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Greetings!

It's the month where our thoughts turn to love. And as you probably guessed, I LOVE CLERMONT! There is a lot to love here, which was on display during the State of the City address last week. That's me with the mayor and my fellow council members along with City Manager Darren Gray. I've included some highlights later in this newsletter.
But first, I've included some uniquely Clermont ways to spend Valentine's with someone special. Read on to discover exciting dining options and other treats.
And with spring around the corner, I've included some of the hot news from the world of home decorating.
Thanks for your interest in News You Can Use.

Happy Valentine's Day!
Diane Travis, Owner and Broker
VALENTINE'S CELEBRATIONS IN CLERMONT

Clermont has lots to offer to make your Valentine's Day special, from gourmet dinners to high tea to romantic experiences. Here is a roundup of some of these delights to help make Feb. 14 special indeed.

BREAKFAST AT CHEESER'S - Amanda Walsh will serve "I Berry Love You" Crepes and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries.

HIGH TEA AT ERIKA'S TEA ROOM - Erika Shanoff will offer Valentine's High Tea, including Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake.

LUNCHTIME PIZZA - Pizza Hut will be offering heart--shaped pizzas with your choice of toppings.

DINNER AT ROOT & BRANCH BISTRO - Make your reservations now. The chef will be serving a choice of Pan-seared Sea Scallops or Steak Rockefeller with fingerling potatoes. For dessert, enjoy chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter mousse and caramel drizzle.

SWEET TREATS FROM BELLA ITALIAN PASTRY & BAKERY - If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, check out this new bakery, which will offer heart-shaped cakes and cookies.

MR. & MRS. PAC-MAN DATE NIGHT - Head to the Citrus Tower's popular arcade where they are offering a Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man Valentine's special. For $20, a couple can enjoy many arcade games as well as a bottle of wine. For $25, the couple can enjoy champagne instead.

These are just a few of the amazing options available in Clermont. And of course, you can cap off the evening watching a breathtaking sunset over one of our many lakes.
GRANDMILLENNIAL

With spring around the corner, it's not too early to think about remodeling. If you are considering putting your home on the market, or you're just interested in the latest trends, you may want to explore a new wave of decorating called "Grandmillennial."
A wildly popular article in "House Beautiful" magazine describes the grandmillennial style as an affinity for design trends that include Laura Ashley prints, embroidered linens and appreciation for the past.
The preference for things once considered outdated is inspired by people in their mid-20s to late-30s. This trend is often featured in HGTV's "Hometown" program. READ MORE
BUSINESS BUZZ IN CLERMONT ...

TOP LEFT: PIESANOS STONE FIRED PIZZA will soon take over the 4,800-sq-ft former Crisper's Restaurant at the same shopping center that is home to Home Depot at SR 50 and Citrus Tower Blvd. Piesanos’ full-service restaurant features an array of gourmet specialty pizzas, traditional entrees in addition to specialty and traditional pasta. Piesanos also offers takeout for customers on the run.

TOP RIGHT: McDONALD'S at SR50 near Bloxam Ave. is undergoing a facelift.

BOTTOM: PLANET FITNESS, which recently opened at the new Shoppes at Anderson Hill, is doing gangbusters with a full parking lot of new customers.
FEATURED LISTINGS
BREAKING NEWS ...
TRAVIS REALTY GROUP SOLD ITS MOST RECENT HOME IN 2 DAYS!
STATE OF THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS
A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the State of the City Address. City Manager Darren Gray recapped the many high points of the city's progress during the past year. He also recognized some of the people in the community who have made news. One of those honored was our own Diane Travis for her national and world championship medals in duathlon.

You can download presentation highlights HERE.
You can view a new video featuring downtown Clermont HERE .

Some of the State of the City highlights:
  Council Member Diane Travis won gold at the National Duathlon Championships and silver at world.
·         East Ridge High School graduate Michaela McLean won Miss Florida and made the top 15 semifinals in Miss America.
·         Mari Jones and Kayslin Victoria competed on Season 16 of NBC’s “The Voice;” Jones made the Top 13 on Team Adam Levine, and Victoria made the Top 30 on Team John Legend.
·         Rod Price, founder and coach of the Clermont Dragon Boat Club, won three gold medals at the Dragon Boat World Championships.
·         Small business owner Allison Fogarty made the “Rachael Ray Show” for starting the dog treat company DOGGY Delights By Allison.
·         Swimmer Charles Weatherbee took home five gold medals at the World Police and Fire Games at age 86.
·         Lake County Rowing Association recently broke two world records in three days.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN CLERMONT

The City's event calendar.