by Michelle Delaney, owner/editor of The South Lake Tablet
The closing of Grace O’Malley’s in Clermont saddens me deeply. Any business closing is heartbreaking, especially when you consider the countless hours, energy, and commitment that go into opening and maintaining a business.
As a business owner myself, and as a Clermont resident for more than 50 years, I feel a profound connection to our local business community. We, as business owners, work tirelessly to keep our doors open. We care about our patrons, we take pride in our community, and we strive to play an important role in providing services, gathering places, and opportunities that make South Lake stronger.
Yet, despite our best efforts, there are times when success is determined by factors beyond our control. The economy, ri