Award-winning WESH 2 News anchor/reporter Gail Paschall-Brown has been nominated for an Emmy twice; awarded the distinction of having her own “Gail Paschall-Brown Day” on April 30th in Orange County; and her proudest professional honor was winning the Broadcaster of the Year, as voted on by her peers. She is recognized for her engaging on-air presence, coverage of a wide range of topics including education, aviation with a focus on human interest stories and public safety, community connection, and her ability to bring diverse stories to life. 

“My mission has always been to be a liaison between the action and the people who can’t be there,” Paschall-Brown said after nearly 47 years in the journalism industry. 

Join Gail as we step back in time into a 1920s-inspired evening at The Inaugural Founders’ Gala. An event to celebrate the founding of the City of Groveland, and support families who are facing hunger. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Neighborhood Center of South Lake (TNC), a 501c3 nutritious food pantry serving all South Lake County, FL. In 2025 TNC provided enough groceries to feed nearly 112,000 people. 

Get in on the ground floor of this new and exciting event. 

Sponsorships: Contact Beth Carr by email or phone at cao@tncsl.org or 352-429-1200 ext.107. 

Tickets and Tables: Visit www.foundersgala.org to register.  Learn more: www.tncsl.org 

BECAUSE NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY 

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September gives us an opportunity to remember where we have been, celebrate who we are, and continue strengthening the connections that make Clermont such a special community.

This month, we will come together as the City commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. For many of us, the events of that day remain vivid even after 25 years. We remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders and everyday citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of tragedy. The ceremony will take place at 10am, at the Clermont Arts & Recreation Center, located at 3700 S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, Fl. This year’s remembrance will have special meaning as we share stories from members of our own community whose lives were directly impacted by the events of September 11. These personal accounts remind us that history is not something that only lives in books. It lives through people, families, and the stories we pass on to future generations. The City will also livestream the ceremony, and we are strongly encouraging our schools and classrooms to participate. Many of today’s students were born long after September 11, and this is an opportunity for them to hear these stories and better understand why we continue to remember.

Later in the month, the City and South Lake Chamber of Commerce will cohost Sips and Salsa on Saturday, September 19th at Waterfront Park from 5pm-10pm. Come enjoy the food, music, traditions, and cultures that reflect the wonderful diversity of our community. It is always a great evening and one I look forward to each year.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for National Night Out on October 1. Our Police and Fire Departments will join other area agencies and first responders, community organizations, and businesses for a fun evening focused on building relationships and strengthening the connections that help keep our community safe.

November will also bring important decisions for our community and state, including local elections and a significant property tax amendment. I encourage every voter to take the time to educate yourself about what is on the ballot. Look beyond social media commentary and seek information from credible, reliable sources. Read the proposals, ask questions, and understand how they may affect you and our community. An informed voter is an important part of a strong community.

Our October lunch will be Tuesday, October 6 at noon at Amore Italian Ristorante, 2608 South Highway 27, Suite 100. I am also available at City Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment. I always appreciate the opportunity to listen and talk with residents about our city.

For information about these events and other City news, visit ClermontFL.gov.

Thank you for staying connected and involved. May we never forget those who came before us as we continue working together to build a stronger Clermont and carry forward what it means to be the Choice of Champions®.

With gratitude,

       Mayor Tim Murry City of Clermont 

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The South Lake Chamber of Commerce joined community members, business leaders, and staff in officiating a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially welcoming Central Florida Eye Specialists to the South Lake business community.

Guests gathered to tour the new facility, meet the team, and commemorate the occasion.   

The new Clermont location reflects Central Florida Eye Specialists’ ongoing dedication to delivering quality eye care and enhancing access to specialized vision services for patients in South Lake County and beyond.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce congratulated Central Florida Eye Specialists on its new location and welcomed the practice as a valued member of the local business community.

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The Fellowship of Christian Athletes Heart & Soul Golf Tournament is now scheduled for Friday, October 2,  at the Clermont National Golf Club. They look forward to sharing the heart of their ministry throughout this special Shotgun Scramble Day filled with fellowship, fun, support, and meaningful connections. Check-ins will begin at 7am, and the tournament will conclude when the last team returns to the clubhouse. Breakfast, lunch, drink and a swag gift bag will be provided.

South Lake community support is thankfully requested and appreciated with your generous donations, and bounce-back discount cards from your businesses. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are available for this Golf Tournament and all other FCA events all year long. All proceeds from their events continue to benefit local FCA missionaries, athletes, and coaches, helping to further FCA’s mission in the community.

FCA Heart & Soul Golf Tournament Awards will include prizes for their First, Second, Third and Last Place “Highest Score” Foursome Winners. There will be awards shared for Men’s and Women’s Longest Drives, the Closest to the Pin Award as well as the Putting Contest.

FCA Golf Tournament organizer and Regional Director for Field Ministry Mindy Lee Hopman shares, “The FCA Heart and Soul Golf Tournament provides an opportunity for our participants, volunteers, and sponsors to learn more about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes — including FCA Huddles, our school connections across South Lake County and the Florida Region. It helps us communicate how FCA shares the Gospel, what discipleship looks like through FCA, and the various types of huddles for coaches and athletes beyond the campus such as [THE] Huddle: for women. Mark your calendars and register now for the upcoming FCA Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026.”

South Lake County FCA Director Tim Hancock noted, “We are always very proud of our annual FCA Golf Tournament players, sponsors, and volunteers. We invite you and your friends to register for this tournament and to become a volunteer by using the God given talents and treasures along with your time to serve in ministry. We welcome you to become an FCA financial teammate and partner and teammate with FCA to raise up staff with resources to pour into our youth.”

Mary Berens of the FCA South Lake County staff proudly notes, “All proceeds from this golf tournament will directly benefit local FCA missionaries, athletes, and coaches, and families while helping to further FCA’s mission in the community.”

The South Lake County FCA staff is led by Area Director Tim Hancock, Kahlil ‘Tuck’ Tucker as Metro Area Director, Zachary Hancock Amanda Palomares, Tina DeClerq and Administrative Assistant Mary Berens. They have created their own South Lake FCA Dream Team with numerous community leaders, active board members, staff, generous financial partners, donors, and sponsors. FCA of South Lake is always looking for new coaches, students, leaders, corporate sponsors, and donations to help make an impact in the lives of students and athletes.

Another exciting FCA Vision Night event is coming up on Sunday, November 8 at Living Hope Church in Clermont. Everyone is invited to their annual fundraiser, yet they suggest you please register so they can save you a seat. You will hear testimonials and stories from coaches, athletes, staff, and community leaders highlighting their mission to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church. Registration is available on their website.

To register for this FCA Shotgun Scramble Golf Tournament, visit: https://fca.regfox.com/2026heartandsoulgolf. Contact the South Lake FCA at 407-310-3146, Email: THancock@FCA.org  or MBerens@FCA.org and visit: www.SouthLakeCountyFCA.org. Like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/southlakecountyfca/  Send mail to: PO Box 120272 in Clermont, FL 34712. 

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Montverde Academy Upper School students recently came together for a meaningful day of service with Light Orlando’s Project Hunger, helping package meals for families in need throughout the community.

Light Orlando hosts Project Hunger two times each year, bringing volunteers together to sort, package, and prepare meal kits for families facing food insecurity. During Saturday’s event, Montverde Academy students joined volunteers from across the community in contributing to the creation of 1 million meal kits.

A large group of Upper School students participated, including members of the girls volleyball and girls basketball teams. Working together, students sorted ingredients, assembled meal kits, and prepared packages for distribution.

“Giving back today was a meaningful experience because we got to help people in need. It felt good knowing that something as simple as our time and effort for a couple hours could make a big difference in someone else’s life. I’m grateful that we got to do this today and give back,” said junior Layla Adams.

For senior Jordan Speller, the experience was also an opportunity to build community. “My experience today was really good. I bonded with my team and made some friends on the volleyball team. If I had to decide today in one word, I’d say outstanding. From start to finish there was never a second that I wanted to leave. I really do recommend doing this through the year and would like to come back for MLK Day.”

“Last week, Light Orlando reached out to invite our students to participate in Project Hunger, sharing how consistently impressed they have been with the dedication and quality of work our students bring to their service opportunities,” said Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs. “Although the invitation came together at the last minute, our Upper School community responded with tremendous enthusiasm. Our girls volleyball and girls basketball teams, along with a large group of Upper School students, stepped forward to serve. We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced this opportunity to make a meaningful difference, and we are deeply grateful to our weekend team chaperones, coaches, and students for their willingness to step up and serve our community.”

For the girls basketball team, the experience provided a chance to strengthen relationships, particularly as new players joined the program. “Today was an amazing experience allowing the team to bond with each other while giving back to the community! As we have a lot of new girls in the program it was nice to spend time with them and allow us to see how our personalities mesh,” said junior Zoe Newell.

Sophomore Belen Scanlon appreciated both the impact of the service and the opportunity to work alongside fellow students. “Getting the opportunity to make a tangible difference was incredible! Not only were we able to help, but we also got to interact with each other and our community by packaging and preparing meals for those in need. It was truly a great experience!” When asked about the music playing during the event, Belen added, “Yes! It was super fun to sing along and dance with everyone whilst working!”

Through Project Hunger, Montverde Academy students demonstrated the power of giving their time and talents to support others. Their service on August 22 not only contributed to a major community effort to create 1 million meal kits, but also reflected the Academy’s commitment to developing students who lead with compassion, character, and a spirit of

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Spirit Halloween -Clermont has officially opened its doors at 1325 Sandy Grove Avenue, in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods location, transforming the space into a seasonal wonderland of spooky sights, sounds, and surprises.

From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted by a hauntingly festive atmosphere complete with thrilling animatronics, eerie sound effects, glowing Halloween lights, and larger-than-life displays designed to bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re a Halloween superfan or simply looking to add some seasonal fun to your home, the store offers something for everyone.

Shoppers will find a selection of costumes for men, women, children, and even pets, featuring fan-favorite characters from blockbuster movies, hit television shows, popular video games, horror classics, and the latest pop culture trends. Whether you’re aiming to be heroic, hilarious, magical, or downright terrifying, Spirit Halloween makes finding the perfect costume an adventure in itself.

Beyond costumes, the Clermont location is packed with everything needed to create a memorable Halloween experience. Home decorators can browse an extensive collection of Halloween décor, including giant animatronics, fog machines, outdoor lighting, creepy wall hangings, tabletop displays, pumpkin-themed decorations, spider webs, and countless other spooky accessories.

Halloween

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For those looking to create the ultimate haunted house, fog machines add an extra layer of mystery by filling the air with chilling mist, while strategically placed Halloween lights cast an eerie glow that transforms ordinary spaces into unforgettable attractions. Whether your decorating style is playful and family-friendly or dark and spine-tingling, Spirit Halloween offers endless inspiration.

The new Clermont store arrives just in time for residents to start planning Halloween parties, decorating for trick-or-treaters, and preparing for one of the year’s most beloved celebrations. With aisles full of creativity, excitement, and seasonal magic, Spirit Halloween is ready to help the community make this Halloween its most memorable yet.

For more information, call (855) 704-2669.

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Three Clermont firefighters were recognized by the Clermont City Council for their bravery and teamwork during the rescue of a woman trapped inside her burning home the night of July 5, 2026.

The Engine 101 crew arrived first to the scene. It included Lt. Jason Ness, a 15½-year veteran of the department; Ride-Up Engineer Jackie Collazo, with four years of service; and Probationary Firefighter Grant Kelly, who has been with the department for six months.

Just before 11 pm., a woman called 911, screaming for help after becoming trapped by fire inside her home. Lake County Fire Rescue Dispatch quickly dispatched fire crews, with initial reports indicating three people were trapped inside.

Engine 101 and Heavy Rescue 1 arrived together to an active structure fire with reports of multiple trapped occupants. Based on information from the caller, Heavy Rescue 1 was assigned search and rapidly deployed to the rear of the home where they believed the victim was located.

Engine 101 began firefighting operations at the front. As Kelly pulled a hose toward the fire, he heard the woman screaming from inside and immediately alerted Ness.

Recognizing the immediate life hazard and the need to control the fire, Ness directed Kelly to continue fire suppression while he checked the adjacent room. Ness entered alone, placing himself in harm’s way to reach the trapped woman. He located her and pulled her from the burning home, receiving assistance from additional arriving units once outside.

“This was a coordinated fireground effort from the beginning,” Clermont Fire Department Division Chief Bryan Bull said. “Our crews arrived with reports of three people trapped and immediately went to work. Lt. Ness made the decision to put himself in harm’s way to reach her, while his crew and other firefighters performed the critical tasks necessary for a successful rescue.”

The City recognized Ness, Collazo and Kelly for their actions, while also acknowledging all responding Clermont Fire Department personnel, Lake County Fire Rescue dispatchers and mutual-aid partners whose teamwork contributed to the successful outcome.

“We train for these moments throughout our careers,” Bull said. “That night, our firefighters relied on their training, communicated with one another, and performed when it mattered most.”

About the City of Clermont –known as the “Choice of Champions” and the Triathlon Capital of the World^® — is a thriving city of more than 50,000 residents, and the largest city in Lake County. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic lakes, Clermont blends small-town charm with modern opportunity; and offers a vibrant downtown, abundant parks, and premier recreational amenities. Committed to health, wellness,sustainability, and growth, the city is recognized as a welcoming leader among Florida’s most dynamic communities. For more information, visit the city’s website at ClermontFL.gov, or follow the city on social media: @CityofClermont

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Montverde Academy’s yearbook program is celebrating a remarkable year of recognition for the 2026 Interlachen, titled Everything, Everywhere, Everyone All at Once.

This summer, Interlachen earned All-Florida Honors from the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), the organization’s highest evaluation rating. The honor places Interlachen among the strongest scholastic publications in Florida and recognizes excellence in writing, photography, design, coverage and overall execution.

The yearbook also earned All-American Honors from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), its highest critique rating. In an especially impressive achievement, Interlachen received all five Marks of Distinction in Essentials, Coverage, Writing and Editing, Design, and Photography. The publication earned perfect scores in Essentials and Coverage and a 97 out of 100 in Design. Receiving all five Marks of Distinction recognizes excellence across every major component of yearbook journalism, highlighting the strength of the publication as a whole.

The recognition comes as a result of hundreds of hours of work by Montverde Academy students. Throughout the year, student journalists interview their peers, photograph events, report on the school community, meet deadlines, revise their work and solve problems as they work to create a publication that authentically documents life at MVA.

The 2026 Interlachen will also be in the running for national honors, with the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Crowns and NSPA Pacemakers finalists set to be announced in December.

The yearbook program’s success also reflects the dedication of its adviser, Mrs. Savannah Miller, Montverde Academy’s Yearbook and Journalism teacher. Mrs. Miller was recently named a 2026 JEA Rising Star by the Journalism Education Association. The award recognizes scholastic media advisers early in their advising careers who have demonstrated a commitment to journalism education and made a significant impact on their students and programs. The recognition will be presented at the fall national convention in Orlando in November.

For Mrs. Miller, the award represents more than an individual accomplishment. She credits the people who have encouraged her, trusted her to build a strong program at MVA and supported the continued growth of the Academy’s student media programs.

Together, these honors highlight the strength of Montverde Academy’s student media program and the meaningful, real-world opportunities students have to tell the stories of their school community.

As the Interlachen staff looks ahead to the 2027 yearbook, the program’s latest achievements provide plenty of momentum for what comes next.

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