On Friday, GPD School Resource Officers (SROs) were alerted to students who were allegedly selling vaping devices. Immediately, the SROs assigned to SLHS began investigating and searching the students alleged to have been involved.

While a search of the first student yielded negative results, a search of the second student yielded a vaping device that tested positive for THC. A further search of the student’s backpack also revealed a wallet containing a clear, plastic baggie with a white and clear crystalline substance and a small straw.

The substance later tested positive for methamphetamine. The student will be charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of THC and Possession of Paraphernalia.

GPD takes instances such as these extremely seriously, and SROs do not tolerate illicit substances being brought into a learning environment. GPD recognizes the impacts this type of behavior can have on students or staff while they should be engaged in a positive, productive educational atmosphere.

“Our SROs are there to ensure school remains a safe place and to foster a deeper relationship between GPD and the community,” said Groveland Police Chief Sammy Anderson. “I am immensely proud of the actions of these officers and hopeful that this experience will be the catalyst for change for this individual.”

GPD SROs are located at schools across Groveland and are tasked with the heavy responsibility of keeping our community’s children safe. This is one example of this proactive mission in action.

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The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the existing asphalt pavement and maintain a safe, reliable roadway for motorists.

In addition to resurfacing the roadway, the project will include refreshing pavement striping and markings, upgrading signs as needed, and reconstructing pedestrian curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Audible and vibratory pavement treatments will also be installed to enhance safety in areas where the posted speed limit is 50 mph or higher.

Coordination With Other Roadway Projects

The planned resurfacing project overlaps with several other projects in the area. Work within the limits of those projects will not be included in this undertaking. The overlapping projects include:

• S.R. 33: From south of Edgewood Boys Ranch Road to Wright Street.
• S.R. 50/S.R. 33: From C.R. 545 (Villa City Road) to Second Avenue.
• S.R. 50/S.R. 33: From C.R. 565 to north of American Legion Road.

Project Schedule and Funding

• Design: Expected to be completed in spring 2027, with an estimated cost of $1.3 million.
• Right-of-Way: Work will remain within the existing right-of-way; no additional right-of-way acquisition is anticipated.
• Construction: Funding is scheduled for fall 2027, with an estimated construction cost of $8 million,

(subject to change)

The project is intended to improve pavement conditions, enhance roadway safety, and maintain the transportation infrastructure serving the Mascotte and Groveland communities.

To learn more, contact Brady Bierwagen, FDOT project Manager at Brady.Bierwagen@dot.state.fl.us

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The event will take place from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Puryear Building, located at 243 S. Lake Ave. in Groveland.

The Meet the Candidates event will give residents an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking elected office, learn more about their backgrounds and priorities, and listen as they respond to questions about the issues affecting their communities.

Following the candidate discussion, attendees are invited to stay for an auction benefiting a local history preservation effort. Community members who wish to support the effort may donate an item or service for the auction or make a direct contribution online at GrovelandHistory.org.

Organizers encourage residents to mark their calendars, invite their neighbors and take part in this opportunity to learn more about the candidates and support the preservation of local history.

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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.

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After months of careful planning and review, the City of Groveland has adopted its FY2026-27 budget with a focus on providing property tax relief, maintaining essential services, investing in critical infrastructure and protecting the City’s long-term financial health.

The Groveland City Council adopted a staff recommended 5.5 millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year, down from the current FY2025-26 rate of 5.7 mills.

What does that mean for residents?

A millage rate is the rate used to calculate a property’s city property taxes. One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

The City’s 5.5 millage rate represents a reduction of 0.2 mills from the current rate. Although property values have increased by an average of approximately 15 percent, the lower millage rate means that the City will collect less property tax revenue than it would have collected if it had simply maintained the prior rate.

For a typical Groveland household with an assessed value of $330,860 and a taxable value of $279,449, the City’s portion of the property tax bill is expected to decrease by approximately $55.89 under the adopted rate. That savings is important, particularly as residents continue to experience increases in other household costs.

Planning for potential changes to Florida’s property tax system

The City is also preparing for the potential financial impact of Amendment 3, which voters will consider in November regarding an increase to the homestead exemption. If approved, the amendment is projected to reduce the City’s property tax revenues by approximately $3.5 million in FY2027-28 and $6.2 million in FY2028-29.

City staff are already evaluating how Groveland can continue providing high-quality services if the City’s revenues decline significantly. That means looking ahead now and not waiting until revenues are reduced to identify efficiencies, prioritize spending, and protect the services residents depend on.

Living within our means

The adopted budget reflects several fundamental financial principles:

• Maintaining at least three months of operating expenses in reserves to help the City respond to emergencies and unexpected events.
• Achieving a structurally balanced budget, ensuring recurring expenses are supported by recurring revenue and targeting a budget surplus of approximately $3 million.
• No new General Fund debt is proposed in the budget.
• Maintaining responsible debt levels, with General Fund debt obligations remaining at approximately 5 percent of recurring General Fund revenues.
• Cash-flowing smaller capital improvements when financially appropriate, allowing the City to invest in existing neighborhood parks, facilities and other community assets without unnecessarily taking on additional debt.

These are not simply accounting goals. They help the City remain prepared for hurricanes, economic downturns, unexpected expenses and future infrastructure needs without placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers.

Continuing to invest in the services residents rely on

Fiscal responsibility does not mean stopping investment. It means making deliberate choices about where taxpayer dollars can have the greatest impact.

The FY2026-27 budget advances several projects and initiatives, including:

• Improving communication with residents through continued development of the City’s new website and upgrades to mass-notification text services.
• Strengthening public safety by preparing for the Groveland Police Department’s third Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation assessment.
• Expanding fire and emergency medical services by hiring and onboarding six additional firefighters, helping reduce unscheduled overtime while providing firefighters with greater work/life balance.
• Adding an additional paramedic unit to supplement the three paramedic-equipped fire engines currently serving the community.
• Purchasing a quick-response vehicle, providing an important emergency-response resource while potentially saving approximately $800,000-$900,000 compared with purchasing a new fire engine for the same purpose.
• Opening a new fire station on O’Brien Road to support growth in the Northern area of the City.
• Investing in existing neighborhood parks starting with Gaffney Park including a new playground, sports courts, pavilion, walking paths, and planned public access to the Palatlakaha Blueway. 
• Investing millions of dollars in utility infrastructure to improve reliability, reduce outages and enhance service for residents.
• Restoring and beautifying the historic Train Depot and bricked streets while continuing significant investment in Downtown Groveland’s infrastructure as we prepare for FDOT’s State Road 50 Realignment and Coast-to-Coast Trail expansion.

Managing the cost of growth

The City also recognizes that residents are facing increases in other municipal costs, including a planned 10 percent increase in utility rates and a 5 percent increase in the fire assessment fee.

These increases are connected to the City’s need to maintain and improve infrastructure and services as Groveland continues to grow. At the same time, the City understands that every increase affects a household’s budget.

“Regardless of the outcome of November’s property tax amendment, it is the City’s most pivotal responsibility to be a trustworthy steward of public money while providing essential services,” said Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. “This budget ensures our residents are getting the best value for their tax dollars while funding the necessary projects to keep the City moving forward.”

“Adopting a 5.5 millage rate demonstrates the commitment of the City Council and City management to improve efficiency, maintain fiscal responsibility and pay down the City’s debt.”

That is why the City is working to balance necessary infrastructure investment with debt management, operational efficiency, long-term planning and cost-conscious decision-making.

“Groveland is planning responsibly for the future while investing in the City’s current needs and ongoing maintenance,” said Interim City Manager Tim Maslow. “We recognize the impact that rising costs have on our residents, and we intend to continue pursuing frugality, efficiency and responsible financial management.”

A stronger financial foundation

The City’s financial position has strengthened significantly in recent years, allowing Groveland to take a more proactive approach to reserves, debt management, infrastructure and long-term planning.

The goal is straightforward: protect taxpayers, maintain essential services and make sure Groveland is financially prepared for the future.

“This budget is designed to be lean while also safeguarding necessary public safety expenditures and critical utility and stormwater projects,” said Chief Financial Officer Christopher Williams. “I’d like to commend City staff for their tireless efforts to bring the City to where it is today.”

For residents, responsible budgeting means more than balancing a spreadsheet. It means having firefighters and police officers available when you need them, maintaining reliable utilities, keeping parks and facilities in good condition, preparing for emergencies, maintaining roads and stormwater infrastructure, and making sure the City can continue meeting its obligations as Groveland grows.

The FY2026-27 budget is designed to do exactly that; provide property tax relief today while responsibly preparing Groveland for tomorrow.

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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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