Smith was taken into custody during a coordinated operation at 1130 Linton Court, Unit A, the same location where the homicide occurred on May 20, 2026. The arrest was completed without incident, and Smith was transported to the Lake County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of First-Degree Murder.

The investigation began on May 20, when Clermont Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at the residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered Rodriguez, 47, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, Rodriguez, a close associate of Smith, had been staying at the residence for several weeks prior to the shooting. During the initial investigation, detectives recovered the suspected murder weapon—an AR-style pistol chambered in .223/5.56 caliber.

Smith was detained and interviewed by detectives on the evening of the incident. During that interview, he claimed he had acted in self-defense following a verbal altercation with Rodriguez earlier in the day. At the time, investigators had not identified witnesses or obtained evidence sufficient to contradict Smith’s account. As a result, Smith was released while detectives continued their investigation.

Over the following weeks, Clermont Police detectives conducted an extensive investigation that included numerous interviews, the execution of multiple search warrants, and the issuance of several subpoenas. Working closely with the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, investigators pursued additional leads and analyzed forensic evidence.

As the investigation progressed, detectives developed probable cause to believe the shooting was not justified. Based on the evidence gathered, an arrest warrant was issued charging Smith with First-Degree Murder under Florida Statute 782.04(1)(a)(1).

Smith was arrested and remains in custody pending further judicial proceedings. Rodriguez’s next of kin have been notified.

The post Self-Defense Claim Unravels: Clermont Man Arrested for Murder in Fatal Shooting appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Clermont Builders Supply (CBS), once a lumber yard located along Lake Minneola, is transforming into a $45 million mixed-use redevelopment. Presently known as the Lumberyard District, the 12.3-acre project will breathe new life into the waterview property adjacent to Victory Pointe Park, the South Lake Trail and The Lake County Rowing Association. 

A Patrick Delaney video

The redevelopment will take place in two phases. Phase One will feature 262 apartment units spread across four residential buildings. Approximately 70 percent of the Phase One apartments will be one-bedroom units, providing housing options for young professionals seeking a downtown lifestyle near the lakefront. Planned amenities include a clubhouse, resort-style swimming pool, and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Minneola.

Phase Two will add 130 additional units, along with mixed-use live-work spaces and a two-story parking garage designed to serve both residents and visitors. In total, the project will bring 392 apartments to downtown Clermont, along with “The Sawmill, approximately 53,000 to 55,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, office, and entertainment space.

This project is likely to affect traffic flow along 12th Street/Lake Minneola Shores. 

The post Historic CBS Property Is Quickly Becoming Mixed-Use Lumberyard District In Historic Downtown Clermont appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

• Monday, June 22, 6 – 8 p.m., Venetian Gardens, Harris Room (1 Dozier Court, Leesburg) 
• Wednesday, July 8, 6 – 8 p.m., Umatilla High School, Auditorium (320 N. Trowell Ave., Umatilla)  
• Thursday, July 9, 6 – 8 p.m., Aurelia M. Cole Academy, cafeteria (150 Pitt St., Clermont) 

The post Lake County Receives Draft Of 2050 Comprehensive Plan  appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

This free public event offers residents a valuable opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent District 11 in Congress. Attendees will learn about each candidate’s priorities, vision, and plans for addressing the issues that matter most to Central Florida families.

Confirmed candidates currently include:

• Royal Webster
• Dan Williams

Additional candidates may qualify before the filing deadline. Candidate information is based on the Florida Division of Elections website as of June 7, 2026. Candidates must successfully qualify for the office to participate. The qualification period concludes at noon on June 12, 2026.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Doors Open: 9:30 am
Candidate Forum: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Meet & Greet: Immediately following the forum

Location:
Clermont City Center
620 W. Montrose Street
Clermont, Florida

Admission: Free and open to the public.

Community members are encouraged to attend, engage with the candidates, and become informed about the individuals seeking to represent Florida’s 11th Congressional District during this pivotal election cycle.

Media Contacts

Banks Helfrich
President, South Lake Democratic Club
352-255-5764
bankshelfrich@gmail.com

Ethan Prilliman
President, Lake County Young Democrats
352-809-2231
eprilliman@gmail.com

Pedro Esaki
Public Relations, Lake County Young Democrats
352-978-7989
pedroesakiaero@gmail.com

The post South Lake Democratic Club And Lake County Young Democrats To Host Congressional Candidate Forum for Florida’s District 11 (June 27) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

On May 21, the City of Groveland celebrated the opening of South Lake Regional Park, a new regional sports and recreation complex designed to serve residents, athletes, and visitors throughout South Lake County. 

The facility represents a significant investment in recreational infrastructure and was made possible through a partnership between the City of Groveland and Lake County. The park was developed to expand access to athletic facilities while creating opportunities for youth sports, tournaments, community events, and economic activity. 

The opening celebration coincided with the park’s inaugural tournament weekend, bringing athletes and families together to experience the facility’s first competitive events. 

South Lake Regional Park features 11 lighted athletic fields, including baseball, softball, multi-use, and cricket fields. The complex was designed to accommodate a variety of sports and recreational activities while supporting the area’s continued growth. 

“The City of Groveland is proud to celebrate the opening of South Lake Regional Park alongside our partners at Lake County and the many contractors, organizations, and community members who helped bring this vision to life,” said Mike Walker, Director of Groveland Parks and Community Services. “This park represents years of collaboration and investment in the future of our community, creating a premier destination for youth athletics, recreation, and regional events for generations to come.” 

The opening ceremony featured a ceremonial first pitch by Mayor Keith Keogh and Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks. Attendees also enjoyed a performance of the national anthem by Lake County musician and American Idol finalist David Oliver Willis. 

Former professional baseball players Gabe White, Nate Samson, Barry Cort, and Mike Walker joined the celebration and welcomed the young athletes participating in the inaugural tournament. 

As Groveland continues to grow, South Lake Regional Park is expected to play an important role in enhancing quality of life, supporting local recreation programs, and attracting visitors to the region. City officials anticipate the facility will host countless games, tournaments, and community gatherings for years to come. 

The post City of Groveland Celebrates Grand Opening of South Lake Regional Park appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Led by CEO Merrie Karimov, the initiative will reach individuals in communities throughout the region, including Clermont, Four Corners, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola, and Monteverde, with a goal of serving more than 15 survivors within its first 12 months. Through individualized case management, safety planning, mental health support, life-skills coaching, and leadership development, the program is designed to help survivors rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability.

Harbour Hope International is collaborating with a broad network of local and regional partners — including county sheriff’s offices, human trafficking task forces, BRIGHT Network, FLITE Center, and Housing Connector — to strengthen service delivery and expand access to critical resources. Live Well Foundation Grant Committee Chair, Susan McLean, affirmed the importance of this collaborative approach, stating that “this investment reflects our commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. By funding trauma-informed, collaborative solutions, we are helping survivors move toward healing, independence, and long-term success.”

Key outcomes of the initiative include improved housing stability, increased access to employment and educational opportunities, stronger social support networks, and enhanced overall well-being for survivors and their families. The program’s survivor-centered approach recognizes the complex, interconnected challenges faced by individuals recovering from trafficking situations, and is built to address them with the depth and care they require.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

The post Harbour Hope International to Launch Comprehensive Survivor Care Continuum with Support from Live Well Foundation appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Clermont Police Department (CPD) held its bi-monthly Coffee with a Cop, a community relations event, on Wednesday, May 20 at SevenMade, 685 Seventh Street, Clermont. Coffee with a Cop is a program designed to enhance community member relationship with law enforcement officers and the citizens of the communities that they serve. Businesses throughout the area often host the Coffee with a Cop program to exhibit not only support of the community but also support of the local first responders in the community. It also provides a neutral location for real conversations about issues that matter.

 Sgt. Erin Razo, the department’s Community Relations Supervisor, announced that the department’s annual summer youth-related activities are planned and set to go beginning in June. The CPD has had a long tradition of summer programs that enhance interaction with youth and young adults.  

June 4 –  A teen summit from 5 pm – 8 pm at the Clermont Police Department, 3600 South Highway 27. The summit will include topics covering the hazards of vaping, drug education and K-9 demonstrations. Guests will also see other real-life police demonstrations up-close. Music, refreshments, giveaways and the opportunity to have real conversations with the police officers will provide an opportunity for teens to “get stuff off of their chest.” Register for the free event by clicking https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clermont-police-department-teen-summit-2026-tickets-1986824956930?aff=oddtdtcreator

June and July, each Wednesday from 9 am- 11 am. The CPD will also be hosting “Community Service Hours Opportunity” in June and July. Teens in grades 9-12 can accrue needed service hours while making a difference in our community. Sgt. Razo states that various tasks will be available for three students each day, either around the station or other safe places that will include adult supervision.  The only exception will be July 1^{s t}– there will be no availabilities on this day. Preregistration is required and can be completed by contacting Mary Verrier at mverrier@clermontfl.org.

 The 2^nd Annual “Hoops with Cops” will be returning in June. Police Chief John Graczyk implemented the youth program last summer as a trial run with great success. The free event will be held at recreation parks throughout the city from 9 am – 11 am.

The free event is open to youth  and does not require preregistration.

June 4 – Waterfront Park, 100 3^{rd Street} 

June 18 – Skyridge Park, Skyridge Valley Subdivision

 July 9 – Lake Felter Park, 1750 Johns Lake Road

July 23 – Palatlakaha Park, 1250 12^th Street-

 Contact Ofc. Antonio Robinson at arobinson@clermontfl.org for additional information.  

 The Clermont Police Department continues to seek certified police officers for hire. The beginning salary starts at $65,405 with an increase for prior experience. Benefits include participation in the department’s take-home vehicle program, specialized units within the department and a 20-year retirement plus health benefits package.

 Police cadet academy sponsorship positions are available through a candidate selection process. The Clermont Police Department will pay cadets an hourly wage to participants while they are enrolled in the police academy. Interested people may inquire further at www.joincpdfl.com.

Visit the Clermont Police Department (FL)Facebook page for continuing updates to summer season and community event schedules.

The post Clermont Police Department Announces Summer Youth Programs at Coffee with a Cop Event appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The post Spotlight Shines On South Lake Regional Park As It Opens In Groveland appeared first on 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.

The post Clermont Police Rolling Out New E-Bike Patrol Program Focused on Safety and Education appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Amanda Nethero, Live Well Foundation of South Lake

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) today announced the launch of Pathways to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations, a bold new initiative designed to break down medical barriers and bring quality healthcare within reach for the most vulnerable residents of South Lake County. The initiative is made possible through a $215,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation as part of a $316,500 total project budget.

The program targets uninsured and underinsured adults, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities — community members who too often delay or forgo care simply because they cannot access it. Through coordinated medical and dental services, NBCFL aims to serve 150 uninsured residents and deliver preventive health services to 100 participants in its first phase.

NBCFL will implement the initiative in partnership with a network of established healthcare providers, including Sirius Healthcare, Community Health Centers, and Apex Health DPC. Together, these partners will provide a continuum of care that coordinates primary medical visits, dental treatment, preventive screenings, and follow-up services, reducing the delays that too often leave vulnerable populations without timely treatment. Live Well Foundation Grant Chair, Susan McLean, expressed confidence in the project, noting that “New Beginnings of Central Florida has demonstrated a deep commitment to the people most at risk of falling through the cracks of our healthcare system. This grant reflects our confidence in their ability to create meaningful, lasting change for South Lake County residents who need it most.”

Beyond connecting individuals to immediate care, Pathways to Healthcare is designed with a long-term vision: reducing preventable delays in healthcare access and stabilizing the overall health of vulnerable populations in the region. By addressing both medical and dental needs in a coordinated fashion, the project recognizes that whole-person health is essential to individual and community wellbeing.

New Beginnings of Central Florida (NBCFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families in South Lake County by connecting them with essential services, including healthcare, housing support, and social resources. NBCFL works to remove systemic barriers and build a stronger, healthier community for all.

For more information about the Live Well Foundation of South Lake and its grantmaking initiatives, visit www.lwfsl.org.

About Live Well Foundation of South Lake – Established in 2019, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is a private 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and wellness of South Lake County. The Foundation fulfills its mission through strategic grantmaking that supports sustainable, community-based initiatives focused on long-term impact.

Live Well Foundation of South Lake invests in solutions that strengthen individual and community well-being, guided by a commitment to measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship. Its work is grounded in a simple return on investment: better health, for life.

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