She has been a phoenix in the making for almost two decades.  The century-old, Sydonie Mansion, has had its share of starts and stops in the arduous process of restoration.
Today, the impressive historic estate nestled on Mount Dora's southern edge is well on her way to a rebirth.  

​New owners Amy & Clark Frogley are passionate about preserving the landmark's architecture and history.   The couple purchased the thirteen bedroom, 10 bathroomMediterranean Revival mansion in 2014 and plans to complete the its restoration...Read more

A late-night, mano-a-mano battle will unfold in Mount Dora this later this week.  Two local chefs will compete in the open kitchen of Pisces Rising during its After Hours Supper Club on Sunday, February 28th.

This culinary competition will test the cooking abilities and creativity of Casey Aldridge of Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora  and Clemente Rodriguez of Mary's Kountry Kitchen in Tavares.   Read more.
​

Most folks love an unseasonally warm winter.  Not so for local strawberry farmers.

The record-breaking warm winter prevented the strawberry plants from setting flowers and future fruit.  However, the return of cold weather helped stimulate with eventual new flowers for fruit. Now the warm weather and sunshine is helping to produce plentiful berries...Read more.

Children Inspire and captivate her.   A new local photographer, Fury Gray, finds their bold, fearless honesty refreshing and strives to capture their authentic selves.  Read more.

Expect to see a whole lot more purple in the scenic areas ofMount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.   The Fun Bus which had its soft launch in early November, will begin its much anticipated  weekly tours this Thursday, February 11.  The 90-minute  tourfeatures comedic characters to entertain passengers as attention-getting bus rambles down the streets of the three cities.  Read  more.

It's not uncommon to hear.  Foodies expressing their inner-most cravings for Middle-Eastern fare in Mount Dora

A new casual restaurant hopes to satisfy those hankerings.  Aladdin's Mediterranean Grille, in the former home of Cerbiche on 19A,  ​ Read more.

It's not every day a celebrity comes to Mount Dora, let alone starts a business.  Perhaps that's why there is so much anticipation forChef Norman Van Aken's new restaurant to open downtown.  More likely, it's because of his amazing vision, talent and passion for food.

​"1921 by Norman Van Aken" is the James Beard Award-winning chef's new restaurant in Mount Dora.  Read more.

Last night's Mount Dora City Council meeting capped an end to the drama surrounding city manager Vince Pastue's announcement two weeks ago of his plan to resign.   The council voted 5-2 to accept the separation agreement Pastue submitted to them.  His last day will be March 4.  ​ Read more.