Lake County is bustling with community events as the back-to-school season approaches, offering a variety of activities aimed at supporting local students and families. From free backpack giveaways to fun-filled bashes, residents have multiple opportunities to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Back-to-School Events
The Eustis Lakeside Dental office will host a free drive-through backpack giveaway on July 22 at 2:30 p.m. Located at 15 W. Atwater Ave., Eustis, the event will provide backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and students must be present in the vehicle to receive a backpack. More information is available at eustislakesidedental.com.
On July 25, the Fruitland Park Library at 604 W. Berckman St. will conduct the “Pete the Cat Back to School Bash” from 9 to 11 a.m. This event will feature free school supplies, a bounce house, bike helmet fittings, and refreshments such as hot dogs and ice cream. The public is invited to attend while supplies last.
The First United Methodist Church of Mount Dora, located at 439 E. Fifth Ave., will follow suit with its Back to School Bash on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This gathering will include lunch, haircuts, inflatables, carnival games, and door prizes. The first 100 K-8 students who register at the event will receive backpacks. For further details, visit mtdorafumc.org or call 352-383-2005.
Additionally, an end-of-summer celebration called Last Call Mount Dora will take place from 5 to 9:15 p.m. on July 26 at Sunset Park, 230 W. Fourth Ave. This year’s festivities will feature a live performance by the tribute band Power of Love, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic film “Back to the Future.” Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies to support Mount Dora public schools, with donations benefiting students in need.
Community Activities and Support
The Community United Methodist Church of Fruitland Park will host a Christmas in July celebration on July 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will include crafts, games, and lunch, along with opportunities for children to take photos with Santa Claus. Families with children up to sixth grade are welcome to join in the festivities.
For those affected by Parkinson’s disease, a monthly support group will meet at Lake Port Square in Leesburg on July 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants will share experiences and discuss memory and thinking issues related to the condition. The public is invited to attend.
The annual AdventHealth Waterman Volunteer Fundraiser will occur from July 24-25 at the hospital’s Matison Conference Center, 1000 Waterman Way, Tavares. This sale will feature jewelry and accessories priced at $5, with proceeds benefiting the AdventHealth Waterman Capital Fund.
In support of genealogy research, the Pastfinders Genealogical Society of South Lake County will offer free assistance at the Cooper Memorial Library on July 23 and July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. Volunteers will help verify documents and locate family tree branches, welcoming anyone interested in genealogy research.
The Lady Lake Public Library is currently running its third annual School Supplies for Fines drive until July 31. Individuals can donate school supplies such as pencils and backpacks in exchange for waived overdue material fees. Last year, over 800 supplies were donated to local elementary schools.
For younger residents, the Orlando Health National Training Center is offering junior lifeguard camps for ages 11 to 15 from July 21-23 and July 28-30. Participants will learn water safety, CPR, and rescue techniques, along with engaging in pool games. The cost is $100 per session, and registration is required.
Lastly, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital is conducting various prenatal and childbirth classes, including Ready for Birth and Ready for Breastfeeding, throughout the summer. These classes cover important topics for expectant mothers and are designed to prepare families for welcoming their newborns.
As Lake County gears up for these community events, residents are encouraged to participate, support local initiatives, and take advantage of the resources available to them.
