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East Ridge’s Rhyen Foley Signs With Florida Gulf Coast University

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 12 May 2026 01:35:02 +0000

By Grant Mollett, East Ridge High School

On Friday May 8, at East Ridge High School, ten student-athletes signed their letters of intent to participate in college athletics for the following school year. One of those student-athletes was senior Rhyen Foley, who signed her letter of intent with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. Rhyen will join Florida Gulf Coast’s women’s cross country and outdoor track and field teams in fall of 2026.

Rhyen showing off her fourth place medal after the 2024 Class 4A Cross Country State Championships

Rhyen has been a four-year letterman in both cross country and track and field at East Ridge High School. Rhyen’s individual efforts have helped lead her cross country team to great team accomplishments over the years – including two county championships, four district championships, and the school’s first regional championship. Rhyen leaves East Ridge as its fastest runner in school history with a career personal best time of 18:00, which she set her junior year at the New World Fall Spectacular. Rhyen amassed thirty place medals throughout her high school career, to include three district medals, three regional medals, one state medal, and four regular season individual championships. Rhyen’s junior season produced impressive individual results and garnered the attention of several college coaches. However it was in November of her senior year when Rhyen took an opportunity to visit Florida Gulf Coast and meet with Coach Cruz. Now, in May, Rhyen is all set to become an Eagle!

Rhyen with her parents at the collegiate athletics signing ceremony at East Ridge High School on May 8, 2026

When asked who she would like to thank at her signing ceremony, Rhyen had these things to say, “My parents for always providing what I needed to succeed in my athletics. Their encouragement and love kept me grounded at my highest and lowest.” She also thanked her coaches for helping her to see what she was capable of and stated, “I wouldn’t be the runner that I am without their dedication to the sport.”

Academically, Rhyen will major in legal studies, as she plans to pursue a career in criminology or political science.

Rhyen at the New World Fall Spectacular in October of 2024, where she set East Ridge’s school record in the 5K of 18:00

Rhyen did have some words of wisdom to her underclass teammates that she will be leaving behind when she attends Florida Gulf Coast, and that was for them to “Run with confidence and determination…You aren’t going to have a good race every time or even a good practice, it’s not controllable. The only thing that you can control is how you handle it.”

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Kiwanis Club of Clermont Hosts Annual Prayer Day Event Supporting Love Groveland Food Bank

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:53:48 +0000

The Kiwanis Club of Clermont recently welcomed a full house of members, community leaders, and residents to its annual Prayer Day event held at the Living Hope Church Wesley Center.

The meaningful gathering focused on unity, faith, and community service while also raising funds to benefit Love Groveland, a local food bank serving families in need.

Kiwanis Club of Clermont President Chuck Seaver emphasized the importance of coming together in prayer and support for both the nation and the community, noting that the day served as an opportunity for people of all religions, denominations, and faiths to unite in prayer for the country.

Special guest speaker Tim Moses delivered an inspiring message to attendees, encouraging faith, compassion, and community involvement.

The program also featured a performance by the East Ridge High School Chorus under the direction of Robert Walker. The talented students opened the event with a selection of songs that helped set a heartfelt and uplifting tone for the gathering.

Funds raised during the annual event were donated to Love Groveland to help support its ongoing mission of providing food assistance to local families experiencing hardship.

The annual Prayer Day event continues to be one of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont’s signature community gatherings, bringing residents together in a spirit of hope, unity, and service.

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Clermont Police Rolling Out New E-Bike Patrol Program Focused on Safety and Education

Michelle Delaney — Fri, 08 May 2026 21:32:05 +0000

Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet

The Clermont Police Department will soon be adding a new addition to its rolling stock of patrol vehicles with the unveiling of the department’s first set of electronic bicycles, better known as e-bikes.

Police Chief John Grazcyk invited the public to attend a demonstration ceremony at Waterfront Park on Tuesday, May 5^th. The new program, funded with forfeiture assets, will begin right away with police officers who have been formally trained in the use and techniques for law enforcement e-bikes. “The first phase of the program will be education versus enforcement. We want to teach the public how to ride their own e-bikes safely. We want to ensure that the riders know the laws and safety practices of e-bike usage,” says Chief Graczyk.

A recent increase in e-bike usage has spawned complaints about youth riding bikes in an unsafe manner along the South Lake Fitness Trail and the streets of historic downtown Clermont, especially during special events. Complaints of “popping wheelies”, unsafe speed, and running stop signs have been the largest complaint, according to Chief Graczyk.

The program will include two department-operated e-bikes initially, with a trial period to determine the need for additional bikes. The e-bikes will be used for routine patrols and speed enforcement on the fitness trail and downtown streets. E-bikes, which are equipped with integrated electric motors that assist with propulsion, can travel at speeds up to 30 MPH. Speed enforcement will be conducted with both stationary and patrol-style detection systems.

The Clermont Police Department is the first agency in the southern portion of Lake County to implement e-bikes for enforcement and patrol techniques. The two Clermont police bike operators will have the capability to talk to nearby e-bike users through technology within the headgear safety helmets. The helmets contain built-in communication systems that allow riders to stay connected with others while riding. Brands like Sena and Aleck offer smart helmets that integrate Bluetooth technology for hands-free communication and music streaming.

Chief Graczyk points out the fact that state legislation is catching up to the e-bike craze with new safety statutes and regulations that will take effect on July 1^st. “Riders need to understand that e-bike operators are bound to the same traffic laws that motorists of common vehicles are bound to, plus additional regulations directed at e-bike operators,” says Chief Graczyk.

Starting July 1, 2026, new Florida e-bike laws will enforce a speed limit of 10 mph on sidewalks or pedestrian areas when within 50 feet of a person. Additionally, riders must yield to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before passing in shared spaces. Violations can result in traffic infractions, which carry a penalty of $30. Riders and parents of underage riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Florida State Statutes regulating e-bike use.

Contact the Clermont Police Department at 352-394-5588 for additional information or questions regarding e-bike safety.

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