What We Heard From Our First Community Survey

Earlier this month, we launched our first-ever community survey and the response was clear: Groveland residents care deeply about where our city is headed and want to be part of shaping the future.

We introduced this new engagement program to give more residents a voice in city decisions through quick, anonymous surveys, helping us better understand your priorities and make more informed choices. 

What We Heard – Across the board, several themes rose to the top. Residents told us that public safety, road improvements and managing growth are among the most important priorities for our city. You also emphasized the importance of maintaining quality infrastructure and preserving Groveland’s character as we continue to grow.

Just as important, many of you shared a desire for clear communication and transparency, wanting to stay informed about projects, decisions and how your tax dollars are being used.

One thing stood out: many of you don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth from the taxes you pay. This isn’t surprising, especially given the higher price of groceries and gas right now. We’ll be asking for more specifics in future surveys.

Why It Matters – The results of this and future surveys are more than just feedback: they’re a roadmap. They will help guide how we prioritize projects, allocate resources and plan for the future. Whether it’s investing in roads, expanding public safety services or improving communication, your input is directly shaping the work we do every day.

Keep the Conversation Going – If you haven’t signed up to take the surveys yet, please do so. Groveland works best when we work together and this is one more way we can listen, learn and move forward as one community.

Big Opportunity for Small Businesses – We recently celebrated an important investment in Groveland’s local business community: the groundbreaking of 1st American Way in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park.

This new small-bay industrial development will include three buildings with flexible spaces sized between 1,500 and 4,500 s.f. to support day-to-day operations, services and trades that residents rely on. With convenient access to the Turnpike, U.S. 27 and State Road 19, it will help strengthen connections between local businesses and the customers they serve. The first tenants are expected in early 2027.

K-9 Team Takes Drugs Off Streets – I’d like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of our Groveland Police Department, especially K-9 Officer Eastridge and his four-legged partner, Xena.

The 55-pound Belgian Malinois recently helped locate 104 grams of methamphetamine inside an abandoned building. That represents hundreds of individual doses and anyone in possession of that amount would be considered a drug trafficker.

This kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Our K-9 team is an essential part of that effort, assisting with searches, investigations and crime prevention every day.

Faster Care When Every Second Counts – In an emergency, seconds matter. That’s why Groveland has equipped every fire vehicle with advanced medical capabilities, allowing life-saving care to begin the moment crews arrive.

Our firefighters and EMTs can immediately respond to cardiac events, serious injuries and other medical emergencies with both the tools and training needed to stabilize patients on scene.

The impact of speed is well documented. During cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7–10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, and faster response times are directly linked to better outcomes.

By investing in advanced care, we’re improving response times and giving people the best possible chance when it matters most.

Private Investment to Pay for Improved Turnpike Interchange – We recently reached an agreement that represents a major milestone for Groveland’s future.

As part of its new master-planned community Brighthill, the Eisenhower Group has committed to funding major improvements to our Turnpike interchange, representing a private investment of $50 to $70 million. The group has already paid $7 million in impact fees. This is a significant partnership that will help advance critical infrastructure without placing that burden on taxpayers.

Improvements to the interchange will enhance mobility along the U.S. 27 corridor, support local businesses and help diversify Groveland’s tax base.

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On Tuesday, April 14, from 7 pm to 9 pm, Lake County Indivisibles will host a Community Town Hall at the Clermont City Center – 620 W. Montrose Street in downtown Clermont (across from City Hall). The 380-seat hall is expected to fill quickly. Invitations were sent to Rep. Daniel Webster, every Republican primary candidate, the Libertarian candidate, and the three Democratic primary candidates. 

At this moment, only the three Democrats have accepted:

• Royal Webster
• Barbie Harden Hall
• Dan Williams

“This is not a campaign rally — it’s a voter rally,” said Cyn Doyle of Lake County Indivisibles. “No stump speeches, no campaign signs, no canned answers. Just real questions from real people in District 11, asked the same way to every candidate, with exactly two minutes to answer. The community writes the questions on the spot as they walk in — so no one gets a sneak peek.”The goal is simple and powerful: give voters a clear, side-by-side look at the candidates before the August 18 primary.  

Democrats can size up their options. Republicans, NPAs, and independents can decide whether they want to switch party affiliation for the Democratic primary, vote in the Republican Primary or simply sit this one out. (If one switches party affiliation, it must be done 29 days before the primary). 

Format: Same questions for all three candidates • 2-minute answers • Community-written questions • No campaigning allowed “Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, NPA, or just a curious voter, this is your chance to see the contenders without the filter,” Doyle added. “We expect it to be a very interesting evening.

Lake County Indivisibles
A non-partisan grassroots group dedicated to protecting democracy, holding elected officials accountable, and making sure every voter has a voice — regardless of party.

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Lake Technical College, the region’s premier provider of workforce education and career training, is inviting the community to explore their future at the Spring 2026 Career TechXpo Open Houses. 

These dynamic events give prospective students the opportunity to step inside Lake Tech’s industry-driven training programs, meet expert instructors, tour cutting-edge facilities, and experience firsthand how Lake Tech prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. 

Attendees will explore more than 30 workforce programs designed to launch a career quickly—many in as little as one year. Guests will also have the chance to interact with current students, see industry equipment in action, and speak directly with faculty and staff about career pathways 

Lake Technical College, the region’s premier provider of workforce education and career training, is inviting the community to explore their future at the Spring 2026 Career TechXpo Open Houses. 

These dynamic events give prospective students the opportunity to step inside Lake Tech’s industry-driven training programs, meet expert instructors, tour cutting-edge facilities, and experience firsthand how Lake Tech prepares students for high-wage, high-demand careers. 

Attendees will explore more than 30 workforce programs designed to launch a career quickly—many in as little as one year. Guests will also have the chance to interact with current students, see industry equipment in action, and speak directly with faculty and staff about career pathways. 

Lake Tech’s Admissions, Financial Aid, and Business Office teams will also be on-site to guide visitors through the application and enrollment process. 

As an added bonus, attendees will be entered for a chance to win a $500 tuition scholarship toward their training. 

Three opportunities to explore your future: 

• Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM o Main Campus – 2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, FL 32726. Explore a wide variety of career programs including healthcare, construction trades, culinary arts, information technology, and more. 

• Monday, April 13, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM o Institute of Public Safety – 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares (formerly Lane Park Cut Off Road). Experience Lake Tech’s renowned public safety programs including the Firefighter/EMT Combination Program, Florida Law Enforcement Academy, and Corrections Officer Training. 

o Transportation Innovation Hub – 950 Captain Haynes Rd, Tavares. Tour Lake Tech’s newest workforce training center featuring cutting-edge programs such as Diesel Systems Technician and Master Automotive Service Technology, preparing the next generation of transportation and fleet technicians. 

Executive Director DeAnna Thomas shared the excitement surrounding the event: “Career TechXpo is one of my favorite events because it allows future students to see what is truly possible. At Lake Tech, we don’t just train students—we prepare them to enter the workforce with confidence and real skills. Visitors will experience our programs in action, meet the incredible instructors who lead them, and see the state-of-the-art equipment our students train on every day. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a meaningful career, this is the place to start.” 

Don’t just imagine your future—experience it! The event is FREE, but we encourage guests to register through Eventbrite to secure your spot! Register here for our Main Campus Open House or our Institute of Public Safety and Transportation Innovation Hub Open House. 

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Ken Bragg Way, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information. 

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One of the highlights this month is our inaugural Art and Jazz Festival, taking place April 18 and 19. This exciting new event will bring together incredible live performances from acclaimed artists including Walter Beasley, Ghost-Note, Kim Scott, and Keiko Matsui, along with several other talented musical artists. We are especially proud to feature Clermont resident Craig Crawford, a world class jazz musician whose talent is recognized well beyond our city. Guests will also enjoy artisans, unique vendors, and a variety of food and drink options throughout the weekend. I encourage all of our champions to come out, take in the sights, sounds, and shopping, and enjoy this memorable two-day celebration. Tickets and show details are available at ClermontFl.gov/Jazz. 

Before that, join us on April 11 for the Dragon Boat Festival on our sparkling Lake Minneola. This exciting event brings incredible energy to the waterfront as teams paddle in sync, their vibrant boats gliding across the water in a powerful display of teamwork and determination. It is a fantastic opportunity to gather along the shoreline, cheer on the athletes, and enjoy the beauty of one of Clermont’s most treasured natural spaces. 

We also invite our champions to celebrate Earth Day with us on April 25 during our Earth Day and Lake Cleanup event. This is a wonderful way to give back, connect with neighbors, and help keep our community beautiful. Learn more at ClermontFl.gov/EarthDay. 

April is also a meaningful time for many who celebrate Easter. I extend warm wishes to all observing this special season. It is a time centered on renewal, hope, and spending time with loved ones, values that resonate across our community. 

I am proud to share that our Finance Department has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting for the 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This achievement reflects the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. 

We are also expanding how we connect with you. Our new ENews page is designed to keep residents informed and engaged with easy access to important updates. This page includes a digital version of our biweekly SUN news advertisement, along with a mini digital e-zine that provides additional city news straight from the source. Visit ClermontFl.gov/eNews to stay connected. 

I always appreciate the opportunity to connect with you. Join me for Lunch with the Mayor on the first Tuesday of each month at noon. In May, we will gather at Guru Indian Restaurant, located at 2400 US 27 Suite 101. I look forward to seeing many of you there. 

If you would like to connect one on one, I am available to meet with residents at City Hall on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can reach me directly by email at tmurry@clermontfl.org or by phone at 352-241-7358. 

Thank you for being engaged champions in our community. Together, we continue building a strong, connected Clermont. 

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Located at 15410 CR 565A, Suite H-I, Imagination Village is a destination for children under the age of seven. Designed as a charming “tiny town,” the indoor play center offers a variety of interactive play areas and educational activities that encourage imagination, exploration, and social interaction.

The center also serves as a popular venue for birthday parties and special events, giving families a unique and memorable way to celebrate milestones.

By combining fun with learning, Imagination Village continues to foster creativity, curiosity, and friendship among its young visitors.

For more information about Imagination Village Indoor Play Center, call 352-227-3999 or visit www.imaginationvillagegroveland.com

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Three robotics teams from Grassy Lake Elementary School have earned invitations to compete in the prestigious VEX Elementary Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, April 21–30, 2026—an extraordinary achievement that places them among just 400 teams selected from around the globe.

The international event will bring together top young innovators from countries including China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, offering students a rare opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage.

While this accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the students and school, participation comes with substantial costs. To help offset registration and travel expenses, the teams have sought support from local businesses and community partners.

Answering that call was Denise Calderon, CPA, who, without hesitation, committed to supporting the program. Not only did she agree to sponsor the teams, but she also stepped forward as the Title Sponsor, the highest level of sponsorship available.

“Denise and her team’s generosity and belief in these students exceeded anything we could have hoped for,” said a Grassy Lake Elementary volunteer parent. “Her focus was never on recognition—it was simply about helping these kids reach St. Louis and experience something truly life-changing.”

Calderon’s contribution represents a significant investment for a local small business and underscores her dedication to the community and its youth. Her support will directly enable students to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience, competing and collaborating with peers from around the world.

As Grassy Lake Elementary celebrates this achievement, the school community is eager to recognize Calderon and her team for their outstanding commitment to student success.

Interested in Helping?

Sponsorship Contact:
Eric Wood
Parent Volunteer
352-617-8583
EricBWood@gmail.com

Sponsorship & School Contact:
Mrs. Becky Antill
Grassy Lake Elementary School
STEAM Enrichment Teacher & Robotics Coach
AntillB@lake.k12.fl.us
(352) 242-0313

About Grassy Lake Elementary Robotics
Grassy Lake Elementary’s robotics program empowers students to develop skills in engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving through competitive robotics challenges. The program fosters innovation and prepares students for future opportunities in STEM fields.

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Visitors strolling along the lake were treated to an impressive sight—thousands of buoys precisely anchored in lanes stretching from the Salt Shack to the Tiki Bar. The organized course set the stage for exciting competition as the Lake County Rowing Association and teams from across Florida raced for the win.

Spectators lined the shoreline in lawn chairs, cheering on the athletes, while food trucks at Victory Pointe offered a variety of refreshments, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere.

The regatta, featuring some of the fastest high school crews in the region, was free to attend. It was hosted by the Lake County Rowing Association (LRCA), a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 with a mission to promote rowing in Lake County and to welcome visitors from across the nation to experience its beautiful lakes and waterways.

To view results click https://crewtimer.com/regatta/r15563

Complete details of the event will be coming soon.

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