Arts & Entertainment

Uptown Mount Dora to be showcased at August 20th event

8/1/2022

Say “uptown” and even some Mount Dora residents may be unsure just where it is. Later this month that’s about to change. The City of Mount Dora is hosting an event on August 20 that will help enlighten residents, entrepreneurs and developers about the area, its businesses and opportunities.

Uptown Saturday Night will be a public event highlighting the City’s Highland Street Corridor, the commercial area south of Fifth Avenue and north of Lakeview. The free event kicks off at 4 p.m. and will feature exotic cars on display and live music by the band Blender beginning at 5 p.m. on Liberty Avenue and Highland street.

Some of the area’s businesses, including Eden Abby Brewing Community, The Pizza Shop, Adrenaline Bike Works and Viva Liquors will be participating and at least one non-competing food truck will be on hand. Food, cocktails, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Uptown Mount Dora hasn’t seen new development in several years. In July, Mount Dora City Council passed an ordinance that changed the zoning of an 8.77 acre property located on the southeast corner of Highland Street and Camp Avenue with the hope the change will spark economic development in the Highland Street business corridor. The change rezoned the property to mixed use with up to 60-foot building heights.

During Uptown Saturday Night, staff from the City of Mount Dora will have information available about the area. Liberty Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic until the event ends at 8 p.m. The First Baptist Church parking lot will be available for free parking,

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Be sure to follow  Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

Veteran paratroopers return to the skies over Lake Dora this weekend

7/21/2022

They’re back! The skies above Tavares will once again be dotted by veteran paratroopers as they descend into Lake Dora. On Saturday, July 23, 80 jumpers from the Phantom Airborne Brigade will awe onlookers during the Phantom Family Day Water Jump beginning at 10 a.m.

Members of the brigade will jump from the Tico Belle, a WWII C-47 Skytrain flown by Valiant Air Command in Titusville. The vintage aircraft’s history includes dropping paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne into Normandy on D-Day, participating in Operation Market Garden in Holland, and providing support for the Berlin airlift. Since the Tico Belle can only transport 22 combat-ready paratroopers at a time, the plane will make multiple passes over Lake Dora with groups of jumpers.

The first group of paratroopers are scheduled to jump over Lake Dora at 10:00 a.m., with additional groups jumping every 20 minutes. Four flights are scheduled with a total of eight passes over the lake with ten jumpers each. The ideal vantage point is by boat in the area allowed during the event and the shoreline of Wooton Park located at 100 E. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares. Free parking is available in the nearby parking garage located at 100 N. Sinclair Avenue.

Phantom Airborne Brigade is a veteran’s organization giving military-trained Airborne veterans the opportunity to participate in military static-line jumps after leaving active duty. Disabled and combat wounded paratroopers also participate in the group’s organized jumps. The veterans include members of the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, 173rd Airborne, LRRP, Special Forces, 1Para, Rangers, and others.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

Tavares hosts Independence Day parade and celebration

7/1/2022

The City of Tavares’ 4th of July Parade and Fireworks will be held Monday, July 4th in Tavares, starting with a small-town parade along Main Street. The family-friendly event features live music, community vendors, food trucks, a family fun zone, and other activities from 4:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

After the parade, Tavares will kick off the evening festivities with live music in downtown’s Wooton Park. The main act is a Florida band, Slickwood, that performs country music, along with Bluegrass and rock. The entertainment will end with fireworks over Lake Dora.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
4:45 p.m. Street Party on Main Street begins before the parade
5:00 p.m. Seaplane flyover Main Street
5:00 p.m. Parade begins going east on Main Street from the Courthouse past City Hall to St. Clair and Abrams Avenue
6:00 p.m. Kids’ activities in Tavares Square commence
6:00 p.m. Kids’ dance party with interactive Live DJ in Tavares Square begins
6:00 p.m. Performance by the band “Slickwood” begins on the main stage in Wooton Park
6:30 p.m. Main Street opens to allow traffic to flow normally, will remain until the conclusion of the event.
9:00 p.m. Fireworks

Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. Free parking is available in the parking garage at 200 N. Sinclair Ave. in downtown Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

Mount Dora hosts Independence celebration on July 3

7/1/2022

The City of Mount Dora’s annual Independence celebration, Freedom on the Waterfront, returns on Sunday, July 3rd. The small town festivities are a slice of Americana and start at 5 p.m. at Elizabeth Evans Park at the end of Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. Live music performances on the park’s stage will feature artist Bailey Callahan, plus the Red Mint Band. The patriotic evening on the waterfront will end with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Dora at 9:15 p.m.

The free family-friendly event will also feature a Kids Zone with lots of fun activities and food in Gilbert Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Elizabeth Evans park is located at 100 South Donnelly Street. Shuttles will be available at the First Baptist Church Mount Dora at 1000 East 1st Avenue. Handicap parking will be located in the lower level of the parking garage on Donnelly Street.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

Eustis kicks off Independence weekend on July 1

7/1/2022

Downtown Eustis will come alive on July 1 when the city hosts its Independence Day Hometown Celebration in Ferran Park. The free, family-friendly event kicks off at 5 p.m. and the festivities continue through 9:30 p.m. The evening’s entertainment includes the Central Florida Show Ski Team and live music by Johnny Wild and the Delights. Attendees can enjoy a variety of vendors, over two dozen food vendors, free ax throwing, and other activities.

As part of the Independence Day event, the City will offer free admission to the Eustis Aquatic Center pool and splash pad (weather permitting). Bathing suits are required. Check back at Eustis.org for hours of operation.

The night will culminate with an impressive display of fireworks over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to the park to view the show.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Ax Throwing
5:30 p.m. - Central Florida Show Ski Team
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Johnny and the Delights on the Bandshell stage
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks over Lake Eustis

Ferran Park is located at 250 Ferran Park Drive at the downtown Eustis lakefront. Pets are permitted, but must remain on a leash.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

Mount Dora celebrates Juneteenth on June 18

6/13/2022

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Mount Dora will join other communities across the country by hosting a Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 18. This year the annual family-friendly festival will be held at Cauley Lott Park from noon to 6 p.m.

The free community event will feature vendors, food, and live music including local artist Ruth King and Soul Therapy. There will also be cake walks, prize giveaways, face painting, balloon art, and water slides for the kids.

Juneteenth, the oldest celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., has been a tradition since the late 19th century and is now recognized in at least 43 states.

June 19, known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day, is the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Although Abraham Lincoln freed all slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, Texas was geographically remote and its slave owners ignored the new law. Only Texas slaves that escaped could enjoy freedom in the North.

June 19 marks the date Union General Gordon Granger arrived on Galveston Island with 2,000 troops to establish a federal presence in Texas and officially free its slaves.

Today, community Juneteenth festivals celebrate African-American freedom and achievement, encourage respect for all cultures, and strive to create new bonds of friendship and understanding. Celebrations often include public BBQs, live music, readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and singing of traditional spirituals.

Cauley Lott Park is located at 1717 N. Highland Street in Mount Dora.

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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Best local Father's Day outings & eateries

6/1/2022

This year Father's Day is June 19 and planning a fun day for Dad is easy when you live in Lake County. To help plan the perfect day, here's Mount Dora Buzz’s cheat sheet of the best local Father’s Day outings and restaurants.

OUTINGS FOR DAD:

Fishing
Grab the poles and head to one of the local fishing spots for bass and crappie. Check out shady Trimble Park, Palm Island Boardwalk, Wooton Park and Simpson Cove.

Mount Dora Bike Trail
Throw the mountain bikes in the car and take Dad for a workout on the Mount Dora Mountain Bike Trail. The trailhead is located at Lincoln Park just east of the dog park.
Cost: There is no entry fee.

Boat Rides on Lake Dora
If Dad is in the mood for a more relaxing day, chill on Lake Dora with a cruise on the Dora Queen, a New Orleans-style paddlewheel boat with a full bar and live music; or a guided tour of the Dora Canal on the Rusty Anchor or Premier Boat Tours.
Cost: Approximately $15-$37 per person, depending on the option selected.

Nature walk and picnic at Trimble Park
This scenic park is draped in a mature oak canopy and straddles Lake Beauclaire and Lake Carlton just south of Mount Dora. The 71-acre natural paradise has shaded picnic tables and benches tucked throughout.
Cost: There is no entry fee to the park
Location: 5802 Trimble Park Road, Mount Dora (Tangerine)

Wolfbranch Brewing & Maggie’s Attic
If everyone in your brood is 21 or over, belly up to one of the 2022 Best of Mount Dora winners. For some cold craft brews, head to Wolfbranch Brewing, which was voted “Best Place to Grab a Beer.” If Dad is more of a Cabernet or Chardonnay kind of guy, head over to Maggie’s Attic, which won “Best Wine Spot.”

Emerald Cut Kayak Adventure
This two-hour guided tour from crystal-clear Emerald Cut at Rock Springs Run is perfect for beginners or advanced paddlers. It’s a great way for Dad to enjoy lush nature with a sandy bottom beneath his paddle.
Cost: $59 per person, all gear included.
Location: King’s Landing, 5722 Baptist Camp Rd, Apopka, FL 32712

Father’s Day hike
If Dad loves nature, pack a picnic lunch and take him on one of the beautiful nature trails in the area.  More info

great local eateries for dad

Breakfast:
Twisted Biscuit, Tavares

Burgers & Beer:
Frog & Monkey Pub, downtown Mount Dora

Lasagna and pasta dishes:
Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar & Grille, downtown Mount Dora

Pizza:
Mount Dora Pizza & Subs, Mount Dora
PizzAmore, Mount Dora
Back Porch Pizza Bar, downtown Mount Dora

Seafood:
Tiki West, downtown Tavares

Steak:
Goblin Market, downtown Mount Dora
The Back Room Steakhouse, Apopka

Ethnic meals:
La Perla Tapatia Mexican Restaurant, Eustis
Las Palmas Cuban Cuisine, downtown Mount Dora
Momiji Sushi & Japanese Restaurant, Eustis (near Sorrento)
Shiva Indian Restaurant, downtown Mount Dora

NEARBY ESCAPES

A special day trip can be the perfect getaway for Dad. Here are some nearby suggestions he’ll enjoy that won’t have you on the road all day:

J.B.’s Fish Camp, New Smyrna Beach
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
Canaveral Seashore (more info)
Apopka Wildlife Drive (more info)
Florida Air Museum, Lakeland
Bass Pro Shops, Orlando

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ this weekend

5/10/2022

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Lake County is the place to be for country music concerts and barbecue in April. The annual fest, dubbed ‘Planes, Trains & BBQ,’ kicks off on Friday, May 13 in downtown Tavares with an evening of mouth-watering barbecue, country music concerts, plus a cornhole tournament and a variety of vendors. The fun continues on Saturday, May 14 with more concerts, barbecue and seaplane events.

The two-days of festivities at Wooton Park will also feature a Kids Zone, fireworks and an air show. The park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street at the downtown Tavares waterfront. Seating is limited in the park’s concert area, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, MAY 13

4:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Live music, BBQ, plus more food and merchandise vendors
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Crossfire Creek Band
7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.: Drew Parker country music concert

SATURDAY, MAY 14

11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.: BBQ, food & merchandise vendors
11:00 a.m. Seaplane-A-Palooza flying competitions, including “melon bomb drop” contest]
11:00 - 7 p.m. Family Fun Zone in Tavares Square with interactive games for all ages and a trackless train.
8:45 pm – 10:00 pm headliner concert feature Kylie Morgan, preceded by live music by Hayfire
8:00 p.m.: Twilight Airshow & Fireworks

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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Best local country roads to see wildflowers

5/1/2022

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A field of Phlox wildflowers on Dora Drive just south of Mount Dora (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Every spring, as if to celebrate the season, local fields are awash in purple, yellow and orange blooms. The season is brief because many of the roadside fields get mowed and the temperatures quickly heat up, but the flowers are beautiful to take in while they last.

The most common flowers are the purple phlox and the yellow Coreopsis, Florida’s official wildflower which looks similar to a small daisy sprinkled among many fields and roadways. You can also spot wild petunias, and wild lantana shrubs,

One of the best ways to enjoy the blooms is by taking a country drive down some of the area’s scenic roads. Here’s a list of some of the stretches that often have some of the best blooming wildflowers, so check them out before the fields are mowed:

S.R. 46 between Mount Dora and Mount Plymouth

Dora Drive, just south of the end of Clayton Street and Beauclaire Rd. (Tangerine)

S.R. 44A between Estes Road and Lake May Preserve (Eustis)

If you've spotted fields of flowers on other local roads recently, please add them in the comments below so other readers can enjoy.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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Eustis Music Festival returns this weekend

4/18/2022

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Hundreds of bikers and music lovers are expected to gather for this year’s Music Fest in downtown Eustis on Friday, April 22 and 23. The free festival will feature live music on two stages in waterfront Ferran Park including tribute bands for Southern rock and Guns ’n Roses.
In addition to live music, on Saturday the free two-day event features biker-related competitions like which bike has the loudest pipes or best custom paint job, as well as who has the best arm tattoo or beard. The daring can also try their hand at wrangling a mechanical alligator and axe throwing.
Eustis Music Festival bands include:

Think Big (Southern rock tribute band)
Welcome to Destruction (Guns ’n Roses tribute band)
The Longest Hall
Double Your Trouble
N Fusion and Caribbean Chillers

The festival’s hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is free. The first 100 attendees to visit the City of Eustis’ tent each day will receive a free, commemorative patch.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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5 things to know before heading to Lake County Fair

4/5/2022

Whether you’re going for the stomach-dropping rides or the interesting exhibits and competitions, here’s a quick cheat sheet of what you need to know about the 2022 Lake County Fair that runs April 7-16.

1. LOCATION
Lake County Expo Center is located at 2101 N County Road 452 in Eustis.

2. HOURS
Weekdays the fair opens at 5 p.m.
Weekends it opens at 1 p.m.
Gates close at 10 p.m daily, but rides stay open until at least 11 p.m. every night.

3. SHOWS & EXHIBITS
Throughout the fair their are various shows, exhibits and competitions, including livestock, creative arts, You can find the calendar of the fair’s events here.

4. ADMISSION
If long lines turn you off, remember you can skip the line and buy tickets online here
Adults are $9
Seniors over 60 years old are $7
Kids ages 4 to 11 are $3
Kids 3 & under can enter free with a paying adult.
Note: Rides are not included in any admission prices. Separate wristbands can be purchased for rides (see below)

5. RIDE WRISTBANDS & ADMISSION SPECIALS
Thursday, April 7
$20 wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close.

Friday, April 8
$25 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Saturday, April 9
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Sunday, April 10
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Monday, April 11
$2 Day. Tickets only available in person on that day.

Tuesday, April 12
$20 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Wednesday, April 13
$60 Carload Night
Carload special includes admission and unlimited ride wristband. Each person must be in a seat belt, maximum of 8 people. No carload specials are sold after 9 p.m.
Carload tickets are not available online.
Regular walk-in tickets are also available.

Thursday, April 14
$25 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close

Friday, April 15
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)

Saturday, April 16
$30 unlimited-rides wristband (gate admission separate)
Wristband is good from open to close.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here.   For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

Creativity to bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

4/1/2022

Spring has sprung and the warmer weather means more time in the garden.

This season’s inspiration for all types of gardens will be sprawled under the oaks in Mount Dora at the annual Vintage Garden Show held on April 2 & 3. The annual, two-day event will host local and out-of-state vendors selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, fresh herbs and plants, architectural wrought iron, vintage patio furniture, as well as a mix of curiosities just waiting to be repurposed.

The Vintage Garden Show runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center located at 20651 US 441 in Mount Dora. Admission and parking are free and food is available for purchase.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

Easter Bunny to host Mount Dora's annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 16

4/1/2022

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Mount Dora residents don’t need to look far to find the Easter Bunny. He’ll be making his annual appearance on the front lawn of the W.T. Bland Public Library with a little help from Mount Dora Fire Department on Saturday, April 16, 2022. An old-fashioned Easter egg hunt will follow after the Easter Bunny’s 10 a.m. arrival. The egg hunts are separated by children’s ages and abilities. Kids of all ages are welcome and every child will receive a free new book, courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Sweet treats and PAWS therapy dogs will be on hand, as will volunteers from local service organizations.

No registration is required for this event. W.T. Bland Library is located at 1995 N. Donnelly Street in Mount Dora. Overflow parking is available at Church of Christ located at 1801 N. Donnelly Street, just one block south of the Library.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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Tavares hosts free concerts during Planes, Trains & BBQ

3/24/2022

MARCH 29 UPDATE: This event has been postponed due forecasted inclement weather. No new date has been set.

Lake County is the place to be for country music concerts and barbecue in April. The annual fest, dubbed ‘Planes, Trains & BBQ,’ kicks off on Friday, April 1 in downtown Tavares with an evening of mouth-watering barbecue, country music concerts, plus a cornhole tournament and a variety of vendors. The fun continues on Saturday, April 2 with more concerts, barbecue and seaplane events.

The two-days of festivities at Wooton Park will also feature a Kids Zone, fireworks and an air show. The park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street at the downtown Tavares waterfront. Seating is limited in the park’s concert area, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 200 N. Sinclair Avenue.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Live music, BBQ, plus more food vendors and merchandise
4:00 p.m.: Crossfire Creek Band
4:00 p.m.: Vendors ready to serve BBQ
7:00 p.m.: Cornhole Tournament
7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.: Drew Parker country music concert

SATURDAY, APRIL 2
11:00 a.m.: Seaplane contests
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Family Fun Zone in Tavares Square with interactive games for all ages and a trackless train
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.: Dallas Tyler Band concert
4:30 - 7:45 p.m.: Hayfire concert
7:50 p.m.: Twilight Airshow and fireworks
8:30 - 9:45 p.m.: Headliner concert featuring Girl Named Tom
This trio’s distinctive harmonies, musicality and heartfelt performances earned them the top prize on NBC’s “The Voice." The sibling group of Bekah, Caleb and Joshua Liechty landed four songs on the iTunes Top 10 charts, with two of them reaching number one.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

MARCH 29 UPDATE: This event has been postponed due forecasted inclement weather.

Mount Dora Sailing Regatta sets sail on March 26 & 27

3/1/2022

ABOVE: Sailboats racing at Mount Dora Yacht Clubs annual Sailing Regatta. (Photo by Ingrid Zagers, Z.ePhotography)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora near the end of March. The 69th Annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event beginning March 26.

The races are spread over three courses across a portion of Lake Dora to take advantage of the wind and provide ample space for competitive races. All ages are invited to participate.

The Regatta is open to all classes, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas.

The first race typically kicks off Saturday in the early afternoon. and the last race usually finishes close to 4 p.m. Typically, three to four races will be sailed that afternoon, depending on the weather. The 4th Avenue docks, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Island Boardwalk provide excellent vantage points for spectators. Sunday's first race usually starts at 9:30 a.m. and no races begin after 12 p.m.

The regatta, organized by Mount Dora Yacht Club (MDYC) is the longest running annual event in the city. MDYC, the oldest inland yacht club in Florida, held its first regatta in 1913. At that time the event featured powerboats and was reportedly such an exciting event that local businesses closed so everyone could attend. In 1953, the regatta transitioned to sailboats to alleviate a noise issue.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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