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MOUNT DORA CANCELS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS DUE TO COVID-19

5/20/2020

It’s a fun summer tradition that shows off Mount Dora’s small town charm. This year the city’s Independence Day Parade and its Freedom on the Waterfront celebration have been cancelled due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

The City’s annual tradition is to kick off the festivities with Freedom on the Waterfront on July 3 with fireworks on Lake Dora followed by a hometown parade on July 4.

The Mount Dora City Council discussed the fireworks event at their Tuesday, May 19, regular meeting and agreed to cancel the event due to concerns of potentially large crowds gathering in Mount Dora to view the fireworks and the parade. The large crowds could create challenges to provide adequate social distancing for attendees.

Mayor Cathy Hoechst said the council will be considering a fireworks display later in the summer.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.

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EPIC THEATRES BEGIN DRIVE-IN MOVIES IN MOUNT DORA

5/20/2020

ABOVE: Mount Dora Buzz file graphic, not a representation Epic Theatres

Movie fans missing the big screen just became a little happier. Epic Theatres in Mount Dora will begin showing drive-in movies beginning May 21. The retro-style movie experience will keep movie-goers in the comfort and safety of their cars, while they enjoy popular blockbusters under the stars. The movies' audio comes from FM radio.

The first movie starts at 8:15 p.m., followed by the second show beginning at approximately 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 per car, per movie. Movie-goers staying for the later show can purchase the second ticket for an additional $10 per car. All tickets are available for purchase in advance online at Epic's website. The concession stand will be open for snack purchases.

Due to COVID-19, film companies have postponed major movie release dates, so Epic’s drive-in will feature previously released films like Jaws, Back to the Future, Jumanji, Hustlers and Joker.

Epic Theatres in Mount Dora is located at 2300 Spring Harbor Boulevard. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.

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LOCAL MUSICIANS ADAPT BY LIVESTREAMING FOR FANS

4/21/2020

In a town where musical waters run deep--very deep--Mount Dora musicians have a strong bond with each other and their community. Perhaps it’s something in the water, but for years this small Central Florida town has garnered far more than its share of insanely talented performers.

There is no competition between these creative souls, but rather a beautiful brotherhood and sisterhood built on genuine support, collaboration and mutual appreciation. It’s this mix of impressive talent and humble hearts that has earned Mount Dora's local musicians loyal community support.

When Florida’s restaurants and bars were ordered closed in March to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the area's musicians found their gigs at local watering holes abruptly cancelled. This was a staggering financial blow to these full-time performers whose income is dependent on regular bookings at local venues.

Now Mount Dora’s enviable stable of talent have put their creativity to use in a socially-distanced venue: live streaming. The online performances provide old fans and curious music lovers the opportunity to be entertained by virtual concerts from the safety of the musicians' homes.

The livestreaming has resulted in surprisingly intimate performances where the musicians interact openly with viewers, provide insight about their song choices, and share how they relate particular lyrics to their life experiences. The result is an interesting social and musical experiment where even long-time fans come away with a greater understanding of their favorite artists and the music they play.

Watching the livestreams on Facebook is free and begins much like strolling down the sidewalk and hearing music nearby that resonates with you. It stops you dead in your tracks, as you focus to hear the melodies and vocals before getting completely sucked in. During or after the performers’ engaging livestream concerts, any listeners that are inclined to tip or donate can do so through secure online services like Paypal and Venmo to help support the musicians.

Here is a quick guide to help music lovers find these amazing live stream experiences on the musician’s Facebook pages.

MONDAYS:

Mondays with Mark Z, 6 p.m., on Facebook (Mark Zinkiewicz)
Tipping links: Venmo: Mark-Zinkiewicz,
PayPal: www.paypal.me/MarkZinkiewicz

Christina Adinolfi Live 7 p.m. on Facebook
Tipping link: paypal.com/paypalme2/ChristinaAdinolfi

TUESDAYS:

Adam Grayford, 8 p.m. (Facebook, Adam Grayford Music)
Tipping link: PayPal: paypal.me/adamgrayford

WEDNESDAYS:

Wednesdays with Whitfield, 7:30-9 p.m. (Facebook Jeffrey G. Whitfield)
Tipping links: PayPal: jgw1975.jw@gmail.com or Venmo: jeffwhitfieldmusic

THURSDAYS:

Thirsty Thursday with Mark Z, 6 p.m. on Facebook (Mark Zinkiewicz)
Tipping links: Venmo: Mark-Zinkiewicz
PayPal: paypal.me/MarkZinkiewicz

Christina Adinolfi Live, 7 p.m. on Facebook
Tipping link: www.paypal.com/paypalme2/ChristinaAdinolfi

fridayS:

Friday Night Kitchen Happy Hour, Stephen Currence, 6 p.m. on Facebook
Tipping link: stephen-currence

Christina Adinolfi Live, 7 p.m. on Facebook
Tipping link: paypalme2/ChristinaAdinolfi

Friday with Paula Baker, 7-8 p.m on Facebook
Tipping link. www.paypal.com/paypalme/paulabaker

Adam Grayford, 8 p.m. on Facebook (Adam Grayford Music)
Tipping link:  paypal.me/adamgrayford 

SATURDAYS:

Stephen Currence, 6 p.m. on Instagram
Venmo tipping: stephen-currence

Jeff Whitfield, 7:30-9 p.m. on Facebook (Jeffrey G. Whitfield)
PayPal tipping: jgw1975.jw@gmail.com
Venmo tipping: jeffwhitfieldmusic

Other talented performers like Richard Lawrence Hull (tipping link: paypal.me/RichardLawrencePay) and David Oliver Willis may also live stream performances, but on a less regular basis. Check the entertainment calendar or their Facebook pages for upcoming performances.

Anyone can watch the streaming and viewers can join or leave the performances at their convenience. Music fans seeking stellar entertainment can also find updated schedules on the Mount Dora Buzz’s entertainment calendar here.

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.

MOUNT DORA'S MURAL PROJECT GETS BIG RESPONSE FROM ARTISTS

4/1/2020

ABOVE: Existing downtown Mount Dora mural (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

In February, the City of Mount Dora put the call out and artists answered. Treating blank eyesores as expansive canvases in a community of creative artists, the City sought artists to paint murals on four large outdoor trash compactor enclosures that dot its downtown parking lots and alleys.

One hundred nineteen eager individual artists and creative teams sent in submissions which were then sent to the members of Mount Dora’s Public Arts Commission to narrow their choices. The Commission is to announce the winning artists at its next meeting.

The compactors were recently installed to improve and increase the capacity of trash collection from local businesses. The City expects the murals will transform the bland functional enclosures into lively pieces of art that beautify the downtown streetscape.

Each selected artist or team of artists will receive a $1,400 commission after the mural is complete. No design theme was required, so the artists’ submissions are being evaluated based on their artistic merit, creativity, professionalism and expectation of project completion.

Artists residing inside and outside Mount Dora were encouraged to apply, especially those with previous mural experience or public art installation, but those qualifications were not requirements. Artists were required to submit work samples, a resume, references, and design proposals.
The four mural locations are the enclosures located at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street,   5th Avenue and Baker Street,   3rd Avenue and Donnelly Street, as well as the one at 4th Avenue and Dora Drawdy Way.

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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EUSTIS CANCELS EVENTS TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19

3/13/2020

The City of Eustis is taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) by cancelling or postponing the following City-sponsored events:
5th Annual Eustis Busker Festival cancelled (originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28th)
Eustis Classic Car Show in Downtown Eustis cancelled (originally scheduled for March 28th)
- 7th Annual Amazing Race for Charity rescheduled for May 30th

RELATED STORY: Mount Dora suspends events

The Eustis Memorial Library will remain open, however, the following programs are cancelled:

Dr. Seuss Birthday Celebration (originally scheduled for March 16th)
Toddler & Preschool Story Times (originally scheduled for March 17th)
Crochet Circle & Reading Paws (originally scheduled for March 18th)
Mr. Rodgers Birthday Celebration (originally scheduled for March 19th)
Toddler & Preschool Story Times (originally scheduled for March 24th)
Adult Coloring & Reading Paws (originally scheduled for March 25th)
Toddler & Preschool Story Times, Boost Your Mood & Fitness (originally scheduled for March 31st)

Future City events and/or programs are tentative. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends social distancing to help reduce person-to-person transmission. In addition, with Governor Ron DeSantis recommends that all mass gatherings be postponed. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at cdc.gov or the Florida Department of Health at http://www.floridahealth.gov/

“I would encourage our residents not to panic. We are keeping in close contact with the Governor’s Office and Lake County Health Department. At this time, there are no known cases of coronavirus in Lake County,” said Mayor Michael Holland. “We want our residents and visitors to feel safe. Therefore, we want to take every precaution with these activities.

City of Eustis Commission meetings will continue as scheduled and the public is encouraged to watch the meetings online at https://eustis.civicweb.net/portal/

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MOUNT DORA CANCELS MASS GATHERING EVENTS IN MARCH

3/12/2020

In accordance with the social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for social distancing to help slow the community spread of the coronavirus, the City of Mount Dora has temporarily suspended events in the city. This affects downtown areas, all city parks, alleyways, the W.T. Bland Public Library and other city facilities.

The following March events in Mount Dora have been postponed or cancelled:

March 13: Mount Dora’s 110 Celebration. Postponed.
March 13: Art in the Alley. Cancelled
March 13: Reception for "Womanmade" exhibit, Cancelled.
March 14: Taste of Mount Dora. Postponed.
March 15, 22, 29: Mount Dora Village Market. Suspended.
March 21-22: Mount Dora Spring Craft Festival (Spring Show). Cancelled.
March 21-22: Vintage RV & Antique Show at Renningers. Suspended.

In addition to the events listed above, all programming at the W.T. Bland Public Library for March has been cancelled, including the AARP Tax Aide program, which will be rescheduled for a later date. The library will be open for book circulation.

Watch for the rescheduled dates of events on the area’s entertainment calendar and on the Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page.

The cancellations were also in accordance with Governor Ron DeSantis' recommendation today to postpone all mass gatherings in Florida. In addition to events in Florida,
the closing of Broadway in New York City, Disneyland in Anaheim and the cancellation of sporting events like March Madness, NBA, NHL and MLB games were also announced today.

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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DRIVE-IN THEATER COMPLEX IN EUSTIS SET FOR VOTE TODAY

3/12/2020

ABOVE: Rending of Lighthouse 5 Drive-in Movie Theatre (supplied by Spencer Folmar)

An ambitious film enthusiast has a unique vision for Eustis. As a kid, Spencer Folmar fell in love with the cinema going to single-screen and drive-in movie theaters. Now the Eustis native and CEO of Veritas Theatres, wants to provide Central Florida audiences and families with a nostalgic and innovative drive-in movie theater complex to serve the needs of the growing population.

Folmar’s proposed 5-Screen Drive-In movie theater that has a lighthouse in the center would be called Lighthouse 5. The current plan is to have two to three screens showing the latest Hollywood releases and the remaining screens showing arthouse and nostalgic films.

“We hope to break ground at the end of 2020 if the vote goes through tonight. And likely the first phase will take at least 2-3 years to execute and get open,” Folmar told Mount Dora Buzz. The Eustis City Commission is scheduled to vote this evening on the project.

Folmar searched the area for a theater to purchase to add to his small Veritas Theatres chain which has locations in Pennsylvania and Texas, but later decided to pursue his unique drive-in concept in Eustis. The family-friendly project would have three phases. The first would be the drive-in theater, followed by a campground in phase two and a mix of restaurants and shops in phase three.

After a year-long search Folmar and his team set their sights on the city-owned, 72 acres of land on CR 44 next to Cobb’s Tractor and diagonally from Trout Lake. The project would be privately funded and require the city to sell the commercially zoned property to Folmar.

“I was born at Waterman Hospital in Eustis, Florida and this project is especially important to me, and the land I am looking to purchase is more than ideal,” wrote Folmar who was raised in central Pennsylvania.

Folmar also stated he is looking to work with Trout Lake to expand their tourism offerings and an additional nature reserve.

“We are working with our neighbors and the City to provide an entertainment tourism destination with this unique concept,” wrote Folmar, presently a Los Angeles resident.

Folmar, who is also the producer and director at Hard Faith Films believes Eustis is the right city for his investment. His company, SpenceTF LLC, has offered to pay the full assessed value to purchase the 72-acres that the City has owned for over four decades.

Veritas Theatres opened its first location in Grove City, Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh in April, 2019. It’s currently operating two theaters and has two more undergoing renovations.

A special public meeting will be held today at Eustis City hall at 5pm today for the City Commision to vote on the project. The community is invited to attend and provide their input. Eustis City Hall is located at 10 N. Grove Street in Eustis.

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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Local Dining Guide

MOUNT DORA CELEBRATES 110TH ANNIVERSARY ON MARCH 13

3/10/2020

ABOVE: Mount Dora's historic Donnelly House (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

After spending just a few minutes wandering historic downtown Mount Dora, it’s clear the quaint Central Florida town has over a century of rich history.

This year the City celebrates its 110th anniversary on March 13 with downtown activities starting at 6 p.m. Performers Tom and Lisa Donnelly, will be in costume as J.P. and Annie Donnelly at the landmark Donnelly House as they reenact vignettes about life in 1910 Mount Dora. Visitors can stroll across the street to Donnelly park to listen to a jazz band perform music from the period.

The celebration falls alongside Art in the Alley with artisans selling their creations on Royellou Alley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked inside the alley is the Mount Dora History Museum which will be offering free tours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Just around the corner on 5th Avenue is Mount Dora Center for the Arts which is hosting a free opening reception for the “Womanmade” art exhibit which features the creative works of female Florida artists.

To further celebrate the City’s anniversary, the W.T. Bland Public Library, in association with the Mount Dora Historical Society, will have a mix of historical and modern day photos on display in the lobby gallery throughout the month of March.

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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STREET PERFORMERS TO DESCEND ON DOWNTOWN EUSTIS ON MARCH 28

3/1/2020

MARCH 13 UPDATE: EVENT CANCELLED
It's rare when an event combines tons of talent and a bit of creative enterprise.

Those are the ingredients required when dozens of live performance acts from across the U.S. converge for the 5th annual Eustis Buskers Festival on March 28.

Busking, entertaining in a public place for donations, can add charm to intimate settings, like downtown Eustis. The city's free festival will provide buskers a bigger stage, while giving residents and visitors a day full of live entertainment. The acts range from musicians, dancers, comedians, jugglers, mimes, living statues, artists and acrobats who compete for a $3,000 grand prize, and a $1,500 People’s Choice Award.

The family-friendly performances will take place at downtown Eustis “busk stops” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Grand Finale, featuring top performers from each division, will take place downtown at 6:30 p.m.

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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NOSTALGIC GLAMOUR RETURNS TO LAKE DORA ON MARCH 20-22

3/1/2020

MARCH 16 UPDATE: EVENT CANCELLED.
At first glance, Lake Dora seems far removed from glitz and glamour. However, once a year she flashes her more refined and alluring attributes when visitors are transported to the glamorous Sinatra era.

The downtown Tavares lakefront is gearing up for the 39th Annual Sunnyland Antique and Classic Boat Festival, the largest classic wood boat show in the country. 250 to 300 meticulously restored boats will be displayed in the water and along one third of a mile of Lake Dora shoreline at Wooton Park on March 20-22.

Now in its thirteenth year in Tavares, the festival is the ideal place for dreamers and boaters to spend their day. In previous years, the Antique and Classic Boat Festival boasted eye candy that ranged from perfectly varnished Gar Wood race boats of the 1930s to intriguing concept boats like the Evinrude Lark, as well as vessels of fantastical design like the 1956 Lone Star Meteor and the 1955 Chris-Craft Cobra. The prestigious event, which draws between eight and ten thousand visitors, was previously held along downtown Mount Dora’s waterfront, and before that in Sanford.

Another feature of the festival is the Nautical Flea Market where more than eighty vendors peddle everything from old boat parts and lanterns to shiny chrome accessories and wooden oars. Due to the large number of stunning vintage boats for sale in the designated “Field of Dreams,” nautical dreamers are advised to bring just a little extra pocket change.

To complement the antique boats, there will also be a Festival of Speed car show at the park that will show off over 60 classic and antique cars. Fun amphibious cars will also be on display.

Saturday’s entertainment includes a live bluegrass band, children’s activities, and seaplane rides available for a fee.

The event’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the show is 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $10 for the weekend. Free parking is available at the City of Tavares Parking garage. 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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GEORGEFEST CARNIVAL EXTENDS TO THIS WEEKEND

2/26/2020

Last weekend’s chilly temps may have kept some folks away, but now fun seekers get another shot at GeorgeFest’s ferris wheel. The carnival’s management and the City agreed to an extended stay in Eustis at no cost to the City, so the popular rides will be offered again this Thursday through Saturday.

“Having the carnival an extra week is fantastic,” said Kristina Rosenburg, Public Relations Coordinator at the City of Eustis. “Since the weather was not cooperating well on Friday and somewhat Saturday, this gives our community a chance to enjoy another week of family fun in case they missed it. “

CARNIVAL HOURS & PRICES:
Thursday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
$20 armbands for unlimited rides

Friday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $1 each or $20 for sheets of 24 tickets.

Saturday: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $1 each or $20 for sheets of 24 tickets.

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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PLANES, TRAINS & BBQ COMES TO TAVARES THIS WEEKEND.

2/25/2020

(Mount Dora Buzz photo)

This Saturday promises to be a party for the senses during the 12th annual Planes, Trains & BBQ event in downtown Tavares. The free event features live music, air shows, tons of BBQ vendors and a family fun zone in Wooton Park from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Aerobatic air shows will take place in the afternoon and twilight hours. Illuminated planes will perform maneuvers over Lake Dora at sundown. Kids can partake in the Family Fun Zone with inflatable obstacles, games, face painting and trackless train rides. Tavares’ Rec Rover Mobile will be on hand to provide games for all ages.

Kicking off the musical performances will be the unique sounds of Slickwood featuring Macey Mac, a contestant on "America's Got Talent" who has since shared the stage with Hank Williams Jr., Clint Black, Trace Adkins, and Gretchen Wilson. . Slickwood’s performance is followed by Kyle Daniel, named one of "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know" by Rolling Stone magazine. Nashville’s Kennedy Wood Band will be the headlining band for the event.

Wooton Park is located at 100 E. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares. Seating is limited so guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Parking is available in the parking garage at 200 N. Sinclair Ave.

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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BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS HEADLINES GEORGEFEST ON FEB. 23

2/10/2020

The City of Eustis is gearing up to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday during its annual three-day GeorgeFest event kicking off on February 21 and continuing through February 23. This year marks the 118th time the city will gather its community, neighboring cities and visitors from all over to honor our nation’s first president. Eustis' GeorgeFest is the longest running celebration of its kind in Florida and the 2nd longest running in the entire country.

This year’s Sunday musical headliner is the iconic Blood Sweat & Tears (BS & T). The Grammy-winning band will perform for free on February 23 starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Alice B. McClelland Bandshell in downtown’s Ferran Park

Blood Sweat & Tears is known for their Seventies fused rock and jazz sound that included a talented horn section. In 1970, the band beat out the Beatles’ "Abby Road”album to take home the “Album of the Year” Grammy. They also won 3 out of 10 Grammy nominations and their album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. Over the decades, more than 175 musicians have joined various iterations of the band, according to BS & T’s website.

GeorgeFest is held in historic downtown Eustis and features a carnival, pig races, a bass tournament, live music, food, vendors and other activities. Fireworks will light-up the sky on Friday night in Ferran Park starting at 9 p.m. followed by George Washington’s Birthday Celebration Parade and Dog Jog on Saturday morning at 9:45 a.m.

Additional GeorgeFest entertainment on the schedule includes: Acrobatrix, Brittany Sparkles, Chad Gainey Chainsaw Sculpture, Family Martial Arts Center, Fat City Band, George Gilbert Show, Knockout Wrestling, Hambone Express 3, Nick Sharpe, Rafael’s Magic, Remedy Tree, Southern Chaos, Wacky Chad, World Stage Productions.

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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MOUNT DORA SEEKS ARTISTS TO PAINT DOWNTOWN MURALS

2/6/2020

ABOVE: Downtown Mount Dora mural painted by Britt Baker located in the Dora Drawdy Alley. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Presently, they stand as blank canvases in a community of creative artists. Now the City of Mount Dora is seeking artists to paint murals on up to four large outdoor trash compactor enclosures that dot its downtown parking lots and alleys.

The compactors were recently installed to improve and increase the volume of trash collection from local businesses. The City expects the murals will transform the bland functional enclosures into lively pieces of art that beautify the downtown streetscape.

Each selected artist or team of artists will receive a $1400 commission after the mural has been completed. There is no design theme, so artists will be evaluated based on their artistic merit, creativity, professionalism and expectation of project completion.

Artists residing inside and outside Mount Dora and encouraged to apply. The City prefers individuals with previous mural experience or public art installation, but those qualifications are not requirements. The selected artists will be responsible for their own supplies and must be available to paint during normal business hours.

The four mural locations are the enclosures located at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street,   5th Avenue and Baker Street,   3rd Avenue and Donnelly Street, as well as the one at 4th Avenue and Dora Drawdy Way

Artists are required to submit work samples, a resume, references, and design proposals. Guidelines and details about the contest can be found online here.  The deadline for all submissions is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2020.

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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SPACE STATION VISIBLE FROM LAKE COUNTY TONIGHT FOR 4 MINUTES

1/20/2020

ABOVE: International Space Station (ISS) orbiting Earth. (NASA photo)

Gaze into the western sky above Lake County at 6:34 p.m. this evening as the International Space Station (ISS) is expected to be visible as it travels across the sky for nearly four minutes. Spectators will be able to see the ISS with their bare eyes as it resembles a very bright star travelling quickly across the sky

Although the ISS circles the Earth every ninety minutes, the best sighting opportunities are flyovers that occur after dark and when it has a maximum height of at least 40 degrees above the horizon so it’s visible above most landscapes and buildings. Both of those factors take place this evening.

The orbiting ISS is the size of a football field and travels at approximately 17,500 miles per hour. That speed provides the crew with 16 sunrises and sunsets every day. According to NASA, the station has circumnavigated the Earth tens of thousands of times during its 15 years of people living aboard.

Since the space station is only visible when it reflects the light of the sun while passing overhead in darkness, sighting opportunities can range from once a month to several times a week.

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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