Lake Technical College hosted an open house and official ribbon-cutting for its south campus on Friday, August 14th. The newly renovated campus, located at 680 Highland Avenue in Clermont, remains a work in progress, with additional classrooms and workforce training opportunities expected soon.

Current course offerings include culinary, nursing, paramedic, and HVAC programs. Classes are held in both traditional classrooms and realistic training areas designed to replicate real-world work settings.

The dream of bringing a vocational education center to the South Lake community may not have become reality without the persistence and determination of Sharon Keys, a Clermont native. Sharon began pursuing the idea after the former Clermont Elementary School campus was vacated and students moved to the new Aurelia Cole Academy on East Avenue, Clermont, in 2023.

Sharon and other community leaders formed the Lincoln Park South Lake Alliance, or LPSLA, to bring attention to the needs of young people in the South Lake area. Among those needs was—and remains—access to adult learning options, including workforce skills training.

Through quiet determination, Sharon and the LPSLA helped save the historic campus from demolition. After months of meetings and negotiations, and with support from local leaders and political figures, their dreams and prayers became reality.

The original campus was built in the early 1900s as a segregated school. Founder James A. Townsend had the one-room building constructed in 1902. Over the years, the campus continued to grow and was later taken over by the Lake County School District during segregation. Its more than 120-year history includes desegregation in the 1960s, when the campus transitioned from a junior high school to a middle school and eventually became home to Clermont Elementary School.

The first phase of the redesigned campus included the opening of the Lincoln Park Education Center – LPEC, in May 2024. LPEC is designed for students balancing education with part-time work, family responsibilities, or other obligations that create scheduling challenges. Students can earn a high school diploma through an 18-credit option while attending classes on a flexible schedule.

The second phase of the campus redesign includes Lake Technical College’s portion of the learning center. The grand opening coincides with Lake Technical College’s 60th anniversary and comes as the college announces a $3.7 million State of Florida investment in the south campus. The appropriation will support continued construction and campus transformation.

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“This appropriation is an investment in people,” said DeAnna Thomas, president of Lake Technical College. “Every classroom we build, every lab we establish, and every program we expand creates new opportunities for individuals to build rewarding careers while helping employers find the skilled workforce they need.”

“We have seen dreams come true, but we still have work to do,” Sharon said, referring to efforts to establish a community center for area youth. She has also helped lead an effort to locate photographs, memorabilia, and other information related to the early 1900s history of Lincoln Park School, a project also being mirrored by the Clermont Historical Society. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Sharon at LincolnParkSouthLakeAlliance@gmail.com.

Lake Technical College and Lincoln Park Education Center are both accepting applications for fall enrollment. For more information, visit www.LakeTech.org or www.Lake.K12.FL.US.

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Voting remains one of the nation’s most important civil rights, and officials urge all eligible voters to research candidates, review ballot issues, and familiarize themselves with races that will appear on their ballots. Sample ballots and voter information are available through the Lake County Supervisor of Elections website, allowing voters to make informed decisions before Election Day.

The Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office offers several ways for residents to access election information and receive assistance. Voters can review sample ballots, verify voter information, learn about voting options, and find election-related resources online through LakeVotes.gov.

Residents who need additional assistance may visit the Supervisor of Elections Office at 1898 E. Burleigh Blvd. in Tavares or contact the office by phone at 352-343-9734. Election staff are available to answer questions and help voters navigate the election process.

Election officials emphasize that an informed electorate is essential to a strong democracy and encourage voters to review their sample ballots early, research candidates and issues, and make a plan to vote in the upcoming primary election. Information about voting locations, vote-by-mail options, early voting, and Election Day procedures can also be found on the website https://www.lakevotes.gov .

Note:  Early Voting ends on August 15th.  Hours of operation at all sites are from 10 am to 6 pm each day.  Take a signature and picture iD with you.  Primary voting day, August 18.

The post Your Vote Counts: Lake County Voters Are Encouraged To Participate In The Primary Election appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce (SLCC) welcomed approximately 2,500 educators back to school during its 36th Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, held August 3 and August 4 at the Wesley Center of Living Hope Church in Clermont.

The two-day event, widely regarded by many educators as the “best welcome back in Lake County,” celebrates the dedication and impact of teachers throughout the South Lake community. Monday’s breakfast honored middle and high school teachers, while kindergarten through eighth-grade educators were scheduled to be recognized during a second celebration on August 4.

Teachers were greeted with a full buffet breakfast prepared by the Wesley Center staff and an enthusiastic welcome from community supporters who lined the entrance with high-fives, cheers, and words of encouragement.

The Presentation of Colors was conducted by the South Lake High School NJROTC, followed by a performance of the National Anthem and musical entertainment by the East Ridge High School Rhythm of the Knight Chorus on Monday morning and Lake Minneola HS Choirs at Tuesday’s breakfast.

Lake County Schools Deputy Superintendent Chad Farnsworth addressed the educators who serve schools throughout the South Lake area each year. “I want to personally thank each one of you for all that you do each day in your schools and classrooms,” Farnsworth said.

A longstanding highlight of the event is the presentation of Spirit Grants, which provide funding for campus improvements at one elementary, one middle, and one high school in South Lake County. Each school has the opportunity to compete in a spirited, pep rally-style contest, with winners selected based on enthusiasm, participation, and school pride.

Last year’s middle school recipient, East Ridge Middle School, used its grant funding to renovate and upgrade its teachers’ lounge.

Each earned top honors for their spirited participation, each receiving a $2,000 grant.

Community support once again played a significant role in the event’s success. Local businesses and civic organizations contributed more than $30,000 in grants, door prizes, and contest awards for teachers and schools.

Organized through a collaborative effort of community volunteers, civic groups, local businesses, and the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast requires months of planning and serves as a meaningful expression of gratitude for the educators who help shape the future of South Lake County.

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For a complete list of sponsors and donated prizes, visit www.southlakechamber-fl.com 

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A millage rate is the tax rate applied to a property’s taxable value. Under the new rate, homeowners pay approximately $4.59 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

Will Homeowners Pay Less? A lower millage rate can provide tax relief, but it does not automatically mean a lower property tax bill. If a home’s taxable value remains unchanged, a reduced millage rate typically results in lower taxes. However, when property values rise significantly—as they have in Clermont and throughout much of Florida—homeowners may still see their tax bills increase despite the lower tax rate. According to city budget documents, taxable property values in Clermont have continued to grow rapidly. As a result, the city can generate additional revenue even while reducing the tax rate.

In short, the millage-rate reduction represents genuine tax relief, but rising property values can offset some or all of those savings for individual homeowners.

The post Clermont Cuts Property Tax Rate for Second Consecutive Year, Though Some Homeowners May Still Pay More appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

At the meeting, Suver shared how she turned a tragic event into a mission to help others. After a serious hit-and-run crash, Suver showed courage and determination during her recovery process, and she is now an advocate for bicycle and pedestrian safety, as well as responsible driving.

Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks (District 2) will present Suver with a certificate to honor her dedication to making Lake County’s roads safer and inspiring others through her advocacy.

By sharing her story, Suver is raising awareness about road safety and engaging in important conversations about responsibility within our community.

“Rather than allowing adversity to define her, Gaby is using her experience to make a lasting impact on our community,” said Commissioner Parks. “She has transformed her personal hardship into a source of education and encouragement for others, reminding all of us that strength is measured not by the obstacles we face, but by how we choose to overcome them.”

The Board’s recognition honor ed Suver’s perseverance, her service to the community, and her ongoing work to make streets safer for everyone.

The post Lake County Recognizes Gaby Suver For Commitment To Roadway Safety appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Panther Run, the largest development within Lake County’s Wellness Way corridor, will transform one of the region’s most significant land acquisitions into a mixed-use community while preserving nearly three-quarters of the property as permanent open space.

The property, purchased by Fort Lauderdale-based GT USA for $165 million in September 2024, represents the largest land sale in Lake County history.

The development is expected to become a major employment center for South Lake County, featuring more than one million square feet of commercial and employment space capable of supporting more than 3,000 jobs.

County officials anticipate the project will attract employers in sectors including healthcare, finance, technology, research and development, advanced manufacturing, hospitality and tourism. The community also includes tourist-home accommodations projected to generate approximately $6 million annually in tourist development tax revenue. According to Doug Bruk, COO of GT USA, Pulte Homes is under contract to purchase some of the property for a Tourist Home community.

“We appreciate this opportunity to partner with Lake County on the execution of this portion of Wellness Way, where GT USA has designed a site with the stakeholders’ needs in mind,” said Bruk. “Our priorities include employment opportunities, improved roadways, expansive open spaces and a wildlife corridor that will benefit residents throughout Lake County.”  Bruk said the company is also working with Lake County on plans for a proposed public safety complex and a new high school to serve the area’s growing population.

A defining feature of Panther Run is its commitment to environmental preservation. Approximately 72.5 percent of the 2,241-acre property will remain undeveloped, encompassing lakes, wetlands, uplands, conservation areas and more than two square miles of protected open space.

The development will include a wildlife corridor designed to close a critical gap in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, supporting wildlife movement between North and South Florida. A two-mile nature trail will provide public access through portions of the preserved landscape.

Developers note that, despite the project’s name, Florida panthers do not inhabit the property. The name “Panther Run” was chosen to reflect the community’s emphasis on conservation and environmental stewardship.

Residential development will occupy approximately 16 percent of the site, with about 2,600 homes planned under Lake County’s Wellness Way Comprehensive Plan first adopted in 2016. The neighborhoods are designed to accommodate a range of residents, from first-time homebuyers to working professionals and retirees.

The community plan includes:

• More than 11 miles of walking, jogging and cycling trails.
• Twenty neighborhood parks.
• Low-density residential neighborhoods integrated with preserved natural areas.
• Extensive open space promoting outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles.

Infrastructure improvements are expected to provide significant traffic relief for South Lake County.

More than four miles of new roadway will extend County Road 455 and create a direct connection to State Road 516, improving access throughout the Wellness Way corridor while reducing congestion in south Clermont and surrounding Sawgrass Bay neighborhoods.

Project representatives emphasized that Panther Run is consistent with Lake County’s long-term planning objectives and does not require amendments to the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

“The county provided the vision for Wellness Way in its Comprehensive Plan, first approved in 2016,” said Tara Tedrow, a land-use attorney with Orlando-based Lowndes, which represents the project. “The Panther Run plan meets, and in some cases exceeds, the county’s requirements. We are not seeking amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, only the planned unit development approval required under county policy.”

In addition to residential and employment uses, Panther Run reserves land for future public facilities, including:

• A proposed high school serving South Lake County.
• An eight-acre public safety complex with a fire station and sheriff’s substation.
• Expanded roadway infrastructure supporting regional growth.

Looking Ahead: GT USA expects construction on Panther Run to begin during the first quarter of 2027. The company will host a public open house on August 10 from 5 to 7 pm at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, where residents can learn more about the proposed development and its plans for the Wellness Way corridor.

As the largest project within Lake County’s Wellness Way initiative, Panther Run is positioned to become a model for balanced growth—combining job creation, transportation improvements, environmental conservation and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods into a community designed for future generations.

Based on materials prepared by Doris Bloodsworth, New Florida Media

The post Spotlight Shines On Wellness Way: The Vision Moves Forward As Panther Run Master-Planned Community Unveils Development Plans appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

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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

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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