After months of construction, the area's newest discount chain store, Ross Dress for Less,  will open on July 17 at 9:30.

The new 26,000 square foot store will be in the location of the former K-Mart at 16900 US 441 in Mount Dora.    The store will be the same average size as the chain's other new stores.

"Every new Ross store is unique with the merchandise assortment it carries. We’re excited about our new Mount Dora location and encourage customers to come visit the new location to see what new and exciting bargains Ross has to offer soon", said the company spokesperson.

In addition to its discounted apparel, home decor, jewelry and linens, the store also expects to add fifty new full-time and part-time jobs.

For local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free subscription to the Mount Dora Buzz online magazine..  'Like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

Mount  Dora City Council voted 7-0 tonight to approve a compromise landscape plan for four Live Oaks trees to be added downtown.  The trees will be planted on 4th Avenue (between Donnelly Street and Baker), as well as Donnelly Street (between 4th and 3rd  Avenue) in lieu of four parking spaces.    

The council also discussed re-visiting last year's downtown streetscape that lined a portion of two streets, Donnelly Street and 3rd Avenue, with palms instead of shade trees.

The council will now be moving on to other city matters, including exploring improving downtown parking.  There is a public workshop scheduled for the issue on July 22.

For local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free subscription to the Mount Dora Buzz online magazine..  'Like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

Sixty million years ago, there were 23 species of its kind.  Due to predators, poaching and development, the numbers have dwindled to a present day total of four species.

The gopher tortoise is in trouble.  If the trend continues, this slow -moving, gentle creature that creates homes for other animals by burrowing holes in the ground, may be doomed to extinction.

 "Right now, the state of Florida is doing a study on whether to keep them on the threatened list or move them to the endangered list for animals", said Charlie Pedersen, a biologist with the Florida Forest Service since 1997, then called the Division of Forestry.  

"People don't realize the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law," he said.  "Property owners or builders must obtain the proper permits from the FWC (Florida Wildlife Commission) before building on vacant land which has known tortoises on it.  Only then can relocation experts capture and relocate the tortoises."

"The gopher tortoises are probably the most prehistoric looking, unlike land or aquatic turtles that roam throughout the state," said Pedersen.

Adding, "The tortoise lives in a hole which we call a burrow.  That burrow in a 30-40 year span can serve as an apartment complex for up to 300-350 species of sandhill habitats."

The gopher tortoise is a herbivorous brown or tan medium-sized turtle with a wide, muscular head covered with scales and flattened forelimbs that look like shovels.  Those forelimbs can dig a burrow 15-30 feet in length and up to 6 feet deep.  In many cases, an indigo snake, armadillo, and several spiders will take refuge in the burrow with the tortoise.  Numerous animals seek shelter from predators, adverse weather conditions and even fire.  Some of these creatures would not exist if not for the burrow.  It has been noted that during a fire, sometimes 30 species of animals run or crawl to the burrow.  The last one entering is the tortoise, which then blocks the entry way.  No one leaves until the tortoise departs; it is the burrow's safety monitor.

Tortoises are territorial.  The female, sometimes in her 40 years plus, never ventures farther than three-quarters of a mile from her burrow.  Research shows the male leaves more often and roams as far as two miles from his burrow.

Pedersen feels very strongly about the tortoises, stating  "If dogs don't kill the tortoise, man either through building on vacant land  or putting in new asphalt roadways, or poaching,  will."

He cautioned, "What happens now matters in fifty years." 

It's against the law to kill or harass gopher tortoises, their eggs or their burrows.  If you suspect a wildlife law violation, report it to the  FWC's hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), 24 hours a day.

By Sharon G. Nichols, senior writer

At times, the wheels of change seem to move at a snail's pace.  The case of deciding whether to replace shade trees on downtown streets is no exception.  However, changes to the previously approved plan require adequate time to follow the necessary procedures of meetings, redesign, and approval.   

Mount Dora City Council is finally expected to vote tomorrow night on a revised plan that will remove four parking spaces to accommodate four Live Oak trees.  The compromise calls for these trees to be added to 4th Avenue (between Donnelly Street and Baker), as well as Donnelly Street (between 4th and 3rd  Avenue).  This revision totals an addition of four Live Oaks downtown which helps bridge the gap in the total net loss of canopy shade trees on downtown's streets.

The proposed comprise is in response to public outcry that the lack of large shade trees diminished the city's charm and increased downtown's heat  thereby making it significantly less pedestrian friendly.  Residents also encouraged the council to re-visit last year's landscape plan that lined a portion of two streets, Donnelly Street and 3rd Avenue, with palms instead of shade trees.

Residents interested in this issue are encouraged to attend the city council meeting, Tuesday, July 7th at 6pm when the revised plan will be presented.  Supporters of downtown shade are encouraged to wear green.

For local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free subscription to the Mount Dora Buzz online magazine..  'Like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

4th Avenue, after removal of shade.

4th Avenue with shade (before picture).

Mount Dora's annual Independence Day Parade, sponsored by Lake County Rotary, is this Saturday, July 4th.  The procession starts at 10 a.m. and proceeds to downtown (see route map at right).

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned food donations for Lake Cares Food Pantry, the non-profit that benefits local families in need.  The food pantry has a downtown drop-off location along the parade route on the corner of 4th and Alexander Street.  All donations made will be matched by Main Street Leasing as part of the Local Love Food Drive.  

For more local 4th of July celebrations and fireworks information click here.   

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EUSTIS - After weeks of construction, a greatly improved playground is ready to open tomorrow.  The ribbon cutting ceremony at 3pm will feature hot dogs and slushies for the kids while supplies last. 

The new playground was part of phase one of the planned Ferran Park improvements which also included replacing sidewalks, installing new irrigation and landscaping. Phase two improvements are set to begin later this year and will include beautification of Park gateway entrances, additional parking, landscaping and signage.
 
The Ferran Park Master Plan aims to revive the park to allow for maximum public use.  Some ideas suggested by the public for future improvements include expansion of the pool deck, inclusion of a water feature, such as a splash pad or water park, connectivity to the existing Lake Walk and possibly, a skateboard park.
 
Ferran Park is the first public park constructed in Eustis. It is named after the city's pioneer and local businessman, Edgar L. Ferran.  The Park began with the purchase of land between Clifford Avenue and Orange Avenue in 1913. It is also home to the Alice B. McClelland Bandshell, built in 1926, which is located on the north end of the Park.  The Bandshell was refurbished in 1992 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

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EUSTIS  – The city will be celebrating Independence Day with a Hometown Celebration during its day-long event in Ferran Park, downtown.  . The Hometown Celebration begins Saturday, July 4, 2015 at noon and includes free live music, a free kid zone, games, sailboat rides, vendors, food and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m.
 
Entertainment on the bandshell will include:Jerico, the Jeff Howell Blues Band, the Smoking Torpedoes, Paragon Color Guard and Bay Street Theatre.
 
Kids will love the free Kid Zone where they can experience the new playground structure in Ferran Park, show off their dance moves at Studio 19’s hip-hop dance party and play life-size lawn games including KerPlunk, Jenga and Twister. Other free Kid Zone activities include an obstacle course, bounce house, face painter and balloon animals.
 
The Eustis Aquatic Center, located in Ferran Park, will be open for a free, open-swim from noon through 4 p.m. The Lake Eustis Sailing Club will be providing sailboat rides and demonstrations on the shores of Lake Eustis in the Park from 5 – 7 p.m.
 
The public is invited to support our troops overseas with Operation Interdependence. Visit the Day of Service area to create a card and survival bracelet then fill a package with items to be sent to the troops. Before leaving, snap a picture of thanks at the photo booth to include in the package.
 
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy at this fun-filled family event,” said Erin Bailey, the City’s Event Coordinator. ”We invite attendees to come early and enjoy some great food, games, vendors and music, prior to the fireworks.” 
 
The night will be capped off at 9:30 p.m. with an explosion of fireworks over Lake Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

More local Independence Day events are available at  www.MountDoraBuzz.com/calendar

For local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free subscription to the Mount Dora Buzz online magazine..  'Like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

Hurricane season has arrived and Lake County Emergency Management officials recently announced all nine of the county’s emergency shelters are now pet-friendly.

 “We are aware of how important pets are to many of our citizens, so we are thrilled to have worked with the Lake County Sheriff and the School Board to ensure people can bring their pets with them during emergencies,” said Tommy Carpenter, Manager of Lake County Emergency Management. 

“It is important to know that all pets arriving to county shelters will need to be crated and owners must bring their animal’s vaccination records along with food and water", Carpenter pointed out.

Shelter locations include Astatula Elementary, Leesburg Elementary, Lost Lake Elementary, Mascotte Elementary, Round Lake Elementary, Spring Creek Elementary, Treadway Elementary, Umatilla Elementary and The Villages Elementary.

For news, articles, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free  subscription to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly online magazine.  Be sure to 'like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

A continuum of lakes amid rolling hills with gorgeous sunsets is reason enough to live in Mount Dora.  The inviting topography combined with friendly locals, a rich history, and the absence of congestion make the area a haven for professionals seeking a slower, family-friendly place to build their dream home.

Some enjoy a sliver of inland paradise, while those a bit more fortunate have a wider slice of heaven. Indicative of the area's renewed appeal is this year's Parade of Homes winner for the Greater Orlando Builders Association which sits perched upon a hilltop in a secluded Mount Dora neighborhood.  Among almost 100 entries that represent the finest in home building and design,  the Lake Dora custom home won the Grand Award for Best Overall Custom Home, as well as the first place award for its price category, beating out the other impressive entries from Orange and Seminole Counties..

The owners played a significant role in the design and collaborated with the designer, Matt Murrell, for 15 months.  The sprawling retreat took 16 months to build and is a Mediteranean entertaining mecca for adults and children alike.  The family home boasts 24' tall expansive views of Lake Dora, an abundance of natural light, plus stunning details and amenities to rival any resort.

The aesthetic, yet functional, centerpiece of the home is the large climate-controlled wine room.  Its over-sized glass windows and cascading wine display momentarily transport visitors to the tasting rooms of Napa Valley.   This warm focal point successfully ties together the living room, dining room and kitchen areas.

Of course, the lake is the magnet for the outdoor space which features a stacked stone summer kitchen, inviting angled fireplace and plenty of multi-level decking for staying in or out of the sun.  The free-form stone pool, by Southern Pool Designs, has an elevated spa, a stone waterfall, and a wide wading shelf.  The final details are the marble cocktail table and seating inside the pool.  To add to the exterior's evening ambiance there are two elevated gas fire bowls at the lakefront edge of the pool.

The perfectionism of the home's builder, Beck Custom Homes, is evident in the craftsmanship of the home and its details including two sweeping staircases with subtle mosaic risers, wrought iron railings, Mediterranean Ivory travertine, various textures of Crema Marfil marble and a handful of inlays of Emperador Dark marble.  Most of the rich cabinetry is crafted from maple with different stains and glazes.

The home also features a large sauna, sprawling gourmet kitchen with built-in wine dispenser, enviable man cave with home theater and full bar, master bedroom espresso bar and enough garages to start a collection of European classics.

The friendly homeowners, originally from Sweden and Texas, lived in nearby Eustis before stumbling upon their lakefront dream lot in Mount Dora.  Their finished retreat is the product of its stunning natural surroundings and the successful collaboration between themselves, the designer and the builder.

For local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here for your free subscription to Mount Dora Buzz.  Be sure to 'like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

By Sharon G. Nichols, senior writer
Where can you take your children or grandchildren and see top movies; educational programs;  family story time; live performances and it does not cost you--one single cent?  It is the  W.T. Bland Library and it is completely  funded by the Friends of the Library.

"Starting on June 22nd our summer program starts at 2:00 p.m. with our Monday Movies," said Lynn Gonzales the Youth Services Librarian.  "We've been doing this for every summer and we fill each day of the week with different programs.  All fun and with the family in mind, we try and reach all the age groups at different times."   This summer's program is titled "Every Hero Has a Story".

Tuesday mornings is Activity Hour for grades K-5 in the Children's Program Room.  Open to the first 50 children, the first program on the 23rd is called Maker and STEM.  This fascinating, engaging hands on program teaches the children teamwork and presentation skills by using  Strawbees.  It is a little engineering and education construction kit with connectors.  

" Science and basic physics, tossed in with construction," Gonzales said.  "I cannot wait to see the  kids.  And then on the following Tuesday the program will be on bees.  Each Tuesday is a different program, the kids  love it." 

Family Story Time is on Wednesday.  From June 24-July 29  at 10:30 a.m. toddlers and preschoolers can hear stories read aloud to them.  Wednesday is a packed day for the library.  At 3:30 p.m. the Lego club meets and all children are welcome to come.  Its only being offered on June 24th, July 8th and July 22nd this summer. The weeks in between on Wednesday's is PAWS Therapy Dogs.  This is where licensed therapy dogs visit the library and the kids can read to the dogs.  

"Kids love this program," she said.  "Its where kids can read to a dog and the dog just sits there and both animal and child bond--over a book no less."

But it's the Thursday live performances at 2:00 p.m. held at the Mount Dora Community Building which draws the biggest crowds.  All ages are welcome but you must come a little early to get a seat.  House attendance is anywhere from 250-450 children and adults.

"The shows are amazing," Gonzales said.  "Several of the performers have been coming and putting on their show at the library for more than 20 years.  John Storms and His World of Reptiles plus Jiggleman.  We've got 6 other phenomenal shows lined up this year."  

Gonzales started a new story time hour on Fridays back in April.  Held on the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:30 its called Sensory Story Time. Its participants are children ages 3-5 years old who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This special opportunity for parents and children must be pre-registered because space is limited.  Only 8 children and their parents can attend.    

"None of these programs would be possible if it wasn't for our Friends of the Library," she said.  "They buy all of our supplies, video's, computers.  Everything.  They are amazing."

The Friends of the Library needs more members.  Annual membership starts at $10 and work up to the Benefactor rate of $100.  All membership money, goes to fund the needs of the library, in addition to the funds generated from book sales at the Book Nook and the annual Used Book Sale.

W.T. Bland Public Library located at 1995 N. Donnelly Street.  Phone 352-735-7180.    Hours: M,Th,Fr 9-6  Tu&Wed 9-8  Sat 9-2.  For the entire schedule of special children's programs at the community center, visit the calendar page at www.MountDoraBuzz.com

Christmas has come and gone.  Spring flowers have bloomed and faded.  At long last, summer will be the magic season for anxious local bargain hunters.

The area's newest discount chain store, Ross Dress for Less, is opening 17th and then has a grand opening on July 18.

The new 26,000 square foot store will be in the location of the former K-Mart on US 441 in Mount Dora.    The store will be the same average size as the chain's other new stores.

"Every new Ross store is unique with the merchandise assortment it carries. We’re excited about our new Mount Dora location and encourage customers to come visit the new location to see what new and exciting bargains Ross has to offer soon", said the company spokesperson.

In addition to its discounted apparel, home decor, jewelry and linens, the store also expects to add fifty new full-time and part-time jobs.
People interested in applying for positions at the new store should visit http://corp.rossstores.com/careers 

For more local news and events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, get a free subscription to Mount Dora Buzz at www.MountDoraBuzz.com/subscription 

For those that know her, Crissy Stiles isn't just a hardworking downtown shopkeeper.  She's also a witty, generous and passionate soul.    In late March, undeterred by downtown construction, Stiles put her passion and generosity to work, as she planted her first vegetable garden in elevated planters outside her book store.

Stiles, owner of Barrel of Books & Games, planted Jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, asparagus beans, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower. Many of her crops were harvested and eaten. However, the greatest challenges was not enough sun for some vegetables, according to Stiles.

"The asparagus beans have run their course, gave most of them away. I'd be glad to give away the lettuce and tomatoes to anyone that wants them. Lettuce is ready now, tomatoes should be ready for picking in about a week", said Stiles.

Stiles says passersby have been cooperative by not looting the garden and adds, "If anyone would like anything just come inside and ask.  Happy to share."

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As the school year comes to a close, children's excitement is almost palpable.  The anticipation of sleeping,  plopping themselves in front of a screen and no homework makes them near giddy.  

Somehow that excitement fades within the first few weeks, and moans of boredom begin to set in.   Restlessness doesn't have to take hold with so many options of summer day camps in the area.  Here are just a few to help save your sanity and theirs:

GENERAL INTEREST CAMPS:
City of Mount Dora:  Kidz Quest Summer Camp
Ages:  5-10
Cost:  $85 per week
Phone:  352-735-7183

City of Mount Dora:  Middle School Mayhem
Ages:  11-14
Cost:  $85 per week
Phone:  352-735-7183

City of Eustis Parks and Recreation Summer Camp
Ages:  5-12
Cost:  $50 per family
Phone:  352-357-8510

City of Tavares Summer Camp
Ages:  5-10
Phone:  352-742-6370

Golden Triangle Elementary Day Camp
Ages:  5-12
Phone:  352-343-1144
1465 David Walker Rd., Tavares

ART:
Mount Dora Center for the Arts Summer Camp
Ages:  5-12
Cost:  $85 per week (half day camp), $150 per week (full day camp)
Phone:  352-383-0880

DANCE:
Studio 19 Dance Camp
Cost:  $149 per week
Phone:  352-589-8622
128 E. Magnolia Blvd., Eustis

Golden Triangle YMCA Dance Camp
Ages:  5-12
Phone:  352-343-1144
1465 David Walker Rd., Tavares

SPORTS CAMPS:

BASEBALL:
Lake Sumter Little League Soccer Camp
Ages: 7-14
Cost:  $125 per week (half day)
352-787-3747

BASKETBALL:
Golden Triangle YMCA
Ages:  11-15
Phone:  352-343-1144
1465 David Walker Rd., Tavares

HORSEBACK RIDING:
Cara Blanchard Training Summer Horse Camp, Eustis
Ages:  5-13
Cost:  $240 (4 day camp)
352-406-8199

Dream Horse Equestrian Center, Eustis
Ages:  7-16
Cost:  $250 per week
Phone:  352-636-9053

KARATE:
Central Florida Karate Studios
Phone:  352-516-7666
2800 W. Old Hwy 441, Mount Dora

SAILING:
Lake Eustis Sailing Club
Ages:  8-18
Cost:  $250 per session
1310 CR 452, Eustis

SOCCER:
Challenge Sports British Soccer Camp, Eustis
Cost: $139
2349 Bates Avenue, Eustis

Challenge Sports British Soccer Camp, Mount Dora
Ages:  6-14
Cost:  $139
Phone:  352-7.5-7183

TENNIS:
City of Mount Dora Tennis Camp
Ages:  5-11
Phone:  352-735-7183


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STATEMENT:  The removal of downtown Mount Dora's shade canopy can create an Urban Heat Island, the environmental condition where an urban area is warmer than the surrounding rural area.

FACT:  True.  However, the city can add heat island mitigation programs to their annual budget.

STATEMENT:  Only a handful of residents care about the trees.  (Attribution:  City Council member during May 5 city council meeting

FACT:   False.  Council members have reported receiving dozens of letters from residents supporting downtown's shade.  Hundreds of residents have commented on local social media pages in support of shade, while others have posted similar comments on local online media.  A petition of 501 signatures in support of the trees was reportedly presented to the city's own Historic Preservation Board in April. 

STATEMENT:  There were numerous public meetings on this issue where residents could have voiced their opinion.

FACT:  True.  Over a period of years, Mount Dora held regular public city council meetings, workshops and construction meetings about downtown's streetscape project.  Those meetings were not advertised to residents specifically about the consequences to downtown's shade canopy.   For almost a year hundreds of residents participated in ENVISION Mount Dora, where residents helped define and plan the city's future.  During that extensive process which was completed in 2011, residents did not request removal or reduction of the tree canopy nor express a desire for an increase in palm trees.  

STATEMENT:  There are other viable canopy street tree options besides Live Oak cultivars that would be the right tree in the right place in downtown.

FACT:  True.  There are other viable canopy street trees and medium tree options that can be mixed into the downtown street canopy. 

Sources:  EPA, City of Winter Park, City of Eustis, City of Sanford, University of Florida Department of Urban Forestry.

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It's not all about charm, shade and history. Mount Dora's street trees have significant economic benefits.  

Research shows street trees enhance a community's economic stability by attracting businesses and tourists alike, according to the Southern Group of State Foresters.    The group states, "Customers are willing to pay as much as 10% more for certain goods and services if businesses are located on tree-lined streets" and that shade encourages patrons to linger and shop longer. Another group, American Forests, reports customers will pay up to 12% more in tree-lined shopping districts.

In Mount Dora's downtown core, many commercial rents are disproportionately higher than other tourist areas in Florida. Additionally, downtown Mount Dora has fewer busy months than other areas of high tourism.  Due to its inland location, downtown Mount Dora businesses depend on a single 6 month busy season,  while other Florida tourist areas have 2 seasons:  a winter snowbird season and a summer beach season. Therefore, any sustained reduction in revenue is critical to the economic health of downtown.  

Shade trees can lower air-conditioning costs of a business by decreasing energy use.  "If planted near a building, trees can reduce energy bills by up to 40 percent",  according to American Forests, the nation's oldest, non-profit conservation organization.  Likewise, reducing shade increases energy costs.  Mount Dora businesses in the Sunset Building on Third Avenue and Baker where oak trees were removed and replaced with palm trees last year, have experienced sharp increases in their electric bills.  Earth Diva Designs and Two B's Studio energy costs have risen an estimated 30 percent, according to Sonya Watson, owner of Earth Diva.

A significant rise in energy costs combined with disproportionate rents and the potential reduction of what customers are willing to spend in the area would negatively impact the existing downtown businesses community, as well as deter new businesses.  

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'Artist colonies across the country are celebrated as some of the most desirable communities.  In Florida, Mount Dora has garnered accolades for being such a community.  

Once a month visitors and residents are reminded of one of the historic downtown's greatest assets: its local artists. Mount Dora Art Stroll happens on the second Friday of every month and invites visitors to leisurely walk to the different galleries and artists' studios to view art, sip wine and appreciate the growing creative community.  Many of the participating artists also attend the top juried art shows in Florida, as well as throughout the U.S.  

The diversity of art ranges from acrylics like those of painters Emily Lewis, Jane Slivka and Bev Neal, to Bowersock Gallery's oils, mixed media, sculptures, and encaustic works.   A stop at the Baker Street Artist Studios is always worth a visit during Art Stroll.  The artists' galleries on the second and third floors of the Sunset Building are brimming with varied styles of paintings, weaving and award-winning jewelry designs by Sonya Watson and Barbara Boyce.  The accomplished artists are also on hand to eagerly answer questions about their work, techniques and creative points of view.

Participants can pick up a map of participating galleries at Mount Dora Center for the Arts and view the impressive exhibits the center regularly installs.  Mount Dora Art Stroll is a free event and occurs on the second Friday of every month from 6-8pm.  For more fun, free things to do in Mount Dora click here.

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In April, Mount Dora city council voted 7-0 to offer Vince Pastue, the city manager position.  Pastue reportedly plans to leave his current position as city manager of Farmington Michigan on May 31.   Farmington, a northern suburb of Metropolitan Detroit, is recognized for its own historic downtown and surrounding Victorian homes.  The city was ranked 27 in CNNMoney.com's "Best Places to Live" in 2013 and has undergone transformative downtown improvements in recent years. 

Pastue has been Farmington's city manager for twelve years and will bring considerable finance and economic development experience to Mount Dora.  Last month, he and the other finalist took time to answer questions to help residents get acquainted.

M.D. BUZZ:  What attracted you to Mount Dora’s city manager position?
PASTUE:  I’m at a point personally and professionally to move on.  I like the small town feel and all the activities, and my son lives in Tampa.

M.D. BUZZ:  What are Mount Dora's two greatest attributes?
PASTUE:  The traditional downtown is very attractive and the small town character of the area.

M.D. BUZZ:  Preservation and controlled growth are key to Mount Dora.  How do you managing growth while capitalizing on Mount Dora's reputation of being the “New England of the South?  .
PASTUE:  Preserve character and charm quality by not bulldozing the past and being very diligent and vigilant on density, traffic, development and preservation.

M.D. BUZZ:  How many years of managing and directing economic development to you have?   
PASTUE:  Probably 18

M.D. BUZZ:  Why did you leave your last position or why are you considering changing positions?
PASTUE:  After 12 years, it was time personally and professionally since the city is in a strong position and considered a desirable community.  I gave 7 months notice of my intention to leave. 

M.D. BUZZ:  Did the most recent city budget you managed have a surplus your last two years?  
PASTUE:  Two years ago, yes.  One year ago was a planned deficit for capital projects.

M.D. BUZZ:  Proudest professional accomplishment?
PASTUE:  Getting the city through the economic downtown turn and still maintain character of the city and its services, plus the transformative improvements to our downtown (infrastructure and redevelopment project).

M.D. BUZZ:  Regards to the most recent city you managed, what bond rating did it earn and for how long?
PASTUE:  Maintained AA bond rating preceeding and continuing through entire tenure, including during economic downturn.

M.D. BUZZ:  Largest budget managed?
PASTUE:  $25 million

M.D. BUZZ:  Largest number of employees managed? 
PASTUE:  200

M.D. BUZZ:  What city will you live in if you’re hired? 
PASTUE:  Mount Dora

M.D. BUZZ:  What are two of your biggest strengths?
PASTUE:  My financial background and being able to work with people during difficult and emotional circumstances.

M.D. BUZZ:  What is your greatest weakness?    
PASTUE:    I stay very current with technology professionally, but could do better staying on top of more advanced technologies for personal use.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words to describe your management style?
PASTUE:  Collaborative and visionary.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words your staff would use to describe your management style?
PASTUE:  The same (collaborative and visionary)

M.D. BUZZ:  Two words to describe your communication style?
PASTUE:  Clear & concise

M.D. BUZZ:  Best vacation you ever had?
PASTUE:  As a kid, fishing in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan with my father.

M.D. BUZZ:  Two things you enjoy for recreation?
PASTUE:  Golf and fishing

M.D. BUZZ:  Favorite vintage car?
PASTUE:  Late 1970's Trans Am
 
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Lake County parents have one less thing to stress about.  On Monday, the school board announced the start date of 2015-2016 school year would remain August 24.   In order to allow additional standardized test preparation, the board had been considering moving the start date up to August 10.  

The decision not to adjust the date was based on the outcome of a community survey of parents with over 10,000 respondents.  According to the school board's website,  71% did not support the change and 64% responded that they had already made plans that could not be changed to accommodate the earlier date.  

An earlier school year start may be considered for 2016-17.

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