Coffee with a Cop provides a welcoming and informal opportunity for community members to meet the officers who serve their neighborhoods, ask questions, discuss concerns, and build positive relationships in a relaxed setting.

Unlike traditional public meetings, there are no speeches or formal agendas—just open conversation over a cup of coffee. The event is designed to encourage meaningful dialogue and strengthen connections between law enforcement and the community.

Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to get to know their local officers.

Organizers look forward to welcoming residents for a morning of coffee, conversation, and community engagement.

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Inspired by Groveland’s founding year, the Gala will transport guests back to the Roaring Twenties with a curated “Put on the Ritz” theme. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the era’s glamour by dressing in semi-formal, cocktail, or period attire as they enjoy an evening filled with elegance, community charm, and a spirit of compassion.

Organizers describe the event as an immersive experience centered around “Fun. Fantasy. Community. Charm. Caring. Compassion.” The evening will bring residents, business leaders, and community supporters together to celebrate Groveland’s past while investing in its future.

All proceeds from the Gala will benefit The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, whose vision is to empower a healthy community under the guiding belief that “Because No One Should Go Hungry.” Funds raised will help ensure families have food on their tables, children receive nourishment during school breaks, and individuals gain access to resources that promote long-term self-sufficiency and stability. 

The Founders’ Gala will be held on October 10, at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, located at 13806 State Road 33 in Groveland. Ticket prices range from $161.90 to $188.58.

Registration and ticket information are available at Groveland Founders’ Gala Eventbrite Page.

Community members interested in supporting the event or learning more about The Neighborhood Center of South Lake can visit The Neighborhood Center of South Lake.

The post Groveland To Debut Founders’ Gala Benefitting The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (October 10) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

As the August 18, 2026 Primary Election draws closer, Lake County election officials are encouraging residents to take a few important steps now to ensure they are ready to participate in the democratic process.

From registering to vote and updating voter information to renewing vote-by-mail requests and learning about candidates, election preparation can help avoid last-minute complications and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot. An informed and prepared voter is one of the strongest foundations of a healthy democracy.

Florida residents have several options when it comes to voter registration.

Many voters choose the convenience of online registration through Florida’s secure Online Voter Registration System. The service allows residents to register to vote, update their address, change party affiliation, and make other updates to their voter record. To register online, applicants must have a valid Florida driver’s license or state identification card, along with the last four digits of their Social Security number.

For those who prefer a traditional approach, voter registration applications may also be completed and submitted by mail. Forms are available through the Florida Division of Elections and can be mailed to the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office in Tavares.

Residents may also register in person at the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office, Lake County libraries, Lake-Sumter State College, and participating Lake County Tax Collector driver’s license locations.

Voter registration forms must contain an original signature. Applications submitted by email or fax cannot be accepted under Florida law.

One of the most common issues encountered during election cycles is outdated voter information. Residents should review their records if they have recently moved, changed their name, renewed their driver’s license, or wish to update their political party affiliation.

Voters should also consider updating their signature if it has been more than two years since they last submitted one to the Supervisor of Elections Office. Signature verification plays an important role in the vote-by-mail process and can help prevent delays or questions regarding ballot acceptance.

For many residents, vote-by-mail offers a convenient and secure way to participate in elections.

Thousands of Lake County voters choose to receive their ballots by mail, allowing them to vote from home and return their completed ballots at their convenience. Voters can also enroll in BallotTrax, a ballot tracking system that provides updates throughout the mailing and return process.

However, election officials note that many voters may not realize vote-by-mail requests are not permanent.

Under Florida law, vote-by-mail requests expire at the end of every even-numbered year. As a result, requests made for the 2024 election cycle expired on December 31, 2024.

Residents who have not yet renewed their vote-by-mail request for the 2026 election cycle are encouraged to do so as soon as possible by contacting the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Democracy Begins with Being Informed

Casting a ballot is only part of civic participation. Understanding the candidates and issues on the ballot is equally important.

To help voters become more informed, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Hob Nob candidate event on July 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, located at 3700 South Highway 27 in Clermont.

The popular community event gives residents an opportunity to meet local, state, and federal candidates in person, learn about their priorities, and ask questions about issues affecting the community.

As Election Day approaches, residents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute. Whether registering for the first time, updating voter records, renewing a vote-by-mail request, or attending a candidate forum, every step helps strengthen the democratic process and ensures voters are ready when it is time to make their voices heard.

The South Lake Tablet does not publicly endorse or support any political candidate. We encourage all voters to make their voices heard by casting informed ballots based on their own research and understanding of the issues.

Take the time to get to know the candidates, learn about their positions, and make an educated decision that reflects your values and priorities.

We’ll provide information and resources to help you stay informed—you make the choices.

For additional voter registration information, vote-by-mail assistance, or questions regarding election services, residents may contact the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-343-9734 or for detailed voting information, visit website: https://www.lakevotes.gov

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The Clermont Police Department (CPD) has been busy interacting with youth and parents this summer during the school recess period. The department’s community relations division continues to host a series of events, including teenage educational summits, basketball games, and popsicles-with-a-cop programs throughout the city.

This week’s interaction included a basketball game and practice fun for youth of all ages and Clermont police officers. The “Hoops with Cops” event this week was held on July 9^th at Lake Felter Park, 1750 Johns Lake Road. Teens and children had the opportunity to ask questions, learn basketball tips, and build a rapport with local officers, all while enjoying the fresh and comfortable atmosphere of the park.

The CPD will host one final “Hoops with Cops” opportunity on July 31^st, beginning at 9 AM, at McKinney Park, 801 Bloxam Avenue. The fun is open to kids of any age and is free. “These events are all about building relationships, creating memories, and allowing our youth to connect with officers in a fun and welcoming environment,” says Ofc. Antonio Robinson.

A completely new program that the CPD introduced this year was the “Popsicles with a Cop” program held on July 10^th at Waterfront Park, 330 3^rd Street. Free giveaways of popsicles were a big hit during the blistering summer heat that beach goers and fitness trail adventurists encounter on any given day of the summer in Florida. Adults and kids alike were delighted to get their hands on the sweet and frozen treats while enjoying casual conversation with the officers. The interaction also provided a relaxed atmosphere for frequent visitors to Waterfront Park to point out various suggestions and concerns to the officers.

The CPD will be hosting several more community events in the coming weeks before the fall season school session begins on August 11^th. Events include:

• • Coffee with a Cop, July 15^th at Edward Jones, 140 E. Highland Avenue, 9 AM- 11 AM.
  • Pizza with Patrol, July 16^th at Chef’n it up Slice Bar, 821 W. Minneola Avenue, 5 PM- 7 PM.
  • Coffee with a Cop, July 22^nd at Dunkin Donuts, 3299 S. US-27, 9 AM- 11 AM.
  • Hoops with a Cop, July 31^st at 801 Bloxam Avenue, beginning at 9 AM.

Visit the Clermont Police Department (FL)Facebook page for continuing updates to summer season and community event schedules.

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Set for Saturday, October 24, 2026, the event will take place from noon to 2:30 pm at Gabby’s Banquet Hall, 699 S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Doors will open at 11:30 am, giving guests time to mix and mingle before enjoying an afternoon filled with fashion, friendship, and purpose.

More than just a runway event, the fashion show celebrates the power of women coming together to create positive change in their community.

Guests will enjoy a luncheon and gourmet desserts while taking in the latest fashions and connecting with fellow community members who share a passion for making a difference.

“Empowered to Inspire” reflects the club’s mission of bringing people together through service, leadership, and community engagement. Organizers hope the event will remind attendees that when people unite around a common purpose, they can create a lasting impact.

Tickets are $35 per person.

For ticket information, email clermontwomansclub@gmail.com or visit Clermont Woman’s Club for additional details and event updates.

Community members are encouraged to reserve their seats early and join in an afternoon where fashion, generosity, and inspiration take center stage.

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Mascotte Police department will hold its Back 2 School Bash and Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 8, from 10 am to 1 pm at Mascotte Charter School, 460 Midway Ave, Mascotte, FL 

The Backpack Giveaway has helped hundreds of local students prepare for the school year.

The Kiwanis Club of Clermont has helped the Mascotte Police Department by raising funds to support the department’s annual event.  Kiwanis president Chuck Seaver called Ofc. Kenia Abreu a shining light in the community! “Her commitment to helping local families and ensuring students have the resources they need for a successful school year is truly inspiring.”

 

As part of the ongoing effort, the Mascotte Police Department will host another “Stuff the Cruiser” school supply drive on Thursday, July 9, and Friday, July 10, from noon to 5 pm at Walgreens, 7777 State Road 50 in Groveland.

Community members are encouraged to donate much-needed school supplies, including:

• #2 pencils
• Notebooks
• Folders
• Crayons
• Markers
• Glue sticks
• Other classroom essentials

As a special thank-you, the first 50 individuals who donate school supplies each day will receive a free empanada.

All donated items will be distributed to local students during the Back 2 School Bash.

For a complete list of recommended school supplies for the upcoming school year, visit the Lake County Schools supply list website.

About the Mascotte Police Department Back 2 School Bash – The Mascotte Police Department’s Back 2 School Bash is an annual community outreach initiative designed to provide students with backpacks and essential school supplies while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the families they serve. The event is free and open to the public.

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The Clermont Police Department (CPD) held its bi-monthly Coffee with a Cop, a community relations event, on Wednesday, June 24th at McDonald’s, 4307 South US-27, Clermont. Coffee with a Cop is a program designed to enhance community member relationships with law enforcement officers and the citizens of the communities that they serve. Businesses throughout the area often host the Coffee with a Cop program to exhibit not only support of the community but also support of the local first responders in the community. It also provides a neutral location for real conversations about issues that matter.

Sgt. Erin Razo, the department’s Community Relations Supervisor, was on hand to staff the restaurant drive-thru window and greet morning guests with their favorite meals and a friendly smile. Drive-thru guests were pleasantly surprised to see a uniformed police officer working the window and offering a pleasant gesture to start their day.

Chief John Graczyk welcomed the local regulars who meet every morning at their favorite table for a fun round of humor and the latest “neighborhood happenings” updates. Chief Graczyk provided the latest neighborhood watch area news and public safety programs geared towards the community’s senior residents.

Deputy Chief Michael McMaster announced that the department’s first annual Teen Community Academy is now full. The joint police and fire department four-day academy will provide hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations provided by both agencies. The students will have the opportunity to travel to the Lake County Sheriff’s Communications Center in Tavares and observe behind-the-scenes operations of the unseen first responders – the Communication Officers are the first link to help when someone in need summons emergency assistance.   

The CPD will also be hosting “Community Service Hours Opportunity” in July. Teens in grades 9-12 can accrue needed service hours while making a difference in our community. Sgt. Razo states that various tasks will be available for three students each day, either around the station or other safe places that will include adult supervision.  The opportunity will be available each Wednesday in June and July, from 9 am – 11 am. The only exception will be July 1^st, as there will be no availabilities on this day. Preregistration is required and can be completed by contacting Mary Verrier at mverrier@clermontfl.org.

The CPD will be hosting a “Popsicles with a Cop – Afternoon of Fun” at Waterfront Park, 330 3^rdStreet, on July 10^th, from 1 pm – 3 pm. The free event, while supplies last, is geared towards friendly conversation and relationship building with the community. Children and seasoned children alike are welcome.

The 2^nd Annual “Hoops with Cops” program continues into July. Police Chief John Graczyk implemented the youth program last summer as a trial run with great success. The free event, which began in June, will be held at recreation parks throughout the city from 9 am – 11 am. The free event is open to youth of any age and does not require preregistration. The remaining scheduled locations include Lake Felter Park, 1750 Johns Lake Road – July 9^th, Palatlakaha Park, 1250 12^th Street – July 23^rd, and McKinney Park, 801 Bloxam Avenue – July 31^st.  Contact Ofc. Antonio Robinson at arobinson@clermontfl.org for additional information.

Chef’n It Up Pizza, 821 W. Minneola Avenue, will host a meet-and-greet for the CPD and the community on July 16^th, from 5-7 pm. Similar to the Coffee with a Cop program, this will be an opportunity for friendly conversation between community members and law enforcement personnel in a family-friendly environment while enjoying delicious New York-style pizza made from scratch.  

The Clermont Police Department continues to seek certified police officers for hire. The beginning salary starts at $65,405 with an increase for prior experience. Benefits include participation in the department’s take-home vehicle program, specialized units within the department, and a 20-year retirement plus health benefits package.

Police cadet academy sponsorship positions are available through a candidate selection process. The Clermont Police Department will pay cadets an hourly wage to participants while they are enrolled in the police academy. Interested people may inquire further at www.joincpdfl.com.

Visit the Clermont Police Department (FL) Facebook page for continuing updates to summer season and community event schedules.

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The City of Winter Garden invites the public (and their pooches) to beat the heat and visit the “Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit” inside City Hall. The juried exhibition created by local artists celebrates hounds and summer and both pups and their human escorts are welcome inside City Hall to view it. For the exhibit’s grand opening, the city is hosting a Launch Paw-ty for the community, including its canine citizens.

The exhibition includes 30 pieces of original canine-inspired artwork of a variety of mediums. Nearly 100 submissions were received in response to the city’s Artists’ Call for this fun-loving exhibit. “Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit” will be on view July 1 through August 31 in the Art in Public Places Gallery at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.).

To add to the exhibit’s community spirit is “The Dogs of Winter Garden,” an art piece that invites locals to place a photograph(s) of their dog(s) on this visual tribute to Winter Garden’s canine residents. Photos can be added throughout the exhibit and at the Launch Paw-ty (4” x 6” max. photo size, one photo per dog, photos cannot be returned).

A Launch Paw-ty to premiere the exhibit will be held on Friday, July 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at City Hall. Open to the public and their pooches, event highlights include:

• Self-guided dog-friendly gallery tours inside City Hall
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with exhibiting “Pawcassos” and their four-legged models
• Doggie splash pads (dogs must remain leashed and accompanied by a pet parent; towels recommended/wet dogs not permitted inside)
• Pooch Photo Station for keepsake photos and social media sharing
• Themed refreshments for both people and pups – Bone Appetit!
• Dog-themed giveaways (while supplies last)
• “Ruff”le drawings for dog-themed prizes from community partners (Drawing will be held at event at 7:45 p.m., must be present to win.)

“The City of Winter Garden is happy to provide a tail-wagging good time for all our residents, including our furry ones, with these dog-centric events! Gather the kids and pooch and visit City Hall for some fun while cooling off from the dog days of summer” said Donna Corbus, City of Winter Garden Community Liaison and AIPP curator.

Leashed, vaccinated, well-socialized dogs three months of age or older are welcome to visit the exhibit and attend the Launch Paw-ty. Pet owners are asked to monitor their dogs’ health and behavior and attend responsibly.

Event Details at a Glance:

“Dog Days of Summer: The Ulti-Mutt Art Exhibit”
July 1 – August 31
Art in Public Places Gallery at Winter Garden City Hall
300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (closed July 3)
Free Admission

Launch Paw-ty
Friday, July 10 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Winter Garden City Hall Art in Public Places Gallery
300 W. Plant Street
Free Admission
Event Details

Art in Public Places Gallery
Presented by the City of Winter Garden, the Art in Public Places Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of various themes and art mediums throughout the year. The exhibitions are presented by community partners and periodically by City of Winter Garden Artists’ Calls. The Gallery is on the first-floor lobby of Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, and is open to the public during regular operating hours.

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Performances will take place at the Garden Theatre on Plant Street on Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, July 26,   at 2:00 pm.

This exclusive collaboration between the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Opera Orlando will bring together world-class musical performances, stunning historical imagery, and community storytelling in a memorable, family-friendly event designed to inspire audiences of all ages.

Featuring patriotic classics and beloved American favorites performed by Opera Orlando’s acclaimed artists, the production will celebrate the spirit of freedom, resilience, and national pride while highlighting the rich history and growth of West Orange County through a captivating visual presentation.

“This event represents a breathtaking fusion of local history and world-class artistry,” organizers said. “As the nation commemorates 250 years of American history, we are honored to provide a meaningful and entertaining way for families and friends to celebrate together right here in the heart of Winter Garden.”

Audience members will enjoy:

• Live performances of cherished patriotic and American musical favorites by Opera Orlando.
• A visual journey through the decades of West Orange County history.
• An engaging experience designed for multiple generations, from children to grandparents.
• An opportunity to participate in the nationwide celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial.

Organizers encourage residents and visitors alike to make plans early, as the event is expected to be one of the area’s premier cultural celebrations of the season. (To order tickets, Click HERE)

Whether attending with family, friends, mentors, or loved ones, Patriotism on Plant offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories while honoring the people, places, and traditions that have shaped both the community and the nation.

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About the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation – The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich history and cultural heritage of Winter Garden and West Orange County through educational programs, historical preservation, and community engagement.

About Opera Orlando – Opera Orlando is Central Florida’s premier opera company, dedicated to producing high-quality operatic and musical performances while engaging audiences through innovative programming and artistic excellence.

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