year we move closer to our vision of ensuring every fire truck in Lake County carries this specialized equipment,” Cagan said. “It’s a simple investment that has the potential to save countless animal lives.”

National Pet Fire Safety Day serves as an annual reminder for pet owners to include their animals in family emergency preparedness plans, practice fire safety at home, and support first responders who respond to emergencies involving pets.

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Champions,

July is one of my favorite times of the year. It is a month when we come together to celebrate our nation’s independence and reflect on the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Americans. This year is especially meaningful as our country marks its 250th birthday, a milestone that reminds us of the values that unite us and the responsibility we share in building a strong future for the next generation.

Here in Clermont, we have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together at our annual Red, White & Boom event on July 4 at Waterfront Park. Every year, I enjoy seeing our community come together for an evening of fellowship, patriotism, and family fun. This year’s celebration promises to be especially memorable as we join communities across the nation in commemorating America’s 250th birthday.

To help make the experience more convenient, the City will once again provide shuttle service from multiple locations throughout the community. I encourage everyone planning to attend to visit our website for event details, shuttle information, and updates.

While we celebrate where we are today, we are also planning for Clermont’s future. Last month, many residents participated in our Comprehensive Plan community meetings, and I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend and share their ideas. Your input helps shape important decisions about how Clermont will grow and evolve in the years ahead.

The conversation continues throughout July with additional Comprehensive Plan meetings planned across the community. As locations, dates, and times are finalized, they will be posted on the City’s website. I encourage you to stay involved and make your voice part of the process.

July also marks the beginning of our annual budget workshop discussions. These workshops provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about City priorities, upcoming projects, and how we responsibly plan for Clermont’s future. I encourage you to watch for upcoming workshop dates and follow the discussions as we work to meet the needs of our growing community.

One of the greatest privileges of serving as your Mayor is connecting with residents and hearing your perspectives. I am available to meet with residents at City Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment and always welcome the opportunity to hear your thoughts.

The July 7 lunch will be held at Mission BBQ on Highway 50 at noon and our August 4 lunch will take place at Cantina’s, located at 2507 South Highway 27, at noon. These gatherings are a great opportunity to hear city updates, ask questions, and connect with fellow residents.

For information on these events, upcoming meetings, and other City news, please visit www.ClermontFL.gov.

Thank you for your continued involvement and commitment to our community. Together, we will continue moving Clermont forward while preserving the values that make our city the Choice of Champions®.

With gratitude,

Mayor Tim Murry
City of Clermont

Note: Join Mayor Murry for lunch and city updates on the first Tuesday of each month at various Clermont restaurants. Each attendee is responsible for their own lunch. 

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Kai Kai joins a growing roster of locally owned businesses opening within City Center Market, a more than 40,000-square-foot destination featuring over a dozen food vendors, craft beer, live entertainment, outdoor gathering spaces, and family-friendly amenities. The market serves as the centerpiece of the 96-acre Hills City Center development, a visionary project designed to support local entrepreneurs while creating a vibrant community gathering place for residents and visitors throughout Lake County and Central Florida.

The new Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings location will feature a six-seat sushi counter and a menu which includes premium sushi,  poke bowls, fresh hand rolls, seafood specialties, Cantonese barbecue, and handmade dim sum. The concept blends traditional Cantonese flavors with a modern sushi program, offering guests a diverse and elevated dining experience.

The existing Kai Kai Menu at Mills Market

The post Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings Opening its Second Location At Crooked Can Brewery Later This Summer appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Members of The South Lake Chamber of Commerce officiated a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the new fitness facility to the business community.

Known for its high-energy atmosphere and coaching, TRVFIT specializes in strength and cardio-based group training. Members can participate in a variety of classes, including HYROX training, boxing, barre, strength conditioning, and endurance-focused workouts. The facility also offers private and semi-private training options for those seeking a more personalized fitness experience.

The gym welcomes beginners and experienced athletes alike, with coaches providing guidance and accountability throughout each workout.

As a locally operated fitness center serving the Lake County area, TRVFIT aims to help residents build healthier lifestyles through expert coaching, structured programming, and a motivating fitness community.

For more information about memberships, class schedules, or training programs, visit TRVFIT Clermont at 151 W. Highway 50, call (352) 736-6732, or visit their website: TRVFIT.

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