The City of Clermont Fire Department celebrated the in-service status of a brand-new fire engine, Engine 102, with a “Push-Back” ceremony on Monday, June 29th at Clermont Fire Station 2, 2200 Hartwood Marsh Road. The engine is a Pierce make, dual-function engine, delivered recently from the Pierce Manufacturer located in Appleton, Wisconsin.

The engine, which is an addition to the station fleet, is equipped with all-new equipment. The new engine will replace Tower Engine 5 as Tower Engine 5 is being transferred to a temporary Fire Station in the Wellness Way community of Clermont. Plans are underway for a permanent station, Station 5, that will be located on Scoffield Road, near Wellness Way Boulevard. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, with a 9-month completion date scheduled.

Fire service history continues the decades-old tradition of pushing a new engine backwards into the fire station bay for its first time in service, more affectionately recognized as a “Wet-down and Push-Back Ceremony.” The tradition began in the late 1800’s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. Upon returning to the fire station after a fire call, the horses could not easily back the equipment into the station, so they were disconnected from the fire equipment, and firefighters would push the apparatus back into the bays themselves. Before pushing the apparatus back in the bay, the firefighters would also wash down and prepare the pumpers and the horses before readying both for the next fire call.

Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell announced big plans for the department’s future during the ceremony. Plans that will accommodate the enormous growth that Clermont is currently experiencing include the complete renovation and enlargement of Fire Station 2 on Hartwood Marsh Road. The station was built in 2001 as a model home for the Kings Ridge subdivision when that development was underway. The City of Clermont eventually bought the building and remodeled it to accommodate one fire engine and two firefighters. As growth continued in the south end of Clermont, a second remodel to the station was needed to house an additional fire engine and additional personnel.  An open house tour of the station during today’s ceremony revealed cramped quarters and inadequate equipment storage. A station that was intended to house two firefighters now houses eight personnel, at a minimum.

Chief Ezell also announced plans for a sixth fire station soon. Fire Station 6 will be located on Old Highway 50, near County Road 455 in the extreme northeast portion of the city. Personnel and apparatus assignments for the new station are not official yet, but are very much in the active planning stage, according to Chief Ezell.

Visit clermontfl.gov/departments/fire-department for a full listing of fire prevention tips, community events, and services provided.

The post Clermont Welcomes Engine 102 At A “Push-Back” Ceremony appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The post Lake County To Unveil America250 Monument In Tavares appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

An estimated 3,000 homes and businesses were impacted for approximately three hours that evening. Low-lying areas experienced reduced water pressure, while upland areas experienced a full loss of water service. These figures are preliminary estimates and will be confirmed upon completion of the investigation. 

As a precaution, a boil water notice was issued at 8:30 pm on June 29 for all customers within the affected service area. The notice is expected to remain in effect by the end of the day on Thursday, pending final water quality testing and confirmation that all regulatory standards have been met. 

The City recognizes the inconvenience this situation has caused and understands the additional time and effort required of residents and businesses during a boil water notice. 

For residents in need of bottled water, a case may be picked up free of charge at Cherry Lake Park from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, and from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1. 

Residents may also contact the Resident Information Line at 352-306-6495 for updates. 

The post Boil Water Advisory Notice and Sunshine Water Treatment Plant Service Interruption appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The discussion surrounding a downtown Clermont parking garage is not new.

In 2015, the City of Clermont adopted its Downtown Master Plan, which identified a parking garage as a project that would eventually be needed to support future growth. The master plan’s implementation proved highly successful, attracting new shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and visitors to downtown. As activity increased, so did the demand for parking.

To better understand future needs, the city commissioned a parking study in 2020. The study concluded that additional parking would be necessary if existing parking leases expired or if certain properties were redeveloped. Following the study, the Clermont City Council directed staff to evaluate potential locations for a parking garage.

At a February 2021 workshop, transportation consulting firm Kittelson & Associates presented an analysis of possible garage sites. Council members ultimately selected a 1.67-acre city-owned parcel at Clermont City Hall as the preferred location.

Atkins Engineering was then tasked with developing a detailed concept plan for the site. The proposal was presented to the City Council during its regular meeting on October 27, 2021.

The conceptual design called for a four-story parking garage with approximately 350 to 360 parking spaces at an estimated cost of $16 million. Planned amenities included a rooftop observation deck with views of downtown, solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, elevators, and architectural enhancements designed to complement the surrounding area.

A subsequent workshop was held to discuss the project and potential grant funding opportunities. However, the proposal did not move forward.

Now, several years later, the idea has resurfaced.

The city is once again considering the construction of a parking garage, this time on the corner of Seventh Street and Minneola Avenue. However, city officials have decided to pause the project while additional options are evaluated.

To assist in the decision-making process, the City Council has established a citizens advisory committee that will review city-owned properties, including the lot at Seventh Street and Minneola Avenue and the lots behind Clermont City Hall, as well as potential private-sector locations.

The evaluation comes as Clermont undertakes an update of its Comprehensive Plan, a process that will help shape the city’s future growth and development.

Once appointed, the committee will have 60 days to complete its review and present its findings and recommendations to the City Council.

The post Clermont Revisits Downtown Parking Garage Plans As Growth Continues To Drive Demand appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

• Visit a participating location
• Pick up your Blue Envelope and materials
• Keep them in your vehicle or personal belongings 

• Instructions for drivers if pulled over
• Information officers can quickly reference
• Critical supports for encounter on foot or in public spaces 

• Groveland Public Safety Building — 6825 SR 50 Groveland, FL 34736
• Elese Tomlin Empowerment Center —  824 East Broad Street, Groveland, FL, United States, 34736 
• Hope International Church  — 13806 State Rd 33 Groveland, FL 34736

The post The Groveland Police Department Partners with The Autism Hero Project to Launch the Blue Envelope Program appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

South Lake Tablet

Plans to bring a Walmart Supercenter to the proposed Minneola Marketplace development have been withdrawn after months of community opposition and concerns raised by residents.

Oviedo-based developer Sun Terra Communities recently rescinded its application for the Walmart project within Minneola Marketplace near Florida’s Turnpike.

The decision follows significant public resistance to the proposal, which included plans for both a Walmart Supercenter and a Sam’s Club warehouse store. Residents voiced concerns during public meetings, through social media campaigns and a petition that gathered hundreds of signatures opposing the development.

Many residents argued that large-format retail stores were inconsistent with the vision that had been presented for the area. Community members cited concerns about increased traffic congestion, public safety, crime, and the potential loss of the small-town character that has attracted families and businesses to Minneola.

Several residents also questioned whether a traditional big-box retail development aligned with earlier concepts for Minneola Marketplace, which emphasized a mixed-use, walkable town center featuring restaurants, shops, gathering spaces, green areas, and community-oriented amenities.

As plans evolved, Sun Terra Communities revised the project design to include additional open space, water features, seating areas, landscaping, and event-friendly gathering locations. However, opposition to the Walmart component remained strong.

While Walmart is no longer under contract for the proposed site, the future of a planned Sam’s Club location remains uncertain. 

 As thousands of new homes are planned or under construction throughout the Hills of Minneola area. Residents expressed a desire for restaurants, entertainment venues, boutique retail, professional services, community gathering spaces, and locally owned businesses rather than additional discount retailers.

The question now facing city leaders and developers is not simply whether Minneola needs more retail options, but what kind of commercial development best reflects the community’s long-term vision.

Some residents have asked whether replacing Walmart with another large retailer, or smaller retail stores such as a dollar store, smoke shop, or other low-investment retail uses would truly address their concerns. Others argue that the city should focus on attracting higher-end dining, specialty retail, medical offices, family entertainment venues, and businesses that create a destination atmosphere consistent with the original concept for a walkable town center.

For now, Sun Terra Communities is returning to the drawing board, working on new plans for Minneola Marketplace while city officials continue to evaluate how the project can best complement the rapid growth occurring around Florida’s Turnpike corridor.

The withdrawal of Walmart’s plans represents more than a development decision—it reflects a growing community discussion about what Minneola wants to become as it continues its transformation from a small town into one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing cities.

The post Walmart Plans Withdrawn As Minneola Residents Push For Different Vision For Town Center appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Meg’s Law, SB-432, was signed into law this week by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The state law aims to prohibit the over-the-counter sales of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas” or Whip-its,” in convenience stores and smoke shops. The ban does not apply to designated grocery stores and supermarkets that are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Nitrous oxide is an ingredient that is commonly used as a propellant in food products such as whipped cream cans and will continue to be sold as a finished food product.

Meg’s Law was passed in memory of Margaret “Meg” Caldwell, who passed away at the young age of 29. Meg was a frequent user of nitrous oxide in the form of inhaling the substance from an over-the-counter cartridge that could be purchased at most smoke shops or convenience stores. Meg’s dependency grew stronger over the five years of use and led to a multitude of health problems, including the depletion of her B-12 levels, leading to paralysis.

Meg was admitted to a rehabilitation center for substance abuse, but unfortunately, after her discharge, Meg returned to her active addiction ways and continued to spiral out of control. Kathleen Dial, a local resident and Meg’s sister, tried desperately to break the grip of addiction that had a firm hold on her sister. In a 2025 interview, Kathleen states, “We called the stores that we knew Meg frequented and begged them not to sell to her. The typical reply from employees or shop owners was ‘she is of legal age, and we are selling legal things to her’. We felt totally helpless with the situation.”

Meg’s dependence on nitrous oxide eventually grew to the point where she would sit outside of smoke shops in her car, inhale all of the cartridges that she had just purchased, and return inside the store to purchase more. Meg’s addiction, which was estimated to cost her $400 a day, led to her untimely death on November 24, 2024. She was found alone in her car, parked near a smoke shop in the Orlando area. Dozens of nitrous oxide cartridges were found right outside Meg’s car door.

Kathleen was determined that her sister’s death would lead to a change in Florida’s laws and awareness campaigns associated with the unregulated use of nitrous oxide. The family provided personal-account presentations to local law enforcement agencies and witnessed enforcement actions taken by area police agencies, including the Clermont Police Department, last fall.

Kathleen also reached out to members of the Florida House of Representatives late last year, where she would meet Representative Rachel Saunders Plakon. A journey would begin that would lead through months of meetings, tears, frustration, triumphs, and eventual victory. Kathleen credits Governor DeSantis, Representative Doug Bankson, Senator Clay Yarborough, Representative Bob Cortes, and Seminole Sheriff Dennis Lemma for getting the job done, but also conveys thanks to members of both the Florida Senate and House for the unanimous passing of the bill in March of 2026.

The new law will take effect on October 1^st of this year. The law creates new prohibitions on tobacco or nicotine dealers from possessing, selling, possessing with intent to sell, delivering, or giving nitrous oxide on or from their licensed premises. The law also amends Florida statutes to address certain xylazine animal drug products and creates new offenses related to trafficking in xylazine. Xylazine is a drug used for sedation, anaesthesia, and analgesia in large mammals. 

The State of Florida provides a lengthy directory for substance abuse, addiction, and mental health assistance. Please visit www.MyFLFamilies.com for additional details.

The post Meg’s Law Signed By Governor DeSantis appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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.