Light Up Mount Dora is Saturday, November 28. 

It wasn't Alcatraz, but it sure wasn't comfortable. 

Mount Dora's jail housed prisoners in the heart of downtown from 1923 to 1969.  Built in 1922, the small building served double-duty as both the fire station and the city's jail.  

Originally limited to five cramped cells with heavy iron doors, prisoners  had to share a single, small wash room.  The jail later expanded by adding four double cells with wash basins.  The stark, cement cells and no air circulation, fans or screens on the  windows making Florida's hot, humid summers unbearable.  Read more...

The public is encouraged to attend the swearing-in ceremony tonight of its recently elected new mayor and council members. 

Former council member and challenger Nick Girone won the mayoral seat, while council newcomers Mark Slaby and Laurie Tillet also beat incumbents for city council seats during the election earlier this month.   Another city council newcomer, Marc Crail, will be sworn in after he was unopposed.  The four will begin serving their two-year terms immediately following the ceremony.

Residents attending can also express their appreciation to the outgoing mayor and city council members for their years of service and commitment to Mount Dora.  

The short ceremony is at 6 pm tonight at City Hall, 510 Baker Street.  After the swearing-in ceremony, residents may leave or stay for the city council meeting that follows.

They appear like over-sized eagles soaring over Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares.  Some call them ultralights or powered motorcycles of the sky.  

​However, these light sport aircraft are called 'air trikes' in reference to the vehicle's three-wheeled landing gear. Unlike ultralights, these planes can have two seats, fly faster and carry more fuel.  ​
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Like an aging Southern beauty, it remains charming and captivating.   The old, weather-beaten, chalky white church inevitably piques the interest of passersby.
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Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church of Mount Dora is tiny by today's standards  No matter its size, it remains proudly perched at the southern entrance to Mount Dora as if it was a welcoming ambassador. ​ Read more...

First, onlookers see something very big and cheerful coming their way.  Then they catch a glimpse of the whimsical, random objects on the roof.  Finally, they are happily engulfed by a trail of bubbles and lively tunes  

As the The Fun Bus rambles through downtown streets, it has been turning heads and generating wide, curious smiles. Later this month therenovated, purple school bus will start operating and taking passengers on family-friendly tours of Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.   Read more...

Three of the many special things Mount Dora boasts are its blossoming artistic community, friendly neighborhoods and the many vibrant local businesses that provide truly distinctive experiences.   The Best of Mount Dora are our readers' choice awards with categories ranging from music and dining to shopping and neighborhoods.  Read more...