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• United States Senator –  Ashley Moody
  
• Representative In Congress District 6 – Randy Fine
  
• Representative In Congress District 11 – Carey Baker
  
• Governor and Lieutenant Governor – Byron Donalds
  
• Attorney General – James Uthmeier
  
• Chief Financial Officer  – Blaise Ingoglia
  
• Commissioner of Agriculture – Wilton Simpson
  
• State Representative District 25 – Taylor Yarkosky
  
• State Representative District 26 – Nan Cobb
  
• State Representative District 27 – Richard Gentry
  
• Board of County Commissioners District 2 – Sean Parks
  
• Board of County Commissioners District 4 – Leslie Campione
  
• North Lake County Hospital District Board of Trustees (Northeast Territory, Seat 2) – Reginald A. Ward
  
• North Lake County Hospital District Board of Trustees (Northwest Territory, Seat 4) –  Ricky Harper
  
• Circuit Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit Group 27 – Nicole M. Morris
  
• School Board District 1 – Pat Kelley
  
• Clermont City Council Seat 3 (Mayor) – Tim Murry
  
• Clermont City Council Seat 5  – William “Bill” Petersen
  
• Groveland City Council District 1 (Mayor) – Keith “Chef” Keogh 
• Groveland City Council District 3 – Barbara Gaines
  
• Groveland City Council District 5 – Amy Jo Carroll
  
• Lake County School Board Resolution 2026-02 – Yes

The post 2026 Lake County Hob Nob Results appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

In November, Florida voters will decide whether to increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption. If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment could significantly reduce the property tax revenue that cities like Groveland rely on to operate. Current estimates indicate the city could receive approximately $3.5 million less in revenue in Fiscal Year 2028 and more than $6 million less by Fiscal Year 2029, making it important that we begin planning now. 

Be assured, no decisions have been made. Earlier this month, rumors swirled that the council was considering eliminating public safety services. That was never the case and it was sparked by an opinion piece from a single council member. I can assure you any future discussions will take place openly and transparently.

But the potential drop in revenue means we must do our homework. Whether or not the amendment passes, we have a responsibility to carefully evaluate every opportunity to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We will explore a wide range of ideas and weigh each one based on its financial impact, its effect on city services and what’s in the community’s long-term best interest. 

Please stay informed and plan to join our council meetings and workshops where these discussions take place. See “Stay Engaged With Us” for days, times and locations. 

The post A More Efficient, Effective Future For Groveland appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) recently announced that it received a $50,000 grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Winter Park, Florida, to fund a comprehensive upgrade of its core systems. The investment will modernize the behind-the-scenes technology that helps OMA welcome every visitor, improving day-to-day efficiency and deepening community engagement.

The grant will help OMA replace three aging platforms central to its daily work: customer relationship management software, its point-of-sale system, and financial management tools. By trading disconnected applications for a single integrated platform, the museum can unify visitor, member, and donor data while streamlining transactions across admissions and retail.

“This generous grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation is an investment in the work that keeps OMA running and growing for its visitors,” said Cathryn Mattson, executive director and CEO of OMA. “Modernizing our technology infrastructure will help us better serve our guests, deepen relationships with our members and donors, and manage our resources. We are deeply grateful to the Foundation for recognizing that strong internal systems lay the foundation for a strong cultural institution.”

OMA will begin selecting its new software system this summer, with the goal of implementing the integrated platform before the end of the year. The upgrade reflects the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation’s longstanding commitment to helping nonprofit organizations manage, govern and lead. The Foundation builds the infrastructure that handles administrative and organizational work, so an organization’s people can keep their focus where it belongs: on the community they serve.

“Great cultural institutions are inspired by passion, but they run on the systems working in the background,” said David A.Odahowski, president & CEO of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. “By investing in those systems, we can help the Orlando Museum of Art’s team spend less time on operations and more time on the people they exist to serve. That’s exactly the kind of lasting capacity we love to support.”

The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation’s support adds to a broader wave of investment in OMA’s foundations. The museum is completing critical building upgrades, including exterior renovations and the replacement of its roof and HVAC systems, with construction already underway.

Where those projects strengthen the physical spaces that house OMA’s collections and welcome its visitors, the new technology systems will strengthen the operational backbone that supports the museum’s people. This investment in infrastructure – both physical and technological – is helping the museum sustain and build on its work of connecting guests to compelling art that sparks curiosity and expands horizons.

For more information about OMA’s exhibitions and programs, please visit www.omart.org.

About the Orlando Museum of Art: Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to stimulating creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas.

About the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation: Established in 1973, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation is a private grantmaking organization serving Central Florida and the nonprofit community. Foundation creates innovative civic solutions that help people help themselves. The Foundation dedicates significant resources to supporting nonprofit leadership in managing their organizations. 

The post Orlando Museum of Art Receives $50,000 Grant From The  Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation to Strengthen Organizational Capacity appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The City of Minneola took center stage during the South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, held at the Sterling Event Venue in Minneola. Community leaders and business professionals gathered to hear exciting updates on the city’s continued growth, development projects, and future vision.

South Lake Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Donna Kirtland, who also serves as Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, welcomed attendees and introduced special guest speaker Pastor Jason Hitte, founder and Lead Pastor of Lakeside Church.

Pastor Hitte shared the inspiring story of Lakeside Church’s growth and impact throughout Central Florida. Following a decade of service in law enforcement, Hitte and his wife, Caroline, answered a calling to ministry and launched Lakeside Church in 2007. Since then, the church has grown into one of the region’s most vibrant multicultural and multigenerational congregations. A second campus opened in 2020, followed by a third in 2024. In 2025, Outreach Magazine recognized Lakeside as the nation’s 10th fastest-growing church, with more than 4,000 people attending weekly services. Earlier this year, the church purchased 40 acres in Minneola to further expand its mission and outreach. Pastor Hitte’s messages of grace and faith are also broadcast throughout Central Florida on a Christian television network reaching approximately 3.8 million residents across nine counties.

Acting Mayor Pam Serviss served as the featured presenter for the morning. A dedicated public servant, Serviss has been a member of the Minneola City Council since 2011, serving as Planning and Zoning Liaison for a decade, Vice Mayor for more than ten years, and currently as Interim Mayor. During her tenure, she helped establish Minneola’s first Dog Park and first Heroes Memorial and is actively working to bring the city’s first public fishing pier to Lake Minneola.

Serviss provided updates on several major projects shaping the city’s future, including continued improvements along Citrus Grove Road. She also announced upcoming commercial developments, including a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station, a Dutch Bros Coffee location, and a new RV and boat storage facility, all designed to meet the needs of Minneola’s rapidly growing population.

Minneola Councilman Erick Hernandez highlighted the many amenities available at Minneola Trailhead Park, one of the city’s most popular recreational destinations. The park features scenic walking and biking trails, a challenging mountain bike course complete with switchbacks and shaded pathways, two dog parks designed for both large and small breeds, and a skating area suitable for beginners and experienced skaters alike. The trailhead continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the region.

Tara Tedrow presented an update on the highly anticipated Hills City Center development, a transformative mixed-use destination expected to become the heart of Minneola’s future growth. Plans include 1,039 multifamily residential units across five-story buildings, 600,000 square feet of retail, dining, hotel, and senior living space, along with 500,000 square feet dedicated to medical offices and healthcare services.

Adding to the excitement, Alan Delahunt shared details about the newly opened Crooked Can Brewery, located at 1600 Crooked Can Loop. The impressive 43,000-square-foot brewery and food hall officially opened its doors on July 15 and features a two-acre outdoor gathering space complete with entertainment areas, a splash pad, free parking, and ample room for community events and family activities.

Healthcare growth was also a major topic of discussion. Kay Barnett represented AdventHealth and provided updates on AdventHealth Minneola, a full-service hospital serving South Lake County families. The facility offers comprehensive healthcare services, including 24/7 emergency care, advanced imaging, surgery, cardiovascular treatment, women’s health services, and more.

Future healthcare expansion plans include a five-story, 175-bed senior living facility as well as additional medical services such as retail pharmacy, laboratory services, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, medical oncology, orthopedics, sports medicine, urology, and vascular care.

One of the morning’s most heartfelt moments came when former Mayor Pat Kelley was honored for his years of leadership and service to the City of Minneola. Acting Mayor Serviss presented Kelley with a commemorative shadow box recognizing his many contributions. Kelley played a pivotal role in the planning and development of the Hills of Minneola, the City Center project, and the city’s carefully managed growth strategy. He recently stepped down as mayor to pursue a seat on the Lake County School Board.

The event concluded with door prize drawings, including several $50 gift cards to Crooked Can Brewery, generously provided by Lowndes, a Florida-based law firm.

With significant investments in recreation, healthcare, business development, housing, and community amenities, the message of the morning was clear: Minneola continues to emerge as one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing and most exciting communities, with a bright future on the horizon.

The post Spotlight Shines On The City Of Minneola At The South Lake Chamber Breakfast appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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.

The post Update From The Florida Department Of Transportation (South Lake County) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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. 

The post 2026 Lake County Hob Nob (Monday, July 27) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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.

The post Groveland City Council Approves South Lake Avenue And Cherry Street Streetscape and Stormwater Improvements Project appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Live Well Foundation of South Lake (LWFSL) will open its fall 2026 Critical Issue Targeted Grant cycle the week of July 13, focusing on mortality and life expectancy in South Lake County. This is the third of four grant cycles the Foundation is running in 2026, and it invites eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000, with multi-year grants exceeding $250,000 considered on a case-by-case basis.

This cycle targets projects that improve health care access, expand specialty health services, and address the leading causes of death identified by the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory illness, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Foundation is prioritizing proposals in four key areas: access to timely and quality care, chronic disease management and prevention, preventable death reduction, and health equity and disparity reduction. Applicants are encouraged to design projects that close life expectancy gaps linked to race, income, geography, disability or other social determinants of health.

“Each cycle this year has let us delve into a different piece of what it means to live well in South Lake,” said Susan McLean, Grants Chair for the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. “This fall, we’re focused on the issues that most directly affect how long and how well our neighbors live. We’re looking for partners who are ready to create lasting change.”

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) or Section 509(a) organizations with more than three years of IRS Form 990 filings, serving residents of Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Montverde, Minneola, the Four Corners area, or unincorporated South Lake County. Organizations must demonstrate strong infrastructure, clear evaluation plans, and sustainability strategies that extend beyond the grant period.

Key Dates:

• RFP Release: Week of July 13, 2026
• Application Deadline: August 7, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• Applicant Interviews: September 10, 2026 (by invitation)
• Award Notifications: Week of September 22, 2026

Interested organizations must register through the Foundation’s Grants Portal at grantinterface.com to complete an application. Incomplete or late applications cannot be accepted. Organizations with questions about the application process can contact the Foundation at Grant@LWFSL.org or Donna.Kirtland@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.

The post Live Well Foundation of South Lake Opens 2026 Grant Cycle Focused on Mortality and Life Expectancy appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The Clermont Fire Department experienced an exceptionally busy Fourth of July holiday, responding to six structure fires between July 4 and July 5, including a residential fire in which firefighters rescued a trapped occupant from a burning home.

On July 4, the department responded to five separate structure fires between 2:18 pm. and 11:35 pm. The incidents included a cooking-related apartment fire, a two-alarm commercial building fire, two fires believed to have been caused by lightning strikes, and a residential garage fire caused by improperly discarded fireworks. Fire damage was limited in several incidents due to the rapid response of firefighters. One civilian sustained minor bum injuries during the fireworks-related fire but declined transport to a hospital.

Due to the volume and severity of the afternoon incidents, the Clermont Fire Department and Lake County Fire Rescue operated under a coordinated automatic aid response. Clermont units responded to incidents within Lake County while Lake County units responded to calls within the City of Clermont as needed.

Additional assistance was provided by the Minneola Fire Department and Groveland Fire Department, ensuring uninterrupted emergency coverage throughout the region. On July 5 at approximately 10:59 pm, Clermont firefighters responded to a residential structure fire within the city involving a reported occupant trapped inside. Upon arrival, Engine 101 located and rescued the occupant from the burning residence. The individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries consistent with smoke inhalation. The fire was later determined to have been caused by an electrical issue.

The Clermont Fire Department appreciates the outstanding teamwork demonstrated by all responding agencies throughout the holiday weekend. The coordinated response between neighboring departments ensured residents continued to receive timely emergency services despite the unusually high call volume. Residents are reminded to use extreme caution when cooking, properly dispose of used fireworks by soaking them thoroughly in water before discarding them, and remain vigilant during severe weather, particularly when lightning is present.
 

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