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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Groveland, FL

Home Care Groveland, FL

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Groveland's Downtown Festival Park in Groveland, FL gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Groveland, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Groveland, FL

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Groveland, FL?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Groveland, FL

Types of Elderly Care in Groveland, FL

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Groveland, FL
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Groveland, FL
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake David Park in Groveland, FL with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Groveland, FL
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Chatham's Place Restaurant or visit EL Puryear Building, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Groveland, FL

Benefits of Home Care in Groveland, FL

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Groveland, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Groveland, FL

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your FL's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Groveland, FL

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Groveland, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Groveland, FL

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Groveland, FL

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Trilogy Orlando
  • Magnolia House at Cascades of Groveland HOA
  • Woodlands at Church Lake
  • Joe Blair Cares
  • Madison at Clermont
  • Hunt Trace Senior Living
Home Care Groveland, FL

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Groveland, FL

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Groveland, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Groveland, FL

Latest News in Groveland, FL

Groveland To Celebrate The Holidays With Tree Lighting And 34th Annual Christmas Parade

The City of Groveland is preparing for a joyful weekend of holiday festivities, inviting residents and visitors to gather in celebration of community, tradition, and Christmas cheer.The holiday spirit begins on Friday, December 12, 2025, with the Christmas Second Friday Block Party and Tree Lighting at Lake David Park. The event will take place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm., offering an evening ...

The City of Groveland is preparing for a joyful weekend of holiday festivities, inviting residents and visitors to gather in celebration of community, tradition, and Christmas cheer.

The holiday spirit begins on Friday, December 12, 2025, with the Christmas Second Friday Block Party and Tree Lighting at Lake David Park. The event will take place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm., offering an evening of family-friendly entertainment and seasonal festivities. Santa Claus will be joining the celebration from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, giving children the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and snap festive photos.

At 7:00 pm, the official lighting of the Christmas tree will illuminate the park, marking the ceremonial start of the holiday season in Groveland. Guests can enjoy music, lights, and the warm ambiance of a community united in celebration.

The fun continues the next morning with the city’s beloved annual parade. On Saturday, December 13, at 10:00 am., Groveland will proudly present its 34th Annual Christmas Parade, also taking place at Lake David Park, located at 243 S. Lake Ave., Groveland.

This year’s parade theme, “Christmas Around the World & Peace on Earth,” invites spectators to enjoy a vibrant display of international holiday traditions and messages of goodwill. Colorful floats, marching bands, community groups, and festive performances will fill the route, providing delight for all ages.

Families, friends, and neighbors are encouraged to attend both events to share in the magic of the season and celebrate Groveland’s enduring spirit of community.

For information on parade registration and additional details, please visit:
https://groveland-fl.gov/741/Groveland-Christmas-Parade

Lake County wants $1.3M back after Kroger Delivery closes Orlando operations

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - Lake County officials want to recover as much of the $1.3 million in incentives given to Kroger after the grocery retailer announced it would close its massive Groveland warehouse and effectively end its Kroger Delivery service in the Orlando area.More than 1,400 people were employed by Kroger – and will be impacted by the facility's closure in early 2026, according to the Florida WARN Notice.What we know:On Tuesday, the Lake County Board of Commissioners voted to terminate its ...

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - Lake County officials want to recover as much of the $1.3 million in incentives given to Kroger after the grocery retailer announced it would close its massive Groveland warehouse and effectively end its Kroger Delivery service in the Orlando area.

More than 1,400 people were employed by Kroger – and will be impacted by the facility's closure in early 2026, according to the Florida WARN Notice.

What we know:

On Tuesday, the Lake County Board of Commissioners voted to terminate its agreements with Kroger and Ocado Group, following Kroger's November announcement that it would close three of its fulfillment facilities, including the one in Groveland, Florida.

As part of that decision, county leaders said it would keep the $400,000 tax incentive for Kroger and redirect it to help those employees impacted by the upcoming closure. Leaders also said they will also make an effort to collect the tax incentives awarded to Kroger from 2022-2024, totaling $1.3 million.

Under the agreement:

- Lake County will keep the 2025 tax incentive ($400,000)

- That money will be redirected to other areas: $40,000 towards road improvements, $360,000 in workforce support programs

- County hopes to get reimbursed for the $1.3M in incentives awarded to Kroger in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Lake County said the $360,000 would be used to "provide retraining, upskilling, and job-placement services" towards those impacted by the closure. The county plans to work with CareerSource of Florida to oversee education opportunities at Lake Technical College, Lake-Sumter State College, and other local organizations.

What they're saying:

"We're going to get through this. We'll recover somehow, but obviously, we're going to try to help the people that were devastated by this," said Lake County Commissioner Sean Parks.

"Moving forward, they're not going to be receiving any more incentives from us," he said.

The backstory:

Kroger announced in November that it would close three of its Kroger Delivery fulfillment centers in three cities, including one in Groveland.

Kroger said the decision to close these centers was due to them not meeting the company's financial expectations. It follows previous closures in South Florida, effectively ending Kroger Delivery in much, if not all, of the state.

When does Kroger Delivery end in Orlando?

According to messages sent to Kroger Delivery customers in Orlando, the service will end on Feb. 1, 2026. The last day to submit a delivery order will be Jan. 31, 2026.

Residents received notice that Kroger Delivery is ending in their area after Kroger announced the closing of a fulfillment center in Groveland, Fla.

When did the Kroger facility open in Groveland?

Kroger's Groveland facility opened in 2021 and features dozens of robots that handle the online orders.

The Groveland CFC is located at U.S. Highway 27 and American Way and occupies 375,000 square feet.

The county had previously paid Kroger $1.3 million in incentives while the center employed local workers and fulfilled grocery orders throughout Central Florida.

What's next:

It's not clear how much money, if any, Lake County will be able to get back. It's unclear what avenues the county will take.

Kroger has not commented beyond the initial release.

A hiring event will be held on Dec. 10 for those Kroger employees impacted by the closure. A second event would be held in January, officials said.

The Source: This article was written using information sourced from Lake County and previous FOX 35 reporting.

Lake County, Groveland Officials Respond to Kroger’s Announcement of 2026 Facility Closure

Kroger Co. has announced plans to close three of its automated delivery fulfillment centers nationwide, including the Groveland facility, located at 7925 American Way, Groveland, that currently employs between 1,000 and 1,400 workers. While the company has not released an exact date, the Central Florida location is expected to cease operations in January 2026.The announcement comes as part of Kroger’s nationwide initiative to streamline operations, enhance e-commerce efficiency, and improve overall profitability. According to th...

Kroger Co. has announced plans to close three of its automated delivery fulfillment centers nationwide, including the Groveland facility, located at 7925 American Way, Groveland, that currently employs between 1,000 and 1,400 workers. While the company has not released an exact date, the Central Florida location is expected to cease operations in January 2026.

The announcement comes as part of Kroger’s nationwide initiative to streamline operations, enhance e-commerce efficiency, and improve overall profitability. According to the company’s news release, Kroger is restructuring its fulfillment network after a comprehensive review and will close facilities in Pleasant Prairie, Wis.; Frederick, Md.; and Groveland, Fla. The company noted it expects to improve e-commerce profitability by approximately $400 million in 2026 and plans to expand third-party partnerships with Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.

Local leaders say the impact on Lake County and the surrounding region will be significant.

In a statement released Tuesday, Lake County officials acknowledged the uncertainty created for families and businesses throughout the area. “The facility currently employs a significant number of Lake County residents, and we recognize the stress this announcement may cause,” the statement read. “Our priority is to support these employees and ensure they have access to the resources and opportunities they need in the months ahead.”

County officials say they are coordinating with CareerSource Central Florida and the Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) Partnership to build a strong support network for affected workers. These agencies will provide job-placement services, training programs, and career guidance as employees prepare for the transition.

The City of Groveland also responded, expressing sympathy for those impacted. “This is an especially difficult time for employees to hear this news and our hearts go out to those affected,” city officials said. “There are approximately 1,400 Kroger employees at the facility, many of whom are Groveland residents. We’ve already been in contact with Lake County and will work with CareerSource Central Florida to support their employment strategy.”

Kroger opened its Groveland fulfillment center as part of its expanding automated delivery network, which was designed to support the company’s rapidly growing e-commerce business. While the company continues to serve more than 11 million customers daily and operates over 2,700 stores in 35 states, officials stated that the automated fulfillment model did not meet financial expectations.

Lake County officials say they will continue to provide updates as more details become available and remain committed to helping affected residents navigate the months ahead.

FHSAA Class 6A Regional Semifinal
South Lake 19, Osceola 13
Location: Eagle Stadium, Groveland

South Lake High School Eagle Football made school history Friday night, earning the program’s first-ever regional semifinal win with a thrilling 19–13 victory over last year’s state runner-up, the Osceola Kowboys. A packed Eagle Stadium erupted as the final seconds ticked off, celebrating a milestone moment under head coach Brad Lord, who has guided the team to an unforgettable season.

Quarterback Tre Kelly delivered the game’s decisive moment, firing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Pina with 4:26 left to play. From there, the South Lake defense refused to give an inch, shutting down Osceola’s final attempts to tie or reclaim the lead.

The victory propels the Eagles (11–1) into their first regional final in school history, where they will travel to face undefeated Armwood (12–0)—a dominant 49–0 winner over Viera.

“A great win against a great team,” said head coach Brad Lord of Osceola (7–5). “We knew what we were up against, and we knew it would come down to the wire. So proud of both our offense and defense tonight.”

Kelly was exceptional throughout the night, especially on the final scoring drive. He led the Eagles 87 yards on 20 plays, accounting for three touchdowns in the game and repeatedly extending plays with his scrambling ability.

Osceola threatened late, driving inside the Eagle 30-yard line. But on a crucial 4th-and-4 from the South Lake 25, running back Jeff Sinophat was met and stopped a yard short by defensive standout Tyson Williams, sealing the victory.

Although tied 13–13 at halftime, Osceola controlled much of the second half and drove deep into Eagles territory on all four possessions. South Lake’s defense stood tall each time. The Kowboys appeared to take the lead at one point, but a 34-yard touchdown run by Allijah Jenkins was erased by a holding penalty. Another promising drive ended with a momentum-shifting interception in the end zone by sophomore Ahvioume Scott.

The teams exchanged touchdowns in the first half, each missing an extra point to send the game into the break locked at 13–13. After a scoreless third quarter, the Eagles delivered the only touchdown of the fourth.

“Every week high school football is different,” Lord added. “Last week our special teams won the game for us. This week our kicking game almost cost us a victory. Our offense and defense picked up the special teams’ miscues. Our student-athletes at South Lake High School are resilient!”

Next Game: Regional Final

South Lake at Seffner Armwood
Friday, 7:30 PM

Groveland mayor ‘heartsick’ over closure of Kroger fulfillment center

1,400 employees affected by Kroger closureGROVELAND, Fla. – The mayor of Groveland took to social media Thursday to address the closure of Kroger’s fulfillment center, saying he’s “heartsick” for the 1,400 employees who work at the facility.Kroger announced earlier this week it would close three of its delivery fulfillment facilities, including one in Groveland. Officials from the company did not say when the facility will close, but said delivery service would end Feb. 1, 2026....

1,400 employees affected by Kroger closure

GROVELAND, Fla. – The mayor of Groveland took to social media Thursday to address the closure of Kroger’s fulfillment center, saying he’s “heartsick” for the 1,400 employees who work at the facility.

Kroger announced earlier this week it would close three of its delivery fulfillment facilities, including one in Groveland. Officials from the company did not say when the facility will close, but said delivery service would end Feb. 1, 2026.

The city of Groveland released a statement about the center’s closure, saying in part that there are approximately 1,400 Kroger employees at the facility, “many of whom are Groveland residents.”

“Each and every one of us knows someone who works in that facility, so for us, it’s personal. Please know we’re actively working with local, county and regional organizations to ensure these folks have every available resource,” Mayor Keith Keogh wrote on social media.

In July 2019, Kroger announced the groundbreaking for the company’s $55 million, 375,000-square-foot customer fulfillment center.

Kroger partnered with British grocery technology company Ocado Group in 2018 to build warehouses where robots would pick and pack grocery delivery orders. Initially, the companies planned 20 locations, but only eight have been built so far.

In the post, Keogh broke down how Kroger fit into the city’s incentive package when it was signed in 2019. Read the full statement below:

“There’s no way around it: I’m heartsick for Kroger’s employees and their families. Each and every one of us knows someone who works in that facility, so for us, it’s personal. Please know we’re actively working with local, county and regional organizations to ensure these folks have every available resource.

I do want to address the incentive package the city signed in 2019. Given how this project is ending, your questions are fair.

Let me try and break it down. We waived impact and building-permit fees for Kroger and its technology partner, Ocado. We also offered an incentive for every job created at the facility, along with a sliding-scale tax rebate if the companies met employment and wage commitments, which they did in all three full years of operation.

I liked the analogy Sean Parks used on Facebook yesterday. He said “Unlike, say, a college football coach who gets paid regardless of wins or losses, Kroger/Ocado had to meet strict yearly job creation and wage standards ... And they did. For three consecutive years, they hired and retained hundreds of full-time employees at or above 115% of Lake County’s average wage.”

And something else I’ve discovered: we offered pretty steep tax rebates to both companies but still collected a total of $663,181 in property taxes over the past three years.

Let me be clear: we plan to fight for every dollar we invested in this project and are already working with our attorneys to explore the best path ahead. We’ll share more when we have a better understanding of our position. For now, let’s keep supporting our neighbors, families and friends, especially as the holidays approach.

- Mayor Keith Keogh"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Kroger closing Florida automated facility, impacting 1,400 workers

; ; ; ;National grocery retailer announced plans Tuesday to close three eCommerce fulfillment centers, including one in Groveland, in an effort to ‘drive profitable sales growth’.The closing of the Groveland fulfillment center will impact the approximately 1,400 Kroger employees who work at the facility, according to the City of Groveland.“This is an especially difficult time for employees to hear this news, and our hearts go out to those affected,” the city wrote in a statement. “There are ...

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National grocery retailer announced plans Tuesday to close three eCommerce fulfillment centers, including one in Groveland, in an effort to ‘drive profitable sales growth’.

The closing of the Groveland fulfillment center will impact the approximately 1,400 Kroger employees who work at the facility, according to the City of Groveland.

“This is an especially difficult time for employees to hear this news, and our hearts go out to those affected,” the city wrote in a statement. “There are approximately 1,400 Kroger employees at the facility, many of whom are Groveland residents.”

The facility is expected to close sometime in January 2026, according to the City of Groveland.

The Groveland facility, similar to other Kroger fulfillment centers across the country, uses more than 1,000 product retrieval robots that allow customers to order on , or the Kroger app, and have groceries delivered in temperature-controlled vans.

In their announcement, Kroger said it expects the closures to have ‘a positive effect’ to their projected eCommerce operating profit of approximately $400 million in 2026.

“eCommerce remains a core part of serving customers who want better value, wide selection and flexible ways to shop,” Kroger Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent said in a statement Tuesday. “…We are taking decisive action to make shopping easier, offer faster delivery times, provide more options to our customers, and we expect to deliver profitable sales growth as a result.”

The City of Groveland said it will not be participating in interviews as they are “still gathering additional information” on the announced fulfillment center closures.

“We understand Kroger announced this morning it would close three automated facilities, including its Groveland location, as part of an effort to improve its eCommerce profitability,” the city wrote in a statement.

With the closures likely impacting thousands of county residents, Lake County said it will support affected employees by ensuring they “have access to the resources and opportunities they need in the months ahead”.

“Lake County is actively coordinating with partners such as CareerSource Central Florida and Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) to establish a strong network of workforce assistance,” county officials said in a prepared statement. “The County is prepared to connect affected employees with our partners who provide job-placement services, training programs, and career guidance. We remain committed to helping our residents through this transition and will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.”

Groveland and Lake County officials were able to lure Kroger to the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Center in Lake County by offering financial incentives potentially worth more than $3 million in an agreement approved back in 2019.

At the time of their initial foray into Lake County, Kroger was in an incentive package offered by Groveland.

The city offered to pay $431,000 in impact fees, $213,750 in building permit fees — for plan reviews and inspections during construction — and up to $500,000 in job growth incentives.

Lake County commissioners also approved a property tax rebate with an anticipated value of about $2 million over 10 years if all stated requirements were met. The rebate came from an estimated $4 million in property tax revenue the center was projected to generate across 10 years, cut short by Tuesday’s announcement.

Kroger agreed to invest $51 million in the fulfillment center and British online grocery company Ocado was set to pitch in $70 million for “robotics and other technology”, bringing the total cost of the facility to $121 million.

Kroger broke ground on the fulfillment center in July 2019 and shipped its in 2021. When the center opened, it was projected to operate at full capacity with 400 employees, but the staffing level had more than tripled since then.

Kroger operated stores in the state . It also owned part of Lucky’s Market, but divested from that chain before Lucky’s back in 2020.

Kroger is also closing eCommerce facilities in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and Frederick, Maryland.

Earlier this year, Kroger and Ocada announced — one in Charlotte, North Carolina and one in Phoenix, Arizona — in fiscal year 2026.

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