Uncovering the Gem
Clermont’s Historic Journey
Yesterday
Founded in 1884, Clermont was named after the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotniski, the manager of the Clermont Improvement Company. It was incorporated as a city in 1916, with orange and citrus production as its hallmark industry, thriving well into the 1960s.
Today
Clermont is the largest city in Lake County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida. Recognized by Niche.com as the #1 Best Place to Live in Lake County and #1 for Young Professionals, Clermont is home to a robust healthcare cluster and major employers such as Publix Supermarkets, AdventHealth, and Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.
It features convenient access to the Florida Turnpike, Highway 27, and State Road 50—just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando. As a designated Bicycle and Runner Friendly Community, Clermont boasts the 25.1-mile South Lake Trail, which connects to Lake Minneola and the future Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail. Victory Pointe, a $9.5 million, 10-acre downtown park, links recreation with community events and festivals. Clermont’s Waterfront Park offers white sand beaches, pavilions, and the popular Champions Splash Park—rare features for an inland Florida city.
Tomorrow
Clermont’s Downtown-Waterfront Master Plan includes over 30 major projects aimed at enhancing public spaces, infrastructure, and trails. These efforts are fusing the city’s recreational appeal with a growing arts scene and an eclectic mix of downtown dining and shopping, sparking renewed energy in this lakeside destination.