Clermont is set to launch a major update to its comprehensive plan in 2026, shaping the city’s path for the next 20 years.

 

The plan covers crucial priorities like growth, transportation, infrastructure, housing, parks, and the overall quality of life.

 

To support this vision, the city is overhauling its zoning code, introducing a form-based code downtown and in the northwest quadrant.

 

This change emphasizes building design and public space, aiming for a more walkable, environmentally friendly community.

 

Deputy City Manager Dan Matthys pointed out the region’s current auto-centric nature and highlighted the need for sustainable solutions.

 

Starting in mid-February, Clermont will host a planning charrette—a multi-day workshop inviting residents, business owners, and designers to help shape local solutions.

 

Community members are encouraged to participate, ensuring the city’s future reflects everyone’s needs and aspirations.

Michael Hein has resigned as Groveland’s City Manager, stepping down after eight years of leadership that shaped the city’s remarkable growth and transformation.

 

Hein’s heartfelt farewell to staff reflected deep pride in Groveland’s progress, from bringing in higher-paying jobs via major commercial developments to fostering key public-private partnerships that support the city’s swelling population.

 

He celebrated the launch of Groveland’s pivotal bypass project—an ambitious move designed to pave the way for the city’s future.

 

Hein also credited local public safety services as among the nation’s best, while sharing gratitude for Groveland’s close-knit community, rural charm, and memorable sunsets.

 

Until the City Council finalizes its next steps, senior leadership will oversee city operations, and meetings are planned to address staff concerns during this transition.

 

Hein’s departure closes a chapter marked by dynamic growth, leaving residents and city leaders to navigate Groveland’s next phase.

A 16-acre wildfire broke out on February 14, 2026, in the Cemex Mines area off Johns Lake Road in Clermont, prompting rapid action by the Florida Forest Service, Clermont Fire Department, and Lake County Fire Rescue.

 

Initially contained in a mining pit, the fire risk escalated due to extremely dry conditions, leading crews to carry out a 500-acre back burn to halt its spread.

 

Local residents noticed smoke, a normal part of the containment effort, and were urged to avoid the area to keep roads clear for emergency responders.

 

Travelers nearby were warned of decreased visibility from drifting smoke.

 

Officials urge Central Florida residents to review emergency plans and stay alert as dry weather continues.

 

Separately, a 94-acre brush fire near Eustis led to brief evacuations before full containment.

 

Authorities stress the importance of staying informed through official updates and following local safety guidance.

Michelle Michnoff-Glowacki has been named Groveland’s first Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant advancement in how the city manages its expanding operations.

 

With more than 20 years of executive experience, she will lead key departments including Finance, Budget, Utility Billing, Procurement, Human Resources, and IT.

 

City leaders say this position will strengthen coordination and raise operational efficiency across all departments.

 

Michnoff-Glowacki’s appointment comes as Groveland experiences major growth, with $25 million recently committed to infrastructure improvements, like a new fire station and upgrades for the water system.

 

A major partnership with Lake County will conserve at least half of local land for agriculture and nature, supporting balanced development.

 

Additionally, construction of Fire Station #3 and a $92 million State Road 50 realignment project underscore the city’s focus on public safety and traffic relief.

 

This new leadership role positions Groveland to stay effective and resident-focused during a pivotal period of change.

Set amid Clermont’s scenic hills, Rainwood by Mattamy Homes ushers in a fresh chapter for local homebuyers.

 

Launched with a festive event on June 21, 2025, Rainwood’s opening captured the spirit of family and neighborly connection the community promises.

 

Home seekers can explore five designer models showcasing fifteen versatile floorplans, from inviting townhomes starting in the upper $200,000s to roomy single-family homes from the upper $300,000s.

 

Rainwood highlights energy-efficient features, spacious interiors, and options for both quick move-in and custom builds, all focused on creating an inviting and connected neighborhood.

 

By 2029, the community will feature over 400 homes, blending nature with modern amenities like a poolside cabana, walking trails, and a vibrant park.

 

Ideally located near major highways, Rainwood offers easy access to downtown Clermont, local wineries, trails, and growing conveniences such as Sprouts Farmers Market and expanded healthcare services.

Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida, is facing a major setback after a sudden freeze wiped out much of its crop.

 

Owner David Hill reported that the farm, famous for its blueberries, strawberries, and sunflowers, may lose around 35% of its yearly revenue due to heavy ice damage.

 

Despite overnight efforts to protect the plants with irrigation, the extreme conditions led to widespread collapse, especially among the sunflowers.

 

The loss is both financially and emotionally taxing for the Hill family and their team, with months of hard work lost overnight.

 

Southern Hill Farms is urging Clermont residents to help by attending upcoming events like the Winter U-Pick and Fun Zone this February.

 

With local farmers facing similar challenges, community support and resilience are proving essential to keeping Central Florida’s agricultural spirit alive.

Lake County Fire Rescue (LCFR), together with First Response Training Group (FRTG), has launched its second accelerated in-house paramedic program to strengthen local emergency medical services and invest in personnel development.

 

This unique program compresses the traditional 12-month training into an intensive six-month course, all while upholding Florida’s rigorous standards for academic and clinical instruction.

 

Nineteen selected EMTs are stepping away from field duties for focused, weekday training led by veteran paramedic educators.

 

Graduates will return as certified paramedics, prepared with enhanced life-saving skills and broader medical expertise.

 

Recent workforce upgrades, including a new 24-hours-on, 72-hours-off shift schedule, have significantly boosted morale and staffing, reflecting LCFR’s ongoing commitment to service quality and community well-being in Lake County.

 

Clermont, Florida residents can look forward to smoother commutes as the long-awaited Hartwood Marsh Road expansion gets the green light.

 

The Lake County Commission has secured funding, targeting construction to begin in March 2026.

 

Plans call for widening the traffic-clogged stretch from U.S. Highway 27 to Regency Hills Drive into a four-lane road, relieving notorious congestion and rush-hour delays.

 

The project also promises upgraded safety and accessibility through features like new sidewalks, bike lanes, and enhanced shoulders.

 

These updates aim to better support Clermont’s surging population and growing traffic volumes.

 

After years of waiting and advocacy, residents like Vincent Niemiec from Regency Hills say the improvements are overdue and deeply welcome.

 

Bidding starts soon, with construction expected to last about two years—bringing long-needed relief and quality-of-life upgrades to the community.

Nestled on a private 62-acre island in Clermont, Ever After Estate delivers a one-of-a-kind, luxurious escape just 30 miles west of Orlando.

 

Accessible via a private bridge, this sprawling retreat features 13 creatively themed bedrooms—think Star Wars fantasy, superhero ball pits, and a magical wizard’s dormitory.

 

Accommodations cater to large groups, sleeping over 40 guests with an array of king, queen, bunk, and twin beds.

 

Inside, guests enjoy a movie theater, vintage arcade, and cutting-edge karaoke lounge.

 

Outside, the fun continues with a lagoon-style pool, waterslide, outdoor kitchen, carousel, mini-golf, hammock garden, soccer field, and basketball court.

 

Featured on HGTV’s “Most Outrageous Homes,” the estate has become a prime spot for family gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations.

 

Nightly rates run from $2,200 to $2,550, with a three-night minimum and advance booking advised due to high demand, especially during peak times.

 

For details or reservations, contact Orlando Area Luxury Rentals, LLC at (407) 426-4315.

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital celebrated the new year by welcoming its first baby of 2026, Koast, at 5:49 a.m.

 

Weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces, Koast’s arrival sparked joy among hospital staff and the local community.

 

To mark the occasion, the Central Florida Diaper Bank gifted the family a generous year’s supply of diapers, reflecting its mission to support children’s health from birth through age three.

 

The hospital’s Center for Women and Babies provides comprehensive care, from pre-pregnancy through postpartum, led by skilled obstetricians, nurses, and lactation consultants.

 

Recently, the hospital earned national recognition on U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Maternity Care Access Hospitals list, highlighting its role in expanding critical services to underserved communities.

 

As part of the Orlando Health network, South Lake Hospital continues its century-old mission to enhance community health across the region.

 

Clermont locals are invited to join Mayor Tim Murry for “Lunch with Mayor Murry,” held on the first Tuesday of every month at rotating local eateries.

 

These gatherings offer a welcoming space for neighbors to learn about city projects, discuss new development like the Wellness Way expansion, upcoming housing, and the arrival of businesses including White Castle and Sprouts Farmers Market.

 

Residents can ask questions, share views, and engage with the mayor in a friendly, relaxed setting—no topic is off the table.

 

Each session emphasizes open dialogue, ensuring citizens have a real voice in Clermont’s future.

 

There is no cost to participate beyond paying for your meal, and bringing a friend or neighbor is encouraged.

 

Mayor Murry’s monthly lunches underscore his commitment to transparency and community engagement.

Clermont is on the brink of a retail revolution after city leaders approved Walmart’s plan to launch Florida’s first drone delivery hub at the Johns Lake Road Supercenter.

 

Following a 4-1 vote, the council granted special permissions for an eight-foot security fence and a shipping container to support the drone program, promising a new level of convenience for local shoppers.

 

Some council members, including Alison Strange and Bryan Bain, weighed in with concerns about the visual impact on the community.

 

Partnering with Wing LLC, Walmart plans to use drones that quietly lower lightweight packages by cable, minimizing disruption and addressing privacy with non-intrusive sensors.

 

Deliveries are set to reach customers within a six-mile radius during daylight hours, putting Clermont at the forefront of retail innovation.

 

Residents could soon receive daily essentials within minutes, making Clermont a trailblazer for future Florida communities.

The Lake County Clerk's Office continued its tradition of generosity by joining the annual Santa Loves Seniors program, organized through Bay and Lake Pharmacy to benefit LovExtension.

 

LovExtension, led by former deputy clerk Linda Krupski, is a nonprofit serving elderly and disabled residents in Lake County and The Villages.

 

This marks the fifth year Clerk’s Office employees have fulfilled wish lists for vulnerable neighbors, assembling gift bags filled with essentials like clothing, bedding, and cookware tailored to each recipient’s needs.

 

In addition, a staff bake sale raised $1,600 to further support LovExtension’s year-round mission.

 

Clerk Gary Cooney praised his team's compassion and ongoing commitment to uplifting the community.

 

Through heartfelt efforts like these, Lake County Clerk’s Office continues to make a real, local impact during the holidays.

New Beginnings of Central Florida has launched New Beginnings Village, a transitional housing community in Clermont supporting families facing homelessness.

 

The dedication was celebrated on August 27, marking a major advance in providing safe, stable shelter for locals in crisis.

 

Six furnished two-bedroom units sit behind the thrift store on Citrus Tower Boulevard, offering both housing and a nurturing environment for families to start anew.

 

Jeremy Elliott, Community Relations Manager, highlighted the importance of their holistic, required Helping Hands program, which teaches personal growth, financial skills, and savings at no cost to residents.

 

The intensive program, running six to nine months, is aimed at securing long-term stability and preparing families for independent, affordable living.

 

Community figures like Mayor Tim Murray and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell attended the ceremony, showing unified local support.

 

Residency applications open in October, with eligibility focusing on adults committed to work and growth.

 

This initiative shines as a symbol of Clermont’s dedication to uplifting its most vulnerable neighbors.

AdventHealth Minneola is set to transform healthcare in South Lake County, opening its doors in December 2025.

 

This state-of-the-art, 204,000-square-foot hospital on Hancock Road will offer convenient, comprehensive medical services just minutes from Florida’s Turnpike.

 

As the area sees rapid growth, residents will soon benefit from emergency care, cardiac labs, full-service imaging, surgical suites, and advanced outpatient services all under one roof.

 

In addition to meeting vital health needs, AdventHealth Minneola will introduce over 500 new jobs across several medical specialties, fueling economic growth and access to care.

 

The new hospital will also feature smart room technology, enabling nurses to provide virtual consultations and involve families in the healing process.

 

To celebrate, a Community Grand Opening event is planned for December 7, with tours, food, and live music at 1800 N Hancock Rd.

Showcase of Citrus transforms into a festive wonderland this holiday season, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy unforgettable family moments.

 

Starting November 28, the legendary 14-foot Monster Truck whisks guests on a sparkling nighttime adventure through beautifully lit citrus groves every Thursday through Saturday until January 3, from 7:00–10:00 pm.

 

The journey includes shimmering lights, playful surprises, and magical scenes, creating a storybook holiday experience for all ages.

 

After the ride, enjoy extended farm hours with whimsical photo spots, firepit s’mores, festive snacks, and glowing lights throughout the grove.

 

For those seeking extra holiday cheer, a Charcuterie Christmas Tree Workshop takes place on December 4 at 6:00 PM, where participants can create edible centerpieces with expert guidance.

 

Advance tickets and registration are recommended as spots fill fast.

Guru Indian Restaurant hosted a special holiday luncheon to honor the Clermont Fire and Police Departments for their dedication to community safety.

 

Owner and Master Chef Uday Kadam and his team welcomed first responders with complimentary meals featuring favorites like tikka masala chicken, tandoori chicken, and vegetarian options, paired with freshly baked naan.

 

Clermont Fire Chief David Ezell and Deputy Police Chief Michael McMaster expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of local support, saying these annual celebrations strengthen community bonds.

 

City Manager Rick Van Wagner and many first responders shared thanks, emphasizing the event’s heartfelt impact.

 

Guru Indian Restaurant, a beloved Clermont fixture for over 11 years, continues to champion local causes while serving authentic Northern Indian cuisine and fostering unity as the holiday season nears.

Clermont, Florida now allows residents to keep up to five backyard hens in response to rising egg prices and local demand for sustainable living.

 

The new ordinance bans roosters to avoid noise issues and prohibits the commercial sale of eggs or poultry products.

 

Residents must provide proper food, water, and secure, city-approved coops to ensure animal welfare. However, homeowners associations may set stricter rules, which the city will not regulate.

 

Applying for city approval is required before bringing chickens home.

 

While backyard hens promise a supply of fresh eggs, locals should weigh the upfront cost of building a coop—which can run from hundreds to thousands of dollars—and ongoing feed expenses.

 

Many find the commitment worthwhile, joining other Central Florida cities in making backyard chickens a core part of urban agriculture.

Clermont Brewing Company has closed its doors, ending a beloved chapter for Downtown Clermont’s nightlife and craft beer scene.

 

The venue’s final Halloween Night, packed with live music from Jenny Jenny, offered patrons one last memorable gathering.

 

In an exciting turn, the company’s owners are launching The Station at the same spot—750 W Desoto St—on November 6.

 

The Station promises to blend community spirit with new attractions, including a tempting food menu, craft beers, pool tables, and football watch parties.

 

The grand opening features live music by Hayfire, highlighting the commitment to lively entertainment.

 

This new venture is set to become a vibrant gathering place for residents and visitors, embodying Clermont’s welcoming and energetic vibe.

McKinney Park in Clermont came alive on November 8 as locals gathered for the first-ever ‘Year of the Youth’ festival, a celebration aiming to uplift children and unite the community.

 

Inspired by a heartfelt conversation with Bishop Sean Johnson, Clermont native Robin Brown collaborated with Mayor Tim Murry and Sharon Keys to address youth challenges in Lincoln Park, focusing on love and support.

 

A standout moment featured Devin Jarrett, who spoke of his journey from incarceration to advocacy, urging young people to make positive choices.

 

Attendees enjoyed a basketball tournament, volleyball, and lively cheers from the South Lake High School Eagles, while local organizations shared valuable information about health and youth services.

 

The Clermont Police and Fire Departments fostered connections with crime prevention tips and interactive tours.

 

Thanks to Walmart of Clermont, guests were treated to free food and refreshments.

 

Organizers hope the festival grows as an annual tradition for the city’s youth.

Clermont will soon enhance public safety with a new fire station in the rapidly expanding Wellness Way area, backed by a $3.5 million federal grant.

 

The grant will fund 15 new firefighter positions, helping the city keep pace with growth as Wellness Way evolves from former orange groves into a busy residential community.

 

About 6,000 homes are already built, with another 15,000 on the way, putting pressure on emergency services.

 

Current emergency response times in the area lag behind the city average, raising health concerns as noted by Fire Chief David Ezell.

 

The fire department plans to open a temporary station by early summer, with construction on a permanent facility starting in October.

 

Additional grants are also targeting water and infrastructure improvements, ensuring Clermont’s rapidly growing neighborhoods remain safe and well-served.

The South Lake Art League celebrated its 5th Annual High School Art Display with a vibrant exhibition on November 1 at its downtown Clermont gallery.

 

At the League’s board meeting, Mayor Tim Murry made a surprise appearance, presenting a proclamation honoring the League’s commitment to the arts and declaring November 1, 2025, as South Lake Art League Day in Clermont.

 

Talented student artists, including Remington Hayes of East Ridge High and Teagan Pittman of South Lake High, had their creative works featured in the exhibit, which runs until November 16.

 

Looking ahead, the League will showcase elementary artists on January 31, 2026, and partner with the Clermont Garden Club for an Art Stroll on November 22, 2025.

 

Membership offers access to classes and community events, with more details on the League’s website.

Pups Pub, a popular off-leash dog bar and sports lounge, is set to launch in Clermont, Florida by early 2026.

 

Situated at 898 W. Montrose St., the venue will transform a former auto shop into a 2,500-square-foot gathering space with inviting bay doors and an airy indoor-outdoor ambiance.

 

A 0.3-acre outdoor area ensures pups have plenty of room to play while owners mingle.

 

Guests will enjoy a rotating selection of beers, wines, and potential liquor options, and can order eats from nearby Clermont restaurants via on-site kiosks.

 

Sheila Suhar, co-founder, envisions Pups Pub as a “third space” for dog lovers to connect and relax.

 

The Clermont location aims to open between late January and early February 2026, with additional expansion plans for the Tampa area.

 

Anticipation is building in Clermont for this unique new community hub.