Here's an interactive map of our area: Clermont, FL 34711 [use the Aerial Image tab to see a photographic aerial shot] take a look at all the beautiful recreational lakes in our area. The beauty of our area lies in the rolling hills which provide stunning views of both sunrise and sunsets from East to West Florida. It is an area unlike any other in Florida and provides easy access to major Florida roads such as State Road 50, Highway 27, the Florida Turnpike, State Road 429, and Interstate 4. We are conveniently located within 30 minutes of many of Orlando's major theme parks such as Disney, SeaWorld, Universal and much more. You have to see it to believe it!
Population: 20,017
Area: 12.2 square miles
Lake County: Named for the 1,400 plus lakes Lake County cities are known by Central Floridians as some of the best places to shop for antiques or for grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local cafes. It has some of the most diverse and beautiful terrain in the entire state with an abundance of lake and canal views. Lake County is home many attractions including some marvelous golf courses.
Local Clermont attractions include: Hall of President's Museum, Showcase of Citrus (The Citrus Tower) the Lakeridge Winery, and many unique golf courses.
Here's a synopsis of our heritage: Homesteaders started moving into the Clermont area around the end of the Civil War. The first house built in what is now Clermont, a one room log cabin, was built by Herring Hooks and his family of 11, who arrived by covered wagon in 1868 from Americus, Georgia. Then in 1884, T.J. Hooks sold approximately 100 acres of land to a group from Vineland, NJ. These men organized as the Clermont Improvement Co., with A.F. Wrotnoski as general manager. It was Wrotnoski who named the settlement Clermont, after his birthplace in France. The Orange Belt Railroad came in 1887, bringing with it more settlers. That same year, Lake County was officially created from part of Sumter County. While most settlers made their living by farming, fishing and hunting, a variety of industries - including citrus, lumber and tourism - began to prosper in the area.
Clermont is truly the crossroads of Florida with it's location in the center of the state at the intersection of State Road 50, which runs east and west and Highway 27, which runs north and south. Nestled in the rolling hills of Lake County, Clermont has a high elevation of 300 feet and a low elevation of 100 feet. It is bordered by Lake Minnehaha on the South, and Lake Minneola on the North. Clermont is also on a chain of 16 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River in the Ocklawha Basin of tributaries of the St. Johns River, the only river system in the U.S. that flows north.
You will find that Clermont's abundance of clear, cool lakes and suprising hills, create a wonderful surrounding to live. For years, Clermont has been known as the "Gem of the Hills." Today, the gem is definitely appreciating in value. Between 1990 and 1998, Lake County was the third fastest growing large county in the state. The Clermont area, in particular, has been one of the hottest growth areas for home sales in the county. Clermont's convenient proximity to Orlando is a big reason for the area's increasing demand as a desirable location. It offers the prospective homebuyers a large selection of housing choices to suit their taste and price range.
CLERMONT TURNS 125 OCT 2009. The City of Clermont, also known as the 'Gem of the Hills,' celebrated a big birthday party in 2009 - it's 125th! In October, residents were treated to a week-long celebration that included downtown walking tours, an art show, and a wine gala and culminated with a fireworks display at Trailhead and Waterfront parks. Considering the tremendous growth Clermont has experienced in the past few years, it's hard to imagine what the town was like in 1884. Or what it will look like in 2134.
Below are some photos of our area. I will continue to update so keep checking back!
To view the latest updates on road improvements check out the Department of Transportation's website. They are widening State Road 50 to 6 lanes between Hancock Road and the Turnpike; Widening SR 50 from Grand Hwy to SR 561 to 6 lanes; Widening highway 27 to 6 lanes from North of Lake Louisa to N. of Cluster Oak Drive. You can check on the satus by checking out the information on Central Florida Roads District 5.
Historic Dowtown Clermont!
Fishing Pier overlooking Lake Minnehaha.
The Pier is also the beginning of the Lake Minneola State Trail for hiking, biking and more.
The Clermont City Hall.
Looking down Montrose Street in Downtown Clermont.
