Don't just dream it, live it!
Greetings!

This year -- and decade -- are starting off with a bang!
On Friday, I was honored to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony opening Clermont's new, amazing boat ramp.
January is a great time to take a deep breath, after the holidays, and look at what's ahead. And in Clermont, there's a lot to look forward to!
I've rounded up predictions in things I know you're interested in, such as home design trends, Clermont property values, the latest in social media and more.
Thanks for continuing to be a "News You Can Use" subscriber. Let me know if you have ideas for stories or have questions you would like me to answer about Clermont.

Best wishes for a healthy, prosperous 2020!
Diane Travis, Owner and Broker
COMING SOON

The Rusty Truck Diner & Planet Fitness
THE RUSTY TRUCK DINER
1800 S. Highway 27, Clermont

This new entry in Clermont's dining scene is touting an eclectic menu that will include American, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. The diner's owner also says customers will have a choice of choosing from a menu, buffet or bakery. The diner will feature extended hours for breakfast-lovers or those looking for a late-night meal. Posted hours are Monday - Thursday and Sunday: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays: 6 a.m. - 12 midnight.
The owner said he is waiting for final inspections. He plans to open in February.
PLANET FITNESS
2620 US Highway 27 South, Clermont

If one of your New Year's resolutions was to work on fitness, Clermont will soon have a new option in Planet Fitness. The fitness center, at Highway 27 and Anderson Hill Road, is nearly completed. They are hosting a job fair on Jan. 14 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the club. Planet Fitness touts its free, unlimited fitness training in a laid-back environment; cardio and strength machines and an express 30-minute workout area. Hours have not yet been posted. There are two levels of memberships. The Black Card membership also includes use of hydromassage beds, tanning beds, massage chairs and infrared light therapy.
Here is a roundup of 2020 predictions from industry experts:
  • HOME DESIGN - HGTV asked top designers what trends to expect, and they spotted 30, which included: bold and colorful designs instead of the clean look of the past decade; sustainable products, such as cane furniture, will gain greater prominence; strong Japanese and Scandinavian influences will show up in design. MORE
  • SOCIAL MEDIA - Ephemeral content, which appears and then disappears, such as Snapchat and Instagram Stories, will continue to gain popularity; niche platforms will become more important, such as TikTok (younger users), LinkedIn (business) and Twitch (gamers). MORE
  • REAL ESTATE - According to "Forbes," national trends include: demand for housing concentrated where jobs are most available; slowing of upward sales prices; demand for reasonably priced rentals will be constant. IN CLERMONT -- Zillow reports that the market for the 34711 ZIP code is still strong. "There are more interested buyers than homes for sale," with predictions of a rise in property value of 3.5% in the next year.
  • CLERMONT - Look for a new city event and more progress on the city's award-winning master plan. Find out all the details at the city manager's State of the City address on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 a.m. at the Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St.
FEATURED LISTINGS -- NEW LIST PRICES, JUST REDUCED!
NEW BOAT RAMP OPENS
Clermont's beautiful, new boat ramp just opened, and people couldn't wait to use it. The $2.4 million addition to Waterfront Park includes four launch pads (twice the previous one had), 102 parking spaces, 10 mooring slips and a new restroom. Lake County and the Lake County Water Authority joined the city in funding the new ramps.

PHOTOS. Top left - Ribbon cutting ceremony (l to r): Council Member Heidi Brishke, City Manager Darren Gray, Mayor Gail Ash, Council Members Tim Bates, Diane Travis and Jim Purvis.
Top right: the boat ramp area as seen from the outer deck looking at the park. Bottom left: view of the mooring slips. Bottom right: boaters take to the water.