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.

Community members gathered at Minneola City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 22, for a public meeting hosted by SunTerra Communities, Walmart, and Sam’s Club to discuss the proposed Minneola Marketplace development. The open-house style meeting, held from 4 to 7 pm, allowed residents to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about plans for the 74-acre commercial site.

The proposed Minneola Marketplace is planned near the intersection of North Hancock Road and Citrus Grove Road and is part of the Hills of Minneola master-planned community. Current plans include a Walmart, a Sam’s Club, out-parcel retail, a gas station, multifamily apartments, and designated community gathering spaces.

Developers noted that the plans have been revised in response to earlier public feedback. Updates include additional green space, seating areas, water features, and a central community plaza designed to host events such as live music and food trucks.

The proposal is scheduled to go before the Minneola Planning & Zoning Commission in early March, followed by a potential first reading before the Minneola City Council later that month.

Public input is expected to remain an important part of the review process as the project moves forward.

The post Residents Weigh In On Minneola Marketplace Development Plans appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Hills of Minneola: A City Within a City – One of the largest projects underway, the Hills of Minneola is a massive master-planned community that will ultimately include thousands of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes. Plans also call for retail, grocery, wellness, entertainment, and medical spaces.

At the heart of the project will be a vibrant town center featuring restaurants, office space, retail shops, and two major anchors — Walmart and Sam’s Club — positioned side by side.

Development Along U.S. Highway 27 – Just off U.S. 27, development is rising from what are now only dirt lots. The Onx Homes project at U.S. 27 and Sullivan Road will bring 178 fee-simple and rental townhomes, adding much-needed housing options to the area.

Healthcare Milestone Coming December 2025 – The AdventHealth Minneola Campus is taking shape along Hancock Road near Florida’s Turnpike. The four-story, 204,000-square-foot facility will deliver full-service, high-quality healthcare to South Lake County residents, marking a major advancement in local medical services.

Crooked Can Brewery Headquarters – Beer lovers will have something to toast when Crooked Can Brewery opens its new 40,000-square-foot headquarters near Hancock Road and the Turnpike. The $17 million project will feature live entertainment, an outdoor beer garden, and a food hall, adding a lively destination for locals and visitors alike.

Minneola Library: A New Chapter – The Minneola Schoolhouse Library at 100 S. Main Avenue is preparing for a big move. The original historic building will be repurposed into a bookstore, while a new $1.6 million library is being constructed on the former site of the old city hall and public works buildings. The new facility is scheduled to open in September 2025.

Fire Rescue Improvements – Fire Station 1 is in the final phase, with bay doors and minor adjustments pending completion. It is expected to open soon.  Fire Station 2 is on the longer timeline, with completion projected for late 2028.

Education Expansion –  Minneola Horizon Academy — Located at 2101 Minneola Overlook Lane, this new K–8 school emphasizes aviation, aerospace, and engineering, offering unique learning opportunities for local students.

From the roar of construction equipment to the quiet turning of library pages, Minneola’s growth touches every corner of community life — bringing with it new opportunities, services, and places to gather.

The post Minneola – A City in the Midst of Rapid Growth appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

TO VIEW THE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MINNEOLA MOONLIGHT PARADE, CLICK PARADE

This holiday tradition brought together residents and visitors for an evening filled with joy and community spirit. As twilight settled over Minneola, the parade’s glowing floats, sparkling decorations, and cheerful participants created a magical atmosphere that captivated spectators of all ages.

The celebration didn’t end with the parade. Following the procession, attendees were invited to Santa’s Workshop, held in the City Hall Gymnasium. The festive gathering offered an opportunity to continue the merriment, share in holiday goodwill, and enjoy the season’s warmth together.

In the spirit of giving, the community was encouraged to bring unwrapped gifts to help fill Santa’s sleigh. The collected donations aimed to spread the holiday magic to those in need. 

The 7th Annual Moonlight Parade was a glowing success, lighting up not only the streets of Minneola but also the hearts of everyone who attended.

The post Spotlight Shines On The Minneola Twilight Parade appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. Groove to the beats of a live DJ, enjoy free hotdogs, cotton candy, and other treats, and try your hand at the variety of games and activities that will be available. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with your family and neighbors.

Admission is simple: Bring a non-perishable food item per person to donate, and help make a difference in the lives of those in need. Pets are also invited to join the fun, so don’t forget to bring your furry friends along!

Whether you’re there for the food, the fun, or just to soak in the festive atmosphere, Minneola’s Safe Night Out is a great way to celebrate Halloween in a safe and spirited environment. Don’t miss out on this spooktacular evening—mark your calendars and be part of the celebration!

For more details, visit the City of Minneola’s website or follow their social media pages.

The post Spooktacular Fun Awaits at Minneola’s Safe Night Out: Join the Halloween Celebration! appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

One of the major announcements was the purchase of a new Tower Truck for the city’s fire department, signaling a need for additional personnel. Mayor Kelley introduced Minneola’s new Fire Chief, Daniel DiBasie, who proudly discussed the department’s expansion. The newly constructed fire station, located next to City Hall at 800 N US Hwy 27, will soon be operational, enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities.

Mayor Kelley also revealed the creation of a new city logo, developed with the help of Julianna Green, owner of Everything Local. The new logo aims to represent Minneola’s rapidly growing community. Residents and visitors can view logoed products at Everything Local, located at 789 W Montrose St., Clermont.

The breakfast covered several significant developments, including:

• Minneola Library: Plans for a new library at the former site of the old city hall and public works buildings. The project is being designed by Powell Studio Architecture, a local firm owned by life-long resident Jeff Powell.
• Minneola Trailhead and Community Garden: Discussions on these projects highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational spaces.
• Future Projects: Announcements of a new playground, splash pad, soccer and baseball fields, with more projects in the pipeline.
• Roadway Improvements: Updates on the Hancock Extension, Citrus Grove, Scrub Jay, and Education Way.
• New Lake County K-8 School: Projected to open in August 2025, this school will cater to the educational needs of the growing community.
• Advent Health Facility: A new 80-bed full-service facility with 24 ER bays, set to open near the Turnpike by December 2025. This project is expected to bring 500 clinical and nonclinical positions to the community.

• Crooked Can Brewery: A new 40,000-square-foot destination brewery and headquarters, featuring live entertainment, an outdoor beer garden, and a food hall. The $17 million facility is set to open by the end of 2025.
• Minneola Farmers Market and Food Trucks: This popular event is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 5-9 pm at Minneola City Hall.

Evolving concepts for the Minneola Town Center and Minneola Ridge, along with other new communities, were also discussed, showcasing the city’s vision for continued growth and development.

The event highlighted Minneola’s commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming community with a range of amenities and services to support its residents’ needs. As these projects come to fruition, Minneola is poised to become an even more attractive place to live, work, and play.

The post Coming To Minneola: New Library, New Firehouse, New K-8 Elementary School, New Hospital And More appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

One of the major announcements was the purchase of a new Tower Truck for the city’s fire department, signaling a need for additional personnel. Mayor Kelley introduced Minneola’s new Fire Chief, Daniel DiBasie, who proudly discussed the department’s expansion. The newly constructed fire station, located next to City Hall at 800 N US Hwy 27, will soon be operational, enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities.

Mayor Kelley also revealed the creation of a new city logo, developed with the help of Julianna Green, owner of Everything Local. The new logo aims to represent Minneola’s rapidly growing community. Residents and visitors can view logoed products at Everything Local, located at 789 W Montrose St., Clermont.

The breakfast covered several significant developments, including:

• Minneola Library: Plans for a new library at the former site of the old city hall and public works buildings. The project is being designed by Powell Studio Architecture, a local firm owned by life-long resident Jeff Powell.
• Minneola Trailhead and Community Garden: Discussions on these projects highlighted the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational spaces.
• Future Projects: Announcements of a new playground, splash pad, soccer and baseball fields, with more projects in the pipeline.

• Roadway Improvements: Updates on the Hancock Extension, Citrus Grove, Scrub Jay, and Education Way.
• New Lake County K-8 School: Projected to open in August 2025, this school will cater to the educational needs of the growing community.
• Advent Health Facility: A new 80-bed full-service facility with 24 ER bays, set to open near the Turnpike by December 2025. This project is expected to bring 500 clinical and nonclinical positions to the community.

• Crooked Can Brewery: A new 40,000-square-foot destination brewery and headquarters, featuring live entertainment, an outdoor beer garden, and a food hall. The $17 million facility is set to open by the end of 2025.
• Minneola Farmers Market and Food Trucks: This popular event is held on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 5-9 pm at Clermont City Hall.

Evolving concepts for the Minneola Town Center and Minneola Ridge, along with other new communities, were also discussed, showcasing the city’s vision for continued growth and development.

The event highlighted Minneola’s commitment to creating a vibrant, welcoming community with a range of amenities and services to support its residents’ needs. As these projects come to fruition, Minneola is poised to become an even more attractive place to live, work, and play.

The post South Lake Chamber Of Commerce July Breakfast Highlights Minneola’s Bright Future appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Opening Day – Wednesday, Jan. 24.

See you there.

The post Minneola Monthly Farmers Market Opens The Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month From 5 – 9 pm appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

If you’d like to enter a float complete the application at https://www.minneola.us/sites/g/files/vyhlif4716/f/uploads/christmas_par… or contact Maurice Hampton at recreation@minneola.us or (352) 394 – 3598 x161.

The post City of Minneola Presents Its Moonlight Parade (Dec 9) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

TEAM REGISTRATION FORM

The post Minneola’s Kicking Cancer Charity Kickball Tournament (September 30) appeared first on South Lake Tablet.