|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Clermont, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Rezoning for 1,500 homes, a Bee Gees tribute, a 10-bedroom home with an indoor slide, and more.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Citrus fields to community: On February 16, Lake County approved rezoning for around 1,500 homes at Lake Yale, converting 456 acres into the Lake Yale PUD with $21 million for road and signal upgrades — read the full story.
Community-powered legacy of resilience: Nearby Leesburg’s African-American Museum keeps Lake County’s Black history alive, highlighting the first Black family in 1857 and civil rights efforts involving former mayor T. H. Poole — learn more about its mission.
Community wins and opportunities: Lake County Water Authority met lawmakers on 2026 priorities. Leesburg Casino Night raised $52,000 for EMT and paramedic students. Shelter adoptions run through Feb. 28, and America250FL contests invite students — get all the details.
Local history leaders gather: Lake County groups marked the nation’s 250th on Feb. 6 at a symposium hosted by East Lake Historical Society, with Lake Montessori students and costumed reenactors at Insight Christian Center — see who took part.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Creative sodas bubbling up: Swig, the “dirty soda” shop, has opened in Leesburg at 914 N. 14th St., serving carbonated drinks with flavored creams and syrups. The brand already has a Clermont location. An Ocala shop is planned at 920 N. Pine Ave., with no opening date announced. Get all the details.
More time to apply: Lake County will extend passport processing hours during Spring Break, March 16 to 20. The extended hours are by appointment only at the South Lake branch, 290 Citrus Tower Blvd, Suite 116 in Clermont, and the North Lake branch, 902 Avenida Central in The Villages. Get dates and locations here.
Scratch-made, date-night worthy: Root & Branch Bistro + Bar brings a cozy-upscale vibe with from-scratch plates, thoughtful flavors, and cocktails that never phone it in. Seasonal details, warm lighting, and easy polish set the mood… a spot that feels special without trying, and delivers conversation-worthy bites.
Upgrade without overwhelm: If your kitchen’s due for a glow‑up, Clermont Kitchen & Bath keeps things simple, with friendly design help, cabinets and countertops you can see in person, and clear guidance from idea to install. Consider this the nudge your weekend project list needed.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍖 Rib Cook-Off @ Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165 | Saturday (2/28) at 7:00 AM – The Winter Garden Elks Ladies Auxiliary runs its Rib Cook-Off, smokers going at sunrise. Pride, sauce, and reputations are on the line. Competitors pony up $45, sign up at the lodge, pay at the bar, then charm the judges and feed the rest of us.
🏓 Paddles for the Past: Inaugural Pickleball Tournament @ Roper YMCA | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re chasing medals or just calling it social cardio, the inaugural pickleball tourney at Roper YMCA serves up rec, competitive, and 65+ brackets, breakfast and lunch, prizes, and swag bags. All indoors, all good vibes, courtesy of Heritage folks. Spots are limited, register quick.
💉 Donate Blood @ Napleton Clermont Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Need a sign to do something heroic between errands? Swing by Napleton Clermont Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, hop on the Big Red Bus, donate a pint, and leave with a $20 eGift card, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a wellness check. Appointments honored, walk-ins welcome.
🦆 Duck Friendship Event: Women’s Positivity Jars @ The View Clermont | Saturday (2/28) at 11:30 AM – Clermont’s getting a little brighter with a women’s Positivity Jar meetup where you’ll craft your jar, swap uplifting quotes, and snag a Bond Duck for the flock. It’s February-friendly encouragement, friendship, and connection, the good kind. RSVP here: https://thebondmaker.com/event/duck-friendship-event-womens-positivity-jars-clermont/
🌸 Paper Cherry Blossom Wall Hanging @ Barrels and Boards | Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 PM – Skip the big-box art and make your own cherry blossom wall hanging, beginner friendly, all supplies included for $30. Choose soft pink or classic white, get guided step by step, and leave with décor your living room actually deserves. Limited seats, reserve at LakesidePetals.com/classes.
🍫 Chocolate & Charcuterie Soirée @ Back 40 Wine Co | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Clermont’s Chocolate & Charcuterie Soirée is pairing silky chocolates with gourmet boards, and actual conversation you won’t have to shout over. It’s a women-centric night out that’s warm, welcoming, and a little fancy. Come solo or with a friend, leave happy, full, and seen.
🎉 3rd Annual Minneola Charter School Gala @ Clermont Arts & Recreation Center | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – Minneola’s school gala is strutting in with a Boots and Ballgowns theme, Cajun cuisine, an open bar, gaming tables, music, and dancing. It’s a night you can wear cowboy boots with sequins, support the kids, and roll the dice for a cause without braving I-4.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Clermont report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 78°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 78. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 83°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 19%
A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
This house is wild
This 2024 Windsor Cay standout packs 10 beds and 8 baths into 4,300+ square feet of fun and polish. A chef-style kitchen anchors open living and dining, while Disney-themed bedrooms, a game room, theater, and an indoor slide steal the show. Outside, a screened-in pool and spa meet a covered lanai. Solid block construction and a two-car garage add convenience.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
