City of Groveland Archives | South Lake Tablet

Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey Departs Amid Whistleblower Lawsuit and City Review

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:12:13 +0000

The City of Groveland has announced that Police Chief Shawn Ramsey is no longer employed by the city, but officials have declined to publicly explain the circumstances surrounding his departure, citing personnel policies.

In a brief statement, city officials confirmed Ramsey’s separation from employment and said they do not comment on personnel matters. The city simultaneously announced plans to appoint an interim public safety director and initiate an independent third-party review of the Groveland Police Department’s operations, policies, procedures, and finances.

As of today, no public records have been released explaining whether Ramsey was terminated, resigned, or separated under another employment arrangement. News organizations and public records advocates have submitted requests seeking documents related to the chief’s departure.

Ramsey’s exit comes amid an escalating dispute between the police chief and city leadership that had already become the subject of legal action and public controversy.

On Aug. 14, 2026, Ramsey filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the City of Groveland, alleging that he faced retaliation after reporting what he believed were violations of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, misuse of public office, abuse of governmental authority, and other misconduct by city officials.

According to the lawsuit, Ramsey raised concerns about city governance and subsequently became the target of investigations, disciplinary actions, and other adverse employment measures. The complaint alleges that city officials sought to undermine his authority and retaliate against him for reporting perceived wrongdoing.

Keith Keogh

The legal dispute follows months of publicly reported tensions between Ramsey and Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. Those disagreements reportedly involved internal investigations, whistleblower complaints, questions surrounding city governance, and the administration’s oversight of municipal operations.

Neither the city nor the mayor has publicly addressed the specific allegations contained in Ramsey’s lawsuit. City officials have maintained that personnel matters are confidential and have not disclosed details regarding the chief’s separation.

The city’s decision to commission an independent review of the police department has added another layer of scrutiny to an already contentious situation. Officials have stated that the review will examine departmental operations, policies, and financial practices, though they have not publicly linked the review to Ramsey’s departure.

At this time, the central question surrounding Ramsey’s exit remains unanswered. While his whistleblower lawsuit provides insight into the ongoing conflict between the chief and city leadership, no official explanation has been released regarding why he is no longer employed by the City of Groveland.

The lawsuit remains pending, and additional details may emerge as public records requests are fulfilled and court proceedings continue.

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New Proposal Aims to Create Educational and Medical Anchors for Groveland’s Future

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 21:11:21 +0000

Groveland News: David Jones, Groveland Communications Director

This week, the Groveland City Council was presented with a potential land swap deal by the Avalon Park Group and development partner Carabao International. The two entities, who had agreed to an existing project called Carabao Commons originally approved in 2024, are now presenting a deal the groups said could result in a $25 million savings for the City of Groveland.

The original deal would have included approximately 530 residential units, 45,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and a 25,000 sq. ft. community center in the City’s historic downtown. Now, a new reworked deal is asking the City to consider approving a lower-density project with 94 single family lots outside the downtown corridor with dedicated space for an urgent care facility and freestanding emergency department building, a hotel and mixed-use building, as well as a school and career-training center.

In exchange, the original Carabao Commons land in the historic downtown would be deeded to the City and the developers would forego $25 million in previously approved economic incentives.

“Groveland is at an inflection point,” said Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group. “When a town is built the right way, essential services grow right alongside the rooftops from the very beginning. This is exactly the kind of public-private partnership that creates lasting value for a community.”

The new project would be located on Sampey Road on 34 usable acres currently being used as a spray field. The swap would occur only after Sampey Road receives the necessary zoning and entitlements, giving both parties certainty before finalizing. At the center of the $200 million proposed project is an Academic Village, envisioned as offering K-12 education, secondary education, technical training and workforce certification, developed with educational institutions, employers and nonprofits.

“When formalized, this agreement represents a positive step forward for Groveland and the surrounding area,” said Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. “By working together, we are able to look beyond individual parcels and focus on the larger opportunity: creating a stronger, more connected and more sustainable future for our residents.”

Now that the framework for a land swap deal has been presented to Groveland City Council, next steps could include a working session with City leadership, due diligence on Sampey Road and a non-binding term sheet outlining exchange terms and infrastructure responsibilities.

“Staff views this proposal as a major step toward achieving several strategic plan objectives. It would create two major anchors, both west of our downtown and east of our downtown, with mixed-use hospitality and academic and medical villages,” said Interim City Manager Tim Maslow. “These types of businesses are recession-proof and will attract many other businesses and investment to the City while providing much needed services to our growing population.”

Both anchor opportunities, one along Sampey Road and the other in the western portion of the City’s historic core, sit along the planned Coast to Coast Trail that will commence construction this year in tandem with the realignment of State Road 50.

The City will be evaluating alternatives to retire the spray field and remediate prior to development.

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Groveland To Debut Founders’ Gala Benefitting The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (October 10)

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:23:05 +0000

Groveland is preparing to celebrate its rich history, strong community spirit, and commitment to helping others with the city’s inaugural Founders’ Gala, a special evening designed to honor local leaders while supporting a worthy cause.

Mitchell Hill, owner of Mitchell Tropical Ice Cream, and Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh shared details about the upcoming Founders’ Gala recognizing outstanding individuals and businesses whose contributions have helped shape Groveland while highlighting the values that continue to guide the growing city.

Inspired by Groveland’s founding year, the Gala will transport guests back to the Roaring Twenties with a curated “Put on the Ritz” theme. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the era’s glamour by dressing in semi-formal, cocktail, or period attire as they enjoy an evening filled with elegance, community charm, and a spirit of compassion.

Organizers describe the event as an immersive experience centered around “Fun. Fantasy. Community. Charm. Caring. Compassion.” The evening will bring residents, business leaders, and community supporters together to celebrate Groveland’s past while investing in its future.

All proceeds from the Gala will benefit The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, whose vision is to empower a healthy community under the guiding belief that “Because No One Should Go Hungry.” Funds raised will help ensure families have food on their tables, children receive nourishment during school breaks, and individuals gain access to resources that promote long-term self-sufficiency and stability.

The Founders’ Gala will be held on October 10, at the Nathaniel Community Gymnasium, located at 13806 State Road 33 in Groveland. Ticket prices range from $161.90 to $188.58.

Registration and ticket information are available at Groveland Founders’ Gala Eventbrite Page.

Community members interested in supporting the event or learning more about The Neighborhood Center of South Lake can visit The Neighborhood Center of South Lake.

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Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh’s Community Update

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:14:24 +0000

As we prepare for one of Groveland’s biggest events of the year, it feels especially meaningful as our nation begins celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

For 250 years, generations of Americans have worked, sacrificed and served to preserve the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. While our country has faced challenges along the way, I remain grateful for the values that unite us: liberty, self-government, personal responsibility and the belief that every generation has a role to play in building a stronger future.

As Mayor, I’m proud to serve a community that reflects those values every day. Whether it’s neighbors helping neighbors after a storm, volunteers giving their time to local causes, or residents participating in civic life, Groveland embodies the spirit that has made America strong for two and a half centuries.

This Independence Day, I hope we all take a moment to reflect on the blessings of living in this great nation and in this wonderful community we call home.

Straight Talk on Traffic, Water and Taxes – Residents are encouraged to attend the next Neighborhood Huddle on Wednesday, July 1, at 7 p.m. at Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Topics will include the upcoming SR 50 Realignment Project, a stormwater improvement project near Lake David, temporary brown water concerns, planned water rate adjustments, and proposed changes to Florida’s homestead tax exemption.

Food trucks will begin serving at 6 p.m., and residents are invited to bring questions and share concerns directly with city leaders.

Celebrate Independence Day at Lake David Park – Groveland’s annual Fourth of July Celebration returns Saturday, July 4, from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Lake David Park. Sponsored by South Lake Electric, the event features family activities, food trucks, a Kids Zone, live entertainment by Randall Crawford and Maiden Cane, and a fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Downtown Stormwater Improvements Begin This Month – A major stormwater infrastructure project near Lake David will begin in July to help reduce flooding and improve park access. Residents should watch for updates regarding temporary road closures, detours and park impacts through city communication channels.

Community Helps Students Prepare for School – The City is collecting school supplies for its upcoming Back-to-School Backpack Bash. Donations of new items such as notebooks, pencils, paper, scissors and glue sticks can be dropped off weekdays at Parks & Community Services on North Main Avenue.

Summer Adventure Camp Registration Open – Children ages 5 to 13 can enjoy fishing, archery and outdoor activities during the Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp at Cherry Lake Park, July 27-31. The cost is $35 per child, and advance registration is required.

Stay Involved – Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming City Council, Planning & Zoning, Recreation Advisory Committee, Ethics Committee and budget workshop meetings throughout July. Community members can also support local families through school supply drives and toy donations during Christmas in July events.

As always, Groveland’s success depends on an engaged and informed community. The City looks forward to seeing residents at these upcoming events and meetings.

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Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh’s News Highlights

Michelle Delaney — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:11:58 +0000

Your Voice, Our Direction:

What We Heard From Our First Community Survey

Earlier this month, we launched our first-ever community survey and the response was clear: Groveland residents care deeply about where our city is headed and want to be part of shaping the future.

We introduced this new engagement program to give more residents a voice in city decisions through quick, anonymous surveys, helping us better understand your priorities and make more informed choices.

What We Heard – Across the board, several themes rose to the top. Residents told us that public safety, road improvements and managing growth are among the most important priorities for our city. You also emphasized the importance of maintaining quality infrastructure and preserving Groveland’s character as we continue to grow.

Just as important, many of you shared a desire for clear communication and transparency, wanting to stay informed about projects, decisions and how your tax dollars are being used.

One thing stood out: many of you don’t think you’re getting your money’s worth from the taxes you pay. This isn’t surprising, especially given the higher price of groceries and gas right now. We’ll be asking for more specifics in future surveys.

Why It Matters – The results of this and future surveys are more than just feedback: they’re a roadmap. They will help guide how we prioritize projects, allocate resources and plan for the future. Whether it’s investing in roads, expanding public safety services or improving communication, your input is directly shaping the work we do every day.

Keep the Conversation Going – If you haven’t signed up to take the surveys yet, please do so. Groveland works best when we work together and this is one more way we can listen, learn and move forward as one community.

Big Opportunity for Small Businesses – We recently celebrated an important investment in Groveland’s local business community: the groundbreaking of 1st American Way in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park.

This new small-bay industrial development will include three buildings with flexible spaces sized between 1,500 and 4,500 s.f. to support day-to-day operations, services and trades that residents rely on. With convenient access to the Turnpike, U.S. 27 and State Road 19, it will help strengthen connections between local businesses and the customers they serve. The first tenants are expected in early 2027.

K-9 Team Takes Drugs Off Streets – I’d like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding work of our Groveland Police Department, especially K-9 Officer Eastridge and his four-legged partner, Xena.

The 55-pound Belgian Malinois recently helped locate 104 grams of methamphetamine inside an abandoned building. That represents hundreds of individual doses and anyone in possession of that amount would be considered a drug trafficker.

This kind of work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Our K-9 team is an essential part of that effort, assisting with searches, investigations and crime prevention every day.

Faster Care When Every Second Counts – In an emergency, seconds matter. That’s why Groveland has equipped every fire vehicle with advanced medical capabilities, allowing life-saving care to begin the moment crews arrive.

Our firefighters and EMTs can immediately respond to cardiac events, serious injuries and other medical emergencies with both the tools and training needed to stabilize patients on scene.

The impact of speed is well documented. During cardiac arrest, a person’s chance of survival decreases by 7–10% for every minute without CPR or defibrillation, and faster response times are directly linked to better outcomes.

By investing in advanced care, we’re improving response times and giving people the best possible chance when it matters most.

Private Investment to Pay for Improved Turnpike Interchange – We recently reached an agreement that represents a major milestone for Groveland’s future.

As part of its new master-planned community Brighthill, the Eisenhower Group has committed to funding major improvements to our Turnpike interchange, representing a private investment of $50 to $70 million. The group has already paid $7 million in impact fees. This is a significant partnership that will help advance critical infrastructure without placing that burden on taxpayers.

Improvements to the interchange will enhance mobility along the U.S. 27 corridor, support local businesses and help diversify Groveland’s tax base.

The post Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh’s News Highlights appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Tim Maslow Named Interim City Manager for Groveland

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:56:21 +0000

Tim Maslow will serve as Interim City Manager for the Groveland until a permanent replacement is named for outgoing City Manager Mike Hein.

Maslow currently serves as the City’s Community and Economic Development Director. Since joining Groveland in 2019, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the community’s growth and long-term vision. Under his leadership, the City adopted a comprehensive new Future Land Use framework and Community Development Code rooted in traditional town planning principles, with a distinctive emphasis on agrarian urbanism and preserving Groveland’s natural charm.

Since the adoption of these guiding documents, Groveland has emerged as one of Florida’s fastest-growing cities, balancing thoughtful planning with strategic economic development.

To complement the rapid expansion of employment centers within Ford Commerce Park, Maslow has helped guide the planning of several new walkable villages. These communities are designed to provide a diverse range of housing options, with a strong focus on affordability, connectivity, and access to nature.

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Groveland City Manager Mike Hein Announces Resignation

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:19:30 +0000

Michelle Delaney, South Lake Tablet

The City of Groveland was met with unexpected news, when City Manager Michael Hein announced he has offered his resignation after eight years in the role.

In a message to city staff dated Friday, February 13, Hein described the decision as anything but easy.

“I want to share that I have made the difficult decision to offer my resignation as Groveland’s City Manager,” Hein wrote. “‘Difficult’ may be an understatement.”

While Hein’s message reflected pride in the accomplishments achieved during his tenure, it did not specify the reasons behind his departure—leaving many in the community asking: Why now? What prompted the decision after nearly a decade of leadership? And what comes next for the rapidly growing city?

Hein pointed to what he characterized as significant progress during his time with the city.

“Since I began my role eight years ago, we’ve made some incredible changes, course-corrections and transformations that have made our city stronger and more resilient,” he wrote. “Together, we’ve achieved what other cities have only dreamed about.”

Among the highlights Hein cited were the creation of higher-paying local jobs through more than four million square feet of commercial development, the establishment of public-private partnerships to support Groveland’s expanding population, and the securing of substantial grant funding to offset costs for residents.

“I’ll share how we created local, higher-paying jobs by securing more than four million square feet in commercial development,” Hein stated. “I’ll describe the public and private partnerships we developed to support our ever-expanding community. I’ll talk about how much grant money we secured to help offset costs our citizens would have otherwise had to pay.”

picture by Larry Oskin

He also referenced the advancement of the long-awaited bypass project, calling it an innovative step that laid groundwork for the city’s future, and praised Groveland’s public safety services as “one of the best public safety departments in the country.”

Beyond projects and metrics, Hein’s emotional farewell carried a personal tone.

“But beyond our accomplishments, I’ll talk most about the people of Groveland, including all of you,” he wrote to city staff. “You’ve welcomed me, worked with me, challenged me and frankly made me a better administrator.”

Hein expressed appreciation for the community’s character, noting the “beautiful sunsets,” rural landscape and “kind words from neighbors” that shaped his experience.

“I’ve come to love and cherish our wonderful little community and even on the toughest days, I’ve never failed to appreciate our beautiful sunsets, our rural settings, kind words from neighbors and those I will forever call friends,” he wrote.

Hein indicated that department meetings would be held to allow staff to ask questions of the senior leadership team, which will continue managing the city’s operations until the City Council determines its next course of action.

“Shortly, you’ll have the chance to meet with your departments and ask questions of your senior leadership team, who will continue to manage the city until the council decides on a course of action,” Hein stated.

He emphasized that his resignation should not overshadow the ongoing work of city employees.

“Remember, this small decision doesn’t change the very large contributions you make every day,” he wrote. “Continue to do everything possible to make Groveland the City With Natural Charm.”

As Groveland moves forward, residents and stakeholders are likely to seek clarity about the timing and circumstances of Hein’s resignation. Was the decision driven by personal considerations, professional opportunities, policy differences, or broader strategic changes? For now, those questions remain unanswered.

For many, Hein’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the city’s recent history—one defined by rapid growth, infrastructure expansion and evolving community identity.

City Council members voted Tim Maslow (Community and Economic Development Director) as Groveland’s Interim City Manager while searching for Groveland’s next city manager.

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Groveland Welcomes Michelle Michnoff As City’s First Chief Operating Officer

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The City of Groveland has announced the appointment of Michelle Michnoff as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant step in strengthening municipal operations and enhancing service delivery for residents.

Michnoff brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, along with a strong background in organizational management and operational excellence. In her new role, she will oversee several key internal service departments, including Finance, Budget, Utility Billing, Procurement, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

City officials say the creation of the Chief Operating Officer position reflects Groveland’s continued focus on efficient operations, coordinated departmental performance, and responsible growth. With Michnoff’s leadership, the city expects to further streamline internal processes and reinforce the essential support systems that keep daily services running smoothly.

Her appointment represents a milestone for the City of Groveland and underscores its commitment to responsive governance and high-quality service for the community.

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City Of Groveland Launches New Community Survey Program To Better Understand Residents’ Priorities and Preferences

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:23:56 +0000

To engage more residents in the business of the city, Groveland has launched a new resident engagement program that uses community surveys to understand residents’ priorities and preferences. Insights from the data will help the city council and staff shape future decisions.

A third-party research firm called FlashVote will administer the short, five-question surveys several times a year and within 48 hours, all the results will be available to the public. Responses are completely anonymous to encourage candor.

To sign up, residents can visit www.flashvote.com/grovelandfl and register to become part of the survey panel. Once enough residents have signed up, the first survey will be deployed. Residents can respond on any device – mobile, laptop or desktop – and surveys are offered in English and Spanish.

“As leaders, we work for our residents and invest tax dollars on their behalf” said Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. “We believe it’s vital to hear voices we’re not currently hearing.”

He said the city is communicating in more ways than ever through neighborhood huddles, open houses, social media and direct outreach, but council events and committee meetings remain sparsely attended.

“If residents sign up and take the surveys, they’ll have much greater representation and more say in the city’s future.”

Registration is open and all Groveland residents are invited to sign up. The first survey will be designed to poll residents on what they believe to be the city’s most important priorities. Sign up to share your thoughts through quick, anonymous one-minute surveys.

Don’t miss the first survey, coming soon.

Watch to learn more:

Video in English

Video in Spanish

Add Your Voice

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Groveland Invites Public Input on City’s Future Through Comprehensive Plan Review (Jan 21)

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:18:44 +0000

The City of Groveland is inviting residents to help shape its future by participating in an upcoming joint briefing focused on updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan—a long-range document that guides growth, development, and quality of life over the next 20 years.

The Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) briefing will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 am at the E.L. Puryear Building, located at 243 N. Lake Avenue in Groveland. The meeting is open to the public.

This joint briefing will bring together the Groveland City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Community Redevelopment Agency Board, Recreation Advisory Committee, and the Strategic Plan Committee to review the city’s Comprehensive Plan and discuss potential updates.

Cities are required every seven years to conduct an Evaluation and Appraisal Review of their Comprehensive Plan. This process serves as a community “check-up” to ensure that the city’s vision for growth, housing, parks, infrastructure, and services remains balanced and aligned with residents’ needs.

City officials note that the Comprehensive Plan is the cornerstone of how Groveland grows and adapts over time. It helps preserve the city’s natural charm while ensuring that new development is supported by adequate roads, water, parks, schools, and other essential services. As Groveland continues to grow, the plan also supports a concurrency system designed to maintain a strong quality of life by balancing development with available infrastructure.

In addition to attending the January 21 briefing, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts by completing an online survey available through the project website. The survey is accessible by scanning the QR code on the flyer and is available in both English and Spanish.

The survey closes on January 15, 2026, and community members are urged to participate before the deadline.

Residents with questions or who would like additional information may contact Alan Booker or DeWayne Jones at planning@groveland-fl.gov.

City leaders emphasize that public input is a vital part of the process, encouraging residents to make their voices heard as Groveland plans for the future.

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