Mayor Keogh is known for wearing more than one hat. In addition to his role as mayor, he is also recognized as “Chef” Keith Keogh—a retired chef and owner of Olive Isle Family Farm. Elected in November 2024, Keogh brings a diverse and accomplished professional background to his leadership role.

A Florida native, Mayor Keogh spent 25 years with The Walt Disney Company, where he played a role in opening EPCOT Center and contributed to its continued development. He later transitioned into Disney’s Business Strategies and Research & Development division. Following his tenure with Disney, Keogh moved to San Francisco to lead COOK, a publicly traded company specializing in accredited post-culinary schools, as well as print, video training, and television media divisions.

He eventually returned to Central Florida to serve as Senior Vice President of Culinary & Beverage Excellence for Darden Restaurants, overseeing Research and Development for the Red Lobster division.

Today, Mayor Keogh resides on his farm in Groveland with his wife, Vicki. The couple lives near their two daughters and five grandchildren, remaining deeply rooted in the community he now serves.

Representing the City of Groveland as the Chamber’s main event sponsor, Mayor Keogh shared insights into the city’s strategic plan—a unifying blueprint designed to guide long-term sustainability across programs, services, operations, infrastructure, and governance. Adopted on June 21, 2022, the plan ensures alignment between mission-critical priorities and the city’s budget, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness.

Proudly referring to Groveland as a “City with Natural Charm,” Keogh highlighted key focus areas shaping the city’s future, including infrastructure, schools, public safety, conservation, financial responsibility, and managed growth.

Among the most notable developments discussed was Brighthill, an upcoming community project that reflects Groveland’s vision for thoughtful expansion. Originally planned for 5,500 homes, the development has been scaled back to fewer than 3,000 residences to emphasize walkability and open space. Plans include four miles of trails, more than 500 acres of parks and preserved land, and a school site connected by sidewalks and pathways.

In a significant announcement, Keogh shared that the Brighthill development will fund 100 percent of the cost to modernize the Turnpike interchange at U.S. Highway 27—an investment valued between $50 million and $75 million.

Looking ahead, the mayor also outlined several upcoming projects, including the realignment of State Road 50 through Groveland, scheduled to begin this summer and continue through 2029. Additionally, the long-anticipated South Lake Regional Park is expected to open in the near future, further enhancing recreational opportunities for residents.

The main event co-sponsor was the Chief Advancement Officer of The Neighborhood Center,  Beth Carr.

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is hosting its  9th annual The Heartbeat of Hope Golf Tournament on April 17th, at Legends Golf & Country Club in Clermont..A day of golf, fun, and good work!

 

All proceeds support The Neighborhood Center of South Lake, where we believe that no one should go hungry.  Learn more at our website www.tncsl.org

Sponsorships and player spot(s) are available; Become the Heartbeat of Hope in South Lake County!  Register using the QR code or click the link: https://theheartbeatofhopegolftournament.com/

Entertainment was provided by Nhut Bui, who played ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ on his Dan Bau, a one-string instrument from Vietnam. Nhut took first place at a recent Talent Show hosted by the Groveland Historical Society.

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As the breakfast drew to a close, anticipation filled the room as the winners of the Table Decoration Contest were announced.

Third Place
Sponsored by Salt Shack by the Lake, the prize included a $50 gift card to enjoy lakeside dining.
Winner: Clermont Fire Department

Second Place
Sponsored by Advantage Insurance Advisors, the prize featured a $75 gift card to Miller’s Ale House.
Winner: AdventHealth

First Place
Sponsored by The Counselor Care, the grand prize was a thoughtfully curated self-care basket designed to encourage rest and renewal. The gift included a relaxing massage certificate, a beverage certificate for a favorite coffee or tea, and comforting self-care essentials to nourish both mind and body — a perfect package promoting balance, stress relief, and a well-deserved moment of calm.
Winner: Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Congratulations to the top three winners for bringing creativity, color, and community spirit to the morning’s celebration!

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The Main Event Sponsor of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Paul Rountree, President of Project Scholars – Pig on the Pond, delivered an exciting preview of the upcoming 2026 Pig on the Pond festival.

The spring festival and fair returns to Waterfront Park, 3rd Street, Clermont, from Friday, March 27 at 5 pm through Sunday, March 29 at 5 pm. The event promises a weekend filled with “oink-tastic” activities, mouthwatering BBQ, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and plenty of fun by the lake.

Hosted by Project Scholars, Pig on the Pond is more than just a great time — it’s a community celebration with a purpose. The event raises funds to support local students while bringing families and friends together to create lasting memories.

Paul shared enthusiastically, “whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or the fellowship, Pig on the Pond offers something for everyone and all for a great cause!

The event co-sponsor, Denise Calderon of Denise Calderon Certified Public Accountant, took the podium with a special announcement.

With confidence and heartfelt gratitude for the community she serves, Calderon shared that she will be running for Seat 3, Minneola Mayor in the upcoming election. Her announcement comes following the decision by current Mayor Pat Kelley not to seek reelection, opening the door for new leadership in the growing city.

Calderon is no stranger to leadership or service. As the founder of Denise Calderon Certified Public Accountant, she has built a respected, full-service accounting firm backed by more than 25 years of experience. Her firm specializes in comprehensive tax services, staying current with evolving laws and standards to ensure clients receive knowledgeable, reliable guidance.

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The South Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted its December Trustee and Board of Directors Luncheon on December 15, bringing together Chamber leadership, trustees, and community partners to celebrate a year of exceptional growth while formally recognizing board transitions and leadership for 2026

2025 Board Chair Jamie Lowe reflected on a milestone year for the Chamber, highlighting growth to more than 1,000 members, the addition of 222 new members, and 88 ribbon cuttings throughout South Lake County. Signature events—including the South Lake Business Awards, Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Sips & Salsa Festival, Taste of South Lake & Business Expo, and the 7th Annual South Lake Golf Tournament—welcomed more than 15,000 attendees in 2025, reinforcing the Chamber’s strong community impact.

During the program, the Chamber formally approved its 2026 Executive Board, which includes:
• Chair: Donna Kirtland, LiveWell Foundation of South Lake
• Vice Chair: Jeff Powell, Powell Studio Architecture
• Treasurer: Monica Wofford, Contagious Companies
• Secretary: Paul Johns, Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital
• Immediate Past Chair: Jamie Lowe, Lake Catherine Farms

The Chamber also welcomed its new Board Members for a first three-year term:
• Brendan Richmond, Universal Studios
• Christina Meyer, BlueWater Family Wellness
• J. Brian Miles, SouthLake.TV
• Jo Lynn Nicholson, Metes & Bounds Title Company
• Justin Allender, First National Bank of Mt. Dora
• Nelida Andon, Niagara Bottling

Board Members renewed for a second three-year term include:
• Jean Gallagher, Walt Disney World Resort
• Regina Cruz-Morales, Keller Williams Elite Partners III Realty

Special recognition was given to outgoing Board Members for their years of dedicated service to the Chamber and the South Lake community:
• Amanda Hansen, Seacoast Bank
• Chuck Gainsford, Gainsford Insurance
• Jenna Emerson, CEMEX
• Mary Lou Burdette-Wieloszynski, Granny Nannies
• Sheri Olson, Orlando Health – South Lake Hospital

The luncheon concluded with remarks from incoming Chair Donna Kirtland, who shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and strengthening the South Lake business community. The South Lake Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to its Board of Directors, Trustees, staff, and community partners for their continued leadership and support in making South Lake County a thriving place to live, work, and do business.

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Panel Board Members Jeff Powell (Powell Studio Architecture), Jamie Lowe (Lake Catherine Farms), and Juliana Green (Teamont Boba of Clermont/Main Squeeze Clermont/ Everything Local Co), shared inspiring stories about their journeys from employees to successful business owners and how the Chamber supported their paths to entrepreneurship.

Michelle Michnoff, Chair of the Taste of South Lake Committee, reminded everyone of the Taste of South Lake on Thursday, November 6th, from 5 to 8 p.m at Clermont Waterfront Park. Along with live music, dozens of local restaurants, caterers, and beverage vendors serve up samples of their best dishes and drink. Tickets are limited and sell quickly each year, so don’t wait! Get your tickets now and come experience why Taste of South Lake is one of the most anticipated events of the year.

South Lake Chamber of Commerce Main Sponsors

Main Event Sponsor, New Beginnings of Central Florida , Jeremy Elliott and Jamila Smith and  Main Event Co-Sponsor Dash Sports, Kimberly Grogan.  

Sandra Vela represented the  Neighborhood Center of South Lake and explained the urgent need for food to Feed those in Need. 

Click below to view more of what happened at October’s Chamber Breakfast:

Click –  Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Award  

Click – 1000th Member Celebration  

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Adam Townsend of Montverde Academy exemplifies all these qualities and more and has been named the recipient of the $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Award, sponsored and presented by Juliana Green of J. Green & Company.

With an impressive 4.43 GPA, Adam has earned recognition as a Distinguished Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. He currently serves as President of the Jewish Student Union and President of the Arts and Athletics Leadership Committee, where he inspires his peers to engage, collaborate, and lead with integrity.

Adam’s leadership extends beyond academics. He is an Eagle Ambassador, a four-time varsity tennis captain, and the recipient of multiple awards, including the Clutch Award, Director’s Award, Most Improved Award, Heart of a Champion Award, and the Legacy Award. His dedication to excellence both in the classroom and on the court highlights his well-rounded character.

Beyond school, Adam’s compassion shines through his volunteer work at Arnold Palmer Hospital, where he supported the Acute Pediatrics staff, providing comfort and care to patients and their families. His passion for helping others continues to shape his future goals — he plans to attend medical school to become a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon, combining his love for athletics with his desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce congratulates Adam Townsend on being named the October recipient of the Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship.

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For the past several years, the Chamber has been on a steady path of expansion, with a goal of reaching 1,000 members by the end of 2025. That goal was reached months ahead of schedule, a testament to the region’s thriving economy and the Chamber’s growing reputation as a hub for business connection, advocacy, and community engagement.

“The Chamber has grown from an organization of 600 local businesses to over 1,000 in the last ten years,” said Colby. “This growth reflects a spirit of community collaboration that encourages businesses, residents, and local governments to support one another.”

Under Colby’s leadership, the Chamber has continued to expand its programs, events, and resources designed to strengthen local business and foster community partnerships.

“South Lake County is a special place that fosters partnerships and economic prosperity,” Colby added. “A larger Chamber means a larger network and a greater number of programs and services — this benefits everyone who calls South Lake home.”

The celebration not only recognized the Chamber’s growth but also highlighted the collective effort of its members, ambassadors, board, and staff who contribute to its ongoing success.

As the Chamber looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to supporting local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and strengthening the bonds that make South Lake County a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.

That’s a wonderful milestone — congratulations to the Chamber

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Top-performing individuals and teams were celebrated, with awards presented in multiple wellness categories. The Live Well Team, the City of Clermont, and “Skinny as a Board” were among the standout team winners.

The Wellness Challenge, sponsored by Orlando Health/NTC, reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to promoting well-being and fostering a sense of community through engaging and impactful programs.

Keynote speaker Lance Sewell, President of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

During the breakfast, Vice-Chair Donna Kirtland introduced the morning’s main event sponsor and keynote speaker, Lance Sewell, President of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

In his role, Sewell leads operations across the hospital’s expansive 180-acre campus, which includes 235 inpatient beds, an ambulatory surgery center, a short-term rehabilitation facility, and the nationally recognized National Training Center. He also oversees two freestanding emergency departments that serve both the north and south ends of Clermont.

A key leader within Orlando Health since 2006, Sewell has played an instrumental role in the organization’s growth and long-term stability. Prior to being named president in 2020, he served as chief financial officer, helping to build a solid financial foundation that continues to support the hospital’s mission as a nonprofit, community-focused healthcare provider. During his remarks, Sewell shared recent highlights and updates from Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.

The event was co-sponsored by Cheryl Hernandez, owner of Home Instead in Clermont. A champion for senior care, Hernandez is dedicated to supporting families as they navigate the challenges of aging. She was honored as one of Central Florida’s 25 Women Who Mean Business, and her company has received the Best of South Lake Award for In-Home Senior Care.

Kroger Delivery also co-sponsored the breakfast. Attendees were informed of an exclusive $10 savings offer on their next Kroger Delivery order of $50 or more. For questions regarding the promotion, guests were encouraged to contact Andrea Colby at Kroger.

Elizabeth Johnson delivered a presentation on behalf of the Educational Foundation of Lake County. She highlighted the Foundation’s vital contributions to the community, including classroom grants, school supply distribution, and scholarships totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars awarded to local students each year.

The Chamber also shared exciting updates during the breakfast, including plans to host the 35th Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, presented by CEMEX, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, and AdventHealth. Businesses interested in supporting the event are encouraged to donate door prizes valued between $50 and $100. Donations should be delivered to the Chamber by Friday, July 25, or members may speak with Chamber staff for additional ways to participate.

In other news, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce announced that it will begin managing rentals for the Clermont City Center starting July 1. The facility offers versatile room layouts and is conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Clermont. For rental information or to schedule a tour, members are encouraged to contact Jennifer at the Chamber front desk.

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Each table showcased unique themes and imaginative decorations. After careful consideration, three winners were selected for their outstanding presentations:

Third Place – Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Sponsored by Clermont Performing Arts Center, the third-place winner received four tickets to Mike Massé’s show on February 28th, a well-deserved reward for their effort and creativity.

Second Place – Headquarters Automotive – Bringing style and flair to the event, Headquarters Automotive took second place and was awarded a pampering basket, sponsored by Kathleen Holt of Mary Kay.

First Place – Everything Local
The top honor went to Everything Local, whose table design earned them the first-place prize: gourmet cookies and a $100 gift card to Amore Italian Restaurant, sponsored by Summit Broadband—a perfect way to kick off a date night!

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Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making this year’s event one to remember.

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See below Links to other happenings at the February Ambassadors’ Breakfast

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• Ray Goodgame Leadership Award Recipient
• Honoring the SLCC Ambassadors

For more community news and events, visit The South Lake Tablet.

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An Ambassador is more than just a representative; they are the friendly faces in blue jackets who warmly welcome attendees to Chamber events. Their volunteer efforts are crucial in supporting the Chamber’s programs and initiatives, helping to foster a thriving business environment in South Lake County. Ambassadors are present at key Chamber functions, including the Chamber Breakfast, First Friday Chamber Connection, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, and various Chamber Signature Events.

Jacquie Peterson of Splash Social Marketing is the outgoing 2024 chair of the ambassador committees.

The 2025 ambassadors are:  

• Jo Lynn Nicholson – Metes & Bounds (2025 Lori Wuchevich Ambassador of the Year Award and Chair)
• Sandra Vela – Serenity Spa & Wellness – (2025 Co-Chair)  
• Amanda Hansen – Seacoast Bank
• Beth Merrick – Sunshine Book Co.
• Cathy Bateham – Affordable Health & Supplemental Insurance Solutions
• Daniela Martinez – Edward Jones
• Erin Faulkner – Sprinkler Repair Company
• Gayle Tomasini – Headquarter Honda
• Geneva Hamilton – Caribbean American Association of Lake County
• Gerry Ash – Ash Travel
• Jan Holness-Wilson – The Touch 4 Health & Wellness
• Kathleen Holt – Mary Kay
• Keith Mullins – Bacchus Vino Etcetera
• Regina Cruz-Morales – Keller Williams
• Renee Lowe – Roe Family Chiropractic
• Sheri Spivey – CEMEX
• Sherrie Nemetz – Go Figure Accounting
• Yolanda Green – CareerSource Central Florida

The Ambassador Breakfast was an opportunity to express gratitude for their dedication and to highlight the impact they make in the community. Their commitment to strengthening business relationships and fostering connections embodies the Chamber’s mission to support economic growth and prosperity in the region.

The next time you see someone in a blue jacket at a Chamber event, take a moment to thank them for their service—they are working hard to support and strengthen our local business community.

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