The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is pleased to announce its partnership with Tidal Wave Auto Spa for the company’s 18th annual Charity Day event, to be held on Friday, September 18. As part of Tidal Wave’s long-standing commitment to giving back, the company will donate 100% of wash proceeds made during the one-day philanthropic event to local charities and non-profit organizations. 

TNC is pleased to partner with Tidal Wave Auto Spa’s Clermont location at 2395 E Hwy 50 for this year’s event. TNC will receive 50% of proceeds raised at this location on September 18th. TNC will use this revenue to further its mission of ensuring that No One Goes Hungry. 

Join Us: The public is invited to visit Tidal Wave Auto Spa at 2395 E Hwy 50 in Clermont on Friday, September 18th, from 8 AM – 8 PM, for a car wash supporting TNC and its mission. No appointment needed — just drive up and wash for a cause. 

Over the event’s 17-year history, Tidal Wave has donated more than $2.8 million to charitable organizations, with $864,075 raised at last year’s event. 2026 marks the company’s 18th annual Charity Day event, with 319 participating locations across 30 states. 

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities it serves and was honored as a Champion of Charity by Professional Carwashing & Detailing. Beyond its annual Charity Day event, the company also gives back year-round through its fundraising program, which has helped raise over $5 million for local schools, organizations, churches, civic groups, and more. 

For more details on Charity Day, visit https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/community-engagement/. 

About The Neighborhood Center of South Lake 

Because No One Should Go Hungry 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake has been serving the South Lake community since 1972. We understand that asking for help is an act of courage and should always be respected. We focus on providing Help and Hope to our neighbors and ensuring the dignity of every client. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is designated as a Nutritious Food Pantry, which means that 82% of the groceries distributed to our clients is healthy (minimally processed, or unprocessed) food for their families. We are committed to empowering each person with the knowledge and help they need to access government and other necessary resources; helping them break the poverty cycle and improve their quality of life. Combined, these resources enable our neighbors, and sets them on the road to self-sufficiency. 

Our promise is to treat every client with Dignity and Hope. For more information on the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or Donate please go to TNCSL.org. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves South Lake County residents in the following zip codes: 34711, 34714, 34715, 34729, 34736, 34737, 34753, 34755, 34756, 34762, Parts of 34748. 

For more information on the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or Donate please go to www.tncsl.org 

About Tidal Wave Auto Spa 

Tidal Wave Auto Spa was founded over 25 years ago in Thomaston, GA, by husband and wife, Scott and Hope Blackstock. What started as a small-town self-service car wash business evolved into the first conveyor car wash open in Georgia and is now the fifth-largest conveyor car wash company in the nation, with over 320 locations spanning 30 states. Tidal Wave is committed to providing every customer an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and outstanding customer service. Tidal Wave is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves, raising over $8 million for local programs, service organizations, and non-profit organizations through the company’s fundraising program and annual philanthropic Charity Day event. 

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The highlight of the morning was a Leadership Panel featuring three respected community leaders who shared personal experiences, leadership lessons, and insights gained throughout their careers. Panelists included Tony McCoy, Senior Pastor of Hope International Church; Jean Gallagher, General Manager of Walt Disney World Resort; and Paul Rountree, President of Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida.

Each panelist offered a unique perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of vision, adaptability, teamwork, and serving others. Their stories resonated with attendees from across the South Lake business community, providing valuable takeaways for leaders at every stage of their professional journey.

The breakfast was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Jack & Allie and co-sponsor Contagious Companies.

Jack & Allie is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic and educational support to children affected by autism and related disorders. The organization helps families access critical services by supplementing cost-prohibitive tuition, deductibles, and co-pays when traditional grants and scholarships fall short. Families interested in applying for assistance can learn more about upcoming grant opportunities at jackandallie.org

Contagious Companies specializes in leadership development through coaching, consulting, training, tools, and resources. Drawing on more than 35 years of real-world leadership experience, the organization helps individuals, teams, and businesses strengthen leadership skills, communication, collaboration, and overall performance. Learn more at www.ContagiousCompanies.com

Another highlight of the breakfast was the presentation of the prestigious Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award to Uday Kadam, owner of Guru Indian Restaurant and The Venue. Kadam was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the South Lake community and his commitment to local business development and community service. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have made a lasting impact throughout the region. Get the entire story at https://sltablet.com/2026/08/21/uday/.

The Chamber also encouraged members to support the upcoming Battle for Hope 2026, a fundraiser benefiting the programs of Find Feed & Restore. Scheduled for September 26 at 6 pm at the Wesley Center at Living Hope, the event promises an evening of entertainment and friendly competition.

In a game-show-style showdown, the South Lake Chamber Board, led by Chair Donna Kirtland, will challenge the undefeated Clermont Police Department, led by Chief John Graczyk, in a spirited “Battle for Hope.” Organizers invite businesses and community members to become sponsors and reserve tables to support the cause while enjoying an unforgettable evening. Click this link: https://flow.page/bfh2026 for more information and to reserve your table for Battle for Hope 2026!

The breakfast served as a reminder that strong leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to serving others continue to be the foundation of South Lake’s thriving business community.

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This afternoon in accordance with Florida Statutes the Lake County Supervisor of Elections received the order from Secretary of State Cord Byrd to conduct a machine recount of the votes cast in the Republican Primary Election, U.S. Representative, District 11.

Earlier today and in anticipation of Secretary Byrd’s order, the Lake County Supervisor of Elections team began sorting the ballots. Under the supervision of the canvassing board, the required Logic & Accuracy (Public) Test was completed this evening at the elections office.

“I am proud of the flexibility and passion that our team displays throughout an election. A recount requires the same level of precision and commitment as the election itself,” commented Hays.

Saturday morning at 8:00 am the recount of all ballots cast in the Congressional District 11 contest will proceed under canvassing board supervision. The results will be provided to the Division of Elections no later than 3:00 pm on Sunday, August 23^rd.

The public is welcome to attend the proceedings. Seating is limited.

The post Lake County Supervisor of Elections Receives Recount Order (August 23) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

This special community event features a vibrant Caribbean-themed worship service followed by a free Caribbean luncheon in the church Fellowship Hall. The celebration is presented in partnership with the Caribbean American Association of Lake County (CAALC), a Clermont-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization recognized throughout Central Florida for its popular annual Caribbean Festival at Clermont Waterfront Park, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year.

For more than a decade, South Lake Presbyterian Church and CAALC have joined together to host Caribbean Sunday, bringing people of all backgrounds together to celebrate faith, culture, and community. Attendance at recent events has exceeded 250 guests, and an even larger crowd is anticipated this year.

CAALC is dedicated to supporting educational scholarships, disaster relief efforts, and assistance for local residents in need. South Lake Presbyterian Church has faithfully served the Clermont community for more than 50 years and is widely known for its weekly Food Pantry ministry, which provides food assistance to thousands of individuals and families throughout the area.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Donations are Available. Sponsors are asked to confirm participation and submit payment at least two weeks prior to the event. Donations will be used to support food service costs. Food vendors may also provide a sample product to be served during the luncheon.

Whether you are a longtime resident, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for an uplifting and welcoming experience, Caribbean Sunday promises inspiring worship, authentic Caribbean hospitality, delicious food, and meaningful community connections.

For additional information, Contact Dorothe Riley-Green, South Lake Presbyterian Church, 352-536-1833, or drg25151@aol.com 
or  Marsha Riley, Coordinator, Caribbean American Association of Lake County (CAALC), 352-408-1226 or rileymarsha49@gmail.com

The post Caribbean Sunday Celebration Brings Island Spirit To Clermont (September 13) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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Congregation Sinai of Central Florida plans to observe the Jewish High Holidays with special services. Congregation Sinai has been serving the Jewish Community of Central Florida since 2003. This year, Congregation Sinai will again share special prayer sessions with members and non-members via virtual services.

High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year holiday. It is a time for rejoicing as well as for serious introspection. It is a time to celebrate the completion of another year while taking stock of one’s life. These two days of Rosh Hashanah usher in the Ten Days of Repentance. These Ten Days of Awe culminate on the major fast day of Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement. The shofar which is a ram’s horn that sounds like a trumpet, is sounded as a special wake-up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. Rosh Hashanah is respected as the Day of Judgment for our Books of Life and Death; which are then sealed for us on Yom Kippur.

Join Sinai For The High Holidays 2026 / 5786 — 5787!

Saturday Night, September 5
     7:00 pm   Selichot Service

Friday Night, September 11.  
     6:30 pm    Erev Rosh Hashanah Service     

Saturday Morning, September 12
    10 am to Noon   Saturday Rosh Hashanah Service — Day One
     2 pm– Rosh Hashana Tashlich Service

Wednesday, September 16
     10 am to 11:30 am – Rosh Hashanah — Day Two

Sunday, September 20
      6:30 am – Sunday Erev Kol Nidre Service

Monday, September 21
        10 am– Yom Kippur Service  
        Noon – Yizkor Service
        5:30 pm – Neilah Service
        Following: Break The Fast

Friday, September 25   
       6 pm – Sukkot Service 

Weekly Friday Night Kabbalat Shabbat Services
       7 pm – Open to everyone

Join Congregation Sinai!  Joe Goldovitz provides unique spiritual leadership. Congregation Sinai serves as a house of prayer and study in which the spectrum of Jewish expression is cultivated, protected and nurtured. With educational programs for children, adult education, bible study groups and bar/bat mitzvah study; they strive to educate their members and our community in Judaism’s rich heritage with contemporary significance, while sharing Jewish culture, rituals, traditions and values. Interfaith families are welcome.

Observe the High Holidays at Sinai! Celebrate all of the Jewish holidays with Jewish friends, holidays and traditions. Congregation Sinai is located at: 1200 West Broad Street, Groveland, FL 34736. For more information, membership, reservations and tickets to their upcoming High Holiday services, Friday night Shabbat services, educational programs, Torah Study, special events and for how to log-in online for their services, contact: Congregation Sinai by mail at: 4327 South Highway 27, Box 315, Clermont, FL  34711. Phone 352-243-5353. Email info@congregation-sinai.org. Visit them at: www.congregation-sinai.org. and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2022346804470513/?ref=bookmarks. Affordable High Holiday and Annual Memberships are available.

The post Congregation Sinai Observes High Holidays For 5786! Membership and Tickets For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Blaise Ingoglia – Chief Financial Officeer 

Wilton Simpson – Commissioner of Agriculture 

Taylor Yarkosky – State Representative, District 25 

Sean M. Parks – County Commissioner, District 2 

Leslie Campione – County Commissioner, District 4 

Ricky Harper – North Lake Hospital District NW Seat 4 

 

Democratic Primary Results:

 

Angie Nixon, United States Senator 

Ronnie “Ron” Murchinson-Rivera – Rep in Congress, District 6 

James Pericola – Rep in Congress, Distroct 11

David Jolly – Governor and Lieutenant Governor 

Annette Taddeo – Chief Financial Officer 

Joey Mendoza Atkins – Commissioner of Agriculture – 

Reginald A. Ward – North Lake Hospital District NE Seat 2

Nicole M. Morris – Circuit Judge, 5th Circuit, Group 27 

Pat Kelley – School Board, District 1  

Mayor Keith “Chef” Keogh – Groveland District 1

 

Detailed results can be found by visiting https://enr.electionsfl.org/LAK/3996/Summary/.

 

The results do not include: Provisional Ballots and Ballots undergoing the Cure Process

Voters who need to resolve provisional ballot or signature issues must do so by 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20th.

In accordance with Florida Statutes, the unofficial and official results will be certified by August 21st after provisional ballots have been canvassed.

The Post-Election Voting System Audit for the 2026 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 25^th at 8:30 am at the Supervisor of Elections Office located at 1898 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares. The public is encouraged to attend.

“Voting provides American citizens with the incredible opportunity to determine leaders who will guide our local communities, county, state, and nation” commented Alan Hays, Lake County Supervisor of Elections. “Each voter who participated in the Primary Election helped shape the General Election and therefore the future,” Hays added.

Election related questions are encouraged to reach out to the Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office by phone at 352-343-9734, online at LakeVotes.gov or in person at the elections office in Tavares.

The post 2026 Lake County Primary Results Are In appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The project, located at 821 W. Minneola Avenue on approximately 0.635 acres, received a recommendation for approval from the Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission during its Aug. 4, meeting. 

Under the approved permit, the development may include up to 16 dwelling units, with a maximum density of 25 units per acre unless a Community Benefit Agreement is proposed. The project will consist of four buildings, each featuring retail and restaurant space on the ground floor. Commercial uses will be limited to a combined total of 6,000 square feet.

The approval also reflects provisions established through a settlement agreement which amended the city’s Land Development Code to allow for bonus density of up to 40 units per acre through a Community Benefit Agreement.

A notable architectural feature of the project includes a covered gallery extending along the north and east sides of the development. The gallery may project up to 10 feet into the public right-of-way, subject to the issuance of a Right-of-Way Utilization Permit. City officials noted that adjustments to the design may be required if underground utilities affect the placement of supporting columns.

Prior to construction, the applicant must submit formal site plans for review by the City of Clermont Site Review Committee and obtain all necessary permits and approvals. The project must also comply with city codes, regulations, ordinances, and the Comprehensive Plan.

Additional conditions require inspections by the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector before any Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. The permit will become void if substantial work does not begin within two years of issuance, and city officials retain the authority to revoke the permit if any conditions are violated.

The permit must be executed through the Clermont City Clerk’s Office and recorded in the Public Records of Lake County within 90 days of City Council approval.

The post Clermont City Council Approves Conditional Use Permit For West End Plaza Mixed-Use Development appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake has been serving the South Lake community since 1972. We understand that asking for help is an act of courage and should always be respected. We focus on providing Help and Hope to our neighbors and ensuring the dignity of every client. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is designated as a Nutritious Food Pantry, which means that 79% of the groceries distributed to our clients is healthy (minimally processed, or unprocessed) food for their families. We are committed to empowering each person with the knowledge and help they need to access government and other necessary resources; helping them break the poverty cycle and improve their quality of life. Combined, these resources enable our neighbors, and sets them on the road to self-sufficiency. 

Our promise is to treat every client with Dignity and Hope. For more information on the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or Donate please go to www.tncsl.org. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves South Lake County residents in the following zip codes: 34711, 34714, 34715, 34729, 34736, 34737, 34753, 34755, 34756, 34762, Parts of 34748. 

For more information on the Neighborhood Center of South Lake or Donate please go to www.tncsl.org 

The post The Neighborhood Center of South Lake Exists Because No One Should Go Hungry  appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Lake Community Arts Lake Community Arts successfully presented their pre-school year workshop for all Lake County School arts program educators and instructors. This session was held at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills auditorium.  AS the primary presenters, Leiland Theriot and Cicely Bosley shared exciting updates for the new school year with horizontal and vertical alignments.

The ‘Welcome’ Back session included discussions about the Florida Seal of Fine Arts for Middle and High School educators to help inspire and educate the Lake County arts educators with ‘Welcome Back’ development programs.  It then shared Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert updates for the Elementary School teachers. Each year, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts provide thousands of elementary students with their very first live symphonic experience. The workshop program then shared benchmarks and lesson planning guidelines and tips for all Elementary Visual Art teachers. All of the Lake County arts teachers participated in a survey to help guide LCA and all of our schools for the coming school year.

With LCA supporting all of the Arts, they will soon be providing the updated content for Lake County Schools arts educators during their district professional development on September 18th at Tavares High School and East Ridge High School.

Special sponsors and vendors shared needed information about our local resources and opportunities with representatives from the Howie Music Series, Clermont Citrus Tower, Leesburg Music, Assisted Living Locators, Lake Community Arts, Florida Association of Theatre Educators and Lake County Schools.

LCA President Leland Theriot shared, “At Lake Community Arts, we are committed to partnering with our teachers in the fine and performing arts.  Hosting their Welcome Back Professional Development with Curriculum Specialist Cicely Bosley of Lake County Schools was an absolute delight!  Lake County is blessed to have some of the most talented arts educators in its ranks.”

Fall LCA Band & Choir Concerts: Lake Community Arts is now organizing their fall and winter 2026-2027 concerts. The new LCA Concert Band will have their first rehearsal on August 26 at Lake Minneola High School in the Band Room. Children Sing will have their first rehearsal on August 27. The first holiday Band Concert will be held at 6 PM at Lake Minneola High School. The next LCA Holiday Choir Concert is now set for Sunday, December 20, 2026 at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. The year-end Children Sing Concert will be held on December 17. The big LCA Community Choir final performance of the year will be held on Sunday, December 20 at CPAC.

The Lake Community Adult Choir remains open to all singers ages 14 and up. These ensembles will bring together voices from across Lake County to perform a variety of choral music with both experienced singers and anyone who simply loves to sing, with no qualifying auditions. The Lake Community Arts Choir will always offer you opportunities to connect, make music, and to be part of something meaningful. Rehearsals focus on skill-building, community, and artistic excellence, culminating in public performances that celebrate the power of music to bring people together. All LCA choirs will require attendance at weekly rehearsals.

LCA is continuing to expand their reach by creating more opportunities in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts — while engaging individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and strengthening our community through the power of the arts.

 LCA Support: LCA’s ongoing performances will include public concerts and special events to showcase local talent and foster a sense of belonging for both performers and audiences while increasing important artistic impact in Lake County. LCA will continue to celebrate the joys that music and the creative arts bring to life for our Lake County community. Businesses, organizations and families are encouraged to make donations, sponsorships and tax deductible gifts at: LakeCommunityArts.org/support.

For more information, visit: www.LakeCommunityArts.org. Follow Lake Community Arts on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lakecommunityarts/ and on social media @LakeCommunityArts.

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