Construction has FINISHED on Florida’s Turnpike Widening Project from Clermont/State Road 50 to Minneola/Hancock Road.

This project added two new travel lanes in each direction to increase capacity and improve traffic flow while delivering several additional improvements, including:  

• A new Citrus Grove Rd./Fosgate Rd. bridge over Florida’s Turnpike  
• Adding two new roundabouts at the newly constructed County Road (C.R.) 455 bridge
• Reconstruction of the C.R. 438 and West Orange Trail bridges  
• New roadway lighting, signage, and pavement markings

These improvements enhance safety, improve mobility, and support the growing transportation needs of Central Florida.

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As a FREE, nonpartisan event, Hob Nob provides residents with the opportunity to meet candidates running for city, county, state, and federal offices, ask questions, and learn more about the issues and initiatives impacting Lake County before Election Day.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to encourage civic engagement, especially among first-time voters and residents who want to become more informed about the candidates seeking public office. 

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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.

The post Clermont Woman’s Club Fashion Show Celebrates Style, Community, and Giving Back appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

During its July 6 meeting, the Groveland City Council approved the South Lake Avenue & Cherry Street Streetscape and Stormwater Improvements Project’s construction contract, a $2.8 million infrastructure investment with partial grant funding provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Commerce. The project will improve downtown infrastructure, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and stormwater management.

Construction began Tuesday, July 7, with Phase 1 of the project requiring the closure of South Lake Avenue between Cherry Street and Magnolia Street for approximately two months. Motorists will be detoured via South Main Avenue and are encouraged to follow posted detour signs and allow additional travel time.

The project will be completed in three phases over approximately 150 days and includes improvements designed to enhance the downtown corridor for residents, visitors, and businesses.

Project improvements include:

• Installation of new underground stormwater infrastructure to improve drainage and reduce flooding.
• Reconstruction of more than 30,000 square feet of roadway, curb, and sidewalk, with portions of the historic brick roadway recycled into the project.
• Construction of more than 800 linear feet of new 6-foot-wide sidewalks improving pedestrian connectivity and accessibility.
• Safety enhancements at five pedestrian crosswalks.
• Addition or improvement of more than 20 on-street parking spaces.
• Streetscape improvements near the Lake David shoreline, including a new retaining wall, stormwater improvements, and a new 6-foot-wide sidewalk.

The Lake David Center and Lake David boat ramp will remain open and accessible during construction. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage and use caution when traveling near the project area. The Lake David Center and Lake David boat ramp will remain open and accessible during construction. Visitors are encouraged to follow posted signage and use caution when traveling near the project area.

The project is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure while creating a safer, more accessible, and more attractive downtown district. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution while traveling through the construction area and to continue supporting downtown businesses during construction.

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Central Florida Dreamplex invites the community to celebrate the magic of the holiday season six months early at its annual Christmas in July event on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Friendship Place & Friendly Grounds Cafe, located at 2400 S. Hwy. 27, Suite 4108, Clermont. The festive evening will raise funds to support programs for individuals with disabilities and special needs while bringing together families, supporters, and community members for a unique summer holiday experience.

Guests will enjoy Christmas music, complimentary holiday-inspired cocktails, festive desserts, raffles, handcrafted ornaments created by Friendship Place participants, and free ice cream provided by Pat’s Soft Serve. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

A highlight of the evening will be the Golf Ball Drop Raffle, where participants have the chance to win up to $1,000 cash. Numbered golf balls will be dropped during the event, and the ball landing closest to the designated target will win the grand prize. Raffle tickets are available in advance, with proceeds directly benefiting The Friendship Place and its mission of empowering adults with disabilities through life skills, vocational training, and social engagement opportunities.

“We’re excited to bring the community together for a fun and meaningful evening that celebrates inclusion, connection, and opportunity,” said Cameron Gomes, Chief Executive Officer of Central Florida Dreamplex. “Christmas in July is more than a holiday-themed event; it’s an opportunity for our community to support individuals of all abilities while creating unforgettable memories.”

Golf Ball Drop Raffle Details

• 1 Golf Ball: $10
• 3 Golf Balls: $25
• 8 Golf Balls: $50
• 20 Golf Balls: $100

The deadline to purchase raffle tickets is Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm.  The winner will be announced during the event and does not need to be present to win. If total raffle ticket sales are less than $2,000, the prize will be awarded as a 50/50 payout.

Event Information

To register for the event or purchase Golf Ball Drop Raffle tickets, visit: www.CFLDreamplex.com/Christmas-in-July

About Central Florida Dreamplex – Central Florida Dreamplex is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a community where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Through adaptive sports, therapy services, education, vocational training, social programs, and The Friendship Place, Dreamplex empowers individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential while fostering inclusion throughout Central Florida.

The post Central Florida Dreamplex Brings Holiday Cheer Early with Christmas in July Celebration & $1,000 Golf Ball Drop Raffle appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Award-winning craft brewery Crooked Can Brewing Company is preparing to open its new home in Minneola, bringing a massive new brewery, food hall, beer garden, and entertainment destination to South Lake.

The 43,000 square feet, new Minneola location is four times larger than the original Crooked Can’s brewery at Plant Street Market, which will continue serving customers in downtown Winter Garden.

Visitors can look forward to a spacious beer hall, an outdoor beer garden, a live entertainment stage, and a 2,000-square-foot taproom featuring at least 24 beers on tap, including seasonal brews. Wine, sake, ciders, and other beverage options will also be available to enjoy.

The new food hall will feature 11 local vendors serving everything from pizza and cheesesteaks to barbecue, dumplings, donuts, empanadas, and more.

The vendor lineup includes:
• AJ’s Pizza Joint
• Braza Orlando
• Daniel’s Cheesesteak House
• Empanada And Co.
• Kai Kai BBQ and Dumplings
• Norigami
• Pita Street Food
• Sir Benji’s Donuts
• The Local Butcher and Kitchen
• This Little Piggy
• Three Birds Cafe Express

Located within the 96-acre Hills City Center development on North Hancock Road, the brewery will become part of a growing mixed-use community featuring apartments, senior living, shopping, medical offices, trails, and green spaces.

Stay tuned—the taps are almost ready to flow.

The post Update on Big Brews, Great Food, and Good Times Brewing in Minneola appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Take a break from the summer heat and join Minneola Fire Chief, Daniel and the Minneola Firefighters for a fun and informative story time on Friday, July 10 at 11am at the Minneola City Hall Gym at 800 US-Hwy 27.

Kids of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy a firefighter-themed story time, learn about fire safety and have the chance to explore the city’s new fire station. However, if an emergency call is received the trucks will have to leave.

The Minneola Schoolhouse Library is located at 302 West Pearl St. For more information email jdix@minneola.us or call the library at 352-432-3921.

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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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