Happy weekend, Clermont! In today’s happening-today edition: Special Olympics legacy, a canceled Renaissance Faire, and a $21.5 million lotto jackpot + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A trailblazing athlete's legacy: As the Special Olympics USA Games start today, Florida’s Maryann Gonzalez reflects on 50 years, from starting golf to becoming the first athlete in Special Olympics Florida’s Hall of Fame -- read her full story.
Community event hits pause: The 2026 Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire was canceled after losing site access, hitting a Lake County fundraiser that raised $1.5 million and generated $5 million in economic impact -- read why it was canceled.
Lottery windfall claimed: A 61-year-old Clermont man claimed a $21.5 million Lotto jackpot, taking a $11,750,158.50 lump sum. The ticket was purchased at BJ's Wholesale Club. The next drawing is today -- read the full story.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Local lake day upgrade: Lake Louisa State Park is Clermont’s built-in reset button, with shady trails, paddle-friendly water, horseback rides, and a designated swim area when you need to cool off. Pack a snack, lace up, and let those tea-colored views trick your brain into thinking you took a mini-vacation.
Dial in your swing: Skip the afternoon storms and sharpen your game at ONE Degree - Indoor Golf Center, a membership-based indoor range with Trackman setups and a legit short-game zone. It’s the kind of spot where Clermont locals sneak in focused practice, then brag about newfound yardage over coffee later.
Sunset, snacks, and swings: For a weeknight reset, The View at Clermont National nails the trifecta: incredible views, easygoing food and drinks, and built-in fun. Post up on the Sports Patio, let the kids tackle mini golf while you sip a local brew, then catch live music on the weekend.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🛠 Community Volunteer Saturday Program: Trail Maintenance Stewardship @ Oakland Nature Preserve (Winter Garden) | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Swapping brunch for brush-cutting, Trail Maintenance Stewardship days teach us to evict invasive plants, do yardwork with better views, and feel smug in the good way. Think select Saturdays and a few holidays, good company, real work, and trails you can brag about later.
🧘 Sup Yoga Flow @ Lake Hiawatha Preserve | Saturday (6/20) at 8:30 AM – This SUP yoga flow swaps the mat for a paddleboard, gliding across calm water as you practice balance, breath, and staying dry. Think mellow stretches, zen vibes, and a core workout that sneaks up gently, with views, fewer grunts, and bragging rights you can use.
👑 Royal Princess Tea @ The Hide | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Fair warning, Clermont’s The Hide goes full fairy tale, turning into a princess tea with crowns, storytime, and dainty treats fit for your favorite tiny royal. You get real tea and adult conversation, they get tiaras and twirls, everyone wins, glitter optional.
🎉 Winter Garden Juneteenth Community Celebration @ Charlie Mae Wilder Park | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Grab your lawn chair and head to Charlie Mae Wilder Park for a free Juneteenth celebration with live music, a kids’ zone, community booths, and eats for purchase. Park at 848 E. Plant Street, ride the shuttle, keep it dry, rain or shine.
🐱 Meet Illustrator Leeza Hernandez - Cats in Conductor Hats @ Sunshine Book Co. | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Whether your kid sketches on the walls or just the iPad, take them to meet illustrator Leeza Hernandez and her Cats in Conductor Hats. Live drawing demo, kid-friendly how-tos, book signing, and a chat with Leeza, plus felines punching tickets, obviously.
🥕 Downtown Clermont Farmers Market @ Downtown Clermont | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Spend Sunday strolling the Downtown Clermont Farmers Market, as the heart of downtown becomes a lively spread of fresh produce, local makers, and easy conversation. It is peak Clermont, with cheerful vendors, bandana-clad dogs, and the pleasant chance of bumping into half your address book.
🐱 Paint: Mer-Kitty Family Day @ Painting with a Twist | Sunday (6/21) at 11:30 AM – If your fridge art needs an upgrade, take the grandkids to paint a mer-kitty and pretend you only came for moral support. A family class for ages 5 to 105, and yes, adults can observe, but the kids love when you grab a brush too. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Clermont report Weather forecastToday — High: 95°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 35%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 105. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, then patchy fog. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 102. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 39%
Patchy fog before 8am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. West wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis impeccably maintained Highland Ranch pool home pairs timeless architecture with serious versatility, offering 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a private office, game room, theatre room, and an air-conditioned 3-car garage. The Harwood floor plan features a first-floor primary suite, soaring ceilings, granite countertops, and a saltwater pool with heated spa, all near trail access and resort-style amenities.
Take a peek inside → |
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