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Huge Antique Extravaganza comes to Mount Dora Nov. 19-21

11/1/2021

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience on November 19, 20 and 21.

Three times a year Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks.

Make no mistake. There is antique shopping and then there is the “Extravo” shopping. That’s the term seasoned buyers and “pickers” use for the event that boasts over 800 dealers during its three-day run spread on a scenic portion of a 130-acre property.

Dealers from across the U.S. descend on Mount Dora to offer a tremendous variety of vintage finds and fine antiques at every price. Eager collectors, decorators and vintage shoppers from across Florida show up in droves to uncover treasures and find the best deals.

Extravos only happen the third Friday, Saturday and Sunday of November, January and February. Shoppers and the curious can roam the hills from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday admission costs more, but eager shoppers get first dibs on hard-to-find treasures. Sunday shoppers get better bargains, but some vendors do pack up early.

Parking is free. Admission is $10 on Friday, $6 on Saturday, and only $4 on Sunday. A three-day pass is $15. Renninger’s Antique Center is located at 20651 US Hwy 441.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair sprouts up on Nov. 13 & 14

11/1/2021

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ABOVE: Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair in Donnelly Park (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Gardeners and green thumbs will descend upon Mount Dora for the 27th annual Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair on November 13 and 14.

Once again the event will be held under the oaks at Donnelly Park in the heart of the city’s historic downtown.

The free festival features native and exotic nurseries from across Florida, as well as vendors selling garden decor and nature-inspired items. Gardeners can expect to find blooming orchids, flowering shrubs, fruit trees, and camellias, as well as succulents, bamboo, bromeliads, bonzai and other specialty plant vendors. There will also be vintage garden items and statuary for sale to enhance outdoor space. Gardeners can also seek advice from experts on plant care and other related topics.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase and volunteers will be on hand to help cart plants to cars, so visitors don’t fret about buying plants too big to carry.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Drivers should look for signs for nearby public parking lots.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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The best local pumpkin patches

10/13/2021

It’s arguably the most fun family activity leading up to Halloween: the annual trek to the pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin. Here’s a list of local pumpkin patches that run the gamut from a place to simply purchase great pumpkins to larger farms with fun activities for the whole family

ATWOOD FAMILY FARM
Location: 36111 CR 44A, Eustis
This farm’s pumpkin patch is available during its Fall Festival on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 31. After Halloween, the Pumpkin Destruction Day is November 6th.
Hours: Fridays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

FAR REACH RANCH
Location: 1255 South Dora Blvd, Tavares
The pumpkin patch at this seasonal blueberry farm is open every day. The Spooky Hollow event on October 29th and 30th is from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

G.R.I.T.S. 4-H CLUB PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: Lil’ Bit of Life Farm, 2920 Robie Ave, Mount Dora
Hours: Call farm to confirm pumpkin patch hours. (407) 461-3091
Charity: Proceeds are split between VineLife Foster Closet and Lake County 4-H

EAST LAKE COMMUNITY PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: 24214 Sorrento Ave., Sorrento
Hours: Weekdays 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. until October 31 or until the last pumpkin is sold.
Details: Choose from a selection of pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cash and checks accepted.
Host: East Lake Chamber of Commerce

LONG & SCOTT FARM COUNTRY MARKET
Location: 26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora
Plenty of pumpkins and photo opportunities are outside the entrance to Scott’s Country Market. On weekends families can also enjoy the corn maze, bounce pillow and more for an added admission fee.
Hours: Tues - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SANTA'S FARM PUMPKIN PATCH
Location: 35317 Huff Rd, Eustis
This seasonal Christmas tree farm and petting zoo also has a pumpkin patch during the fall that runs until October 31. The farm also has hayrides, a bounce pillow and more.
Hours: Open weekends through October 31 from 10 a.m.
Admission: $8 - $15 when purchased onlin

SUNSATIONAL FARMS
Location: 40541 Roger Giles Rd, Umatilla
This farm has a free weekly Fall Farm Festival in October on Saturdays featuring a pumpkin patch, and tickets can be purchased for games, a maze and more.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

Mount Dora's Steampunk Show draws the creative and curious on Oct.16 & 17

10/1/2021

Above: Firebreather at prior Steampunk Industrial Show at Rennningers in Mount Dora (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

What happens when you combine Victorian costumes with innovative technology and the industrial age? To make it really interesting, add a heaping dose of drama and fantasy.

The result is Steampunk, a fantastical world where Albert Einstein, the wild west and Mad Max collide.

Renninger's Steampunk Industrial Show has grown to what is arguably the largest festival of its kind in the Southeast. The free event is set under the oak trees of Mount Dora and features some of the best people-watching in Central Florida. Goggled time-travellers stroll among the show’s vintage vendors, steampunk entertainers, and impressive live musicians and artists. The event takes place twice a year in January and October.

“Steampunk,” first coined in 1987, refers to the Victorian age of steam-powered machines melded with the “punk” attitude of non-conformity, creativity and unrestrained individuality. This increasingly popular science-fiction genre is present in art, music, fashion, film and especially literature.

The family-friendly Steampunk Industrial Show runs October 16 through 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Renninger's Antique Center, 20651 US 441, Mount Dora. Watch the local entertainment calendar for the upcoming schedule of events. Parking and admission are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

Mount Dora’s 'Fall in the Field' ushers in the season Oct. 2 & 3

10/1/2021

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In sunny Florida, don’t look for changing leaves to signal the fall season. However, every year there is one reminder for Central Floridians that a cooler time of year is approaching.

The tell is the annual Fall in the Field at Renningers in Mount Dora. The sprawling, two-day event blends an exotic heirloom pumpkin patch with plenty of primitive fall decor and a large dose of vintage shopping. This year the event is October 2 and 3 and celebrates its 10th anniversary.

In addition to the shopping experience, the weekend also features make–and–take crafts for all ages at the complimentary craft tent located at the Pavilion. Fall in the Field runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on both days, rain or shine. Admission and parking are free.

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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Top-ranked Mount Dora Craft Fair returns Oct. 23-24

10/1/2021

Above: Mount Dora Craft Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

As cooler weather returns, so does one of Central Florida's biggest craft fairs. The heart of downtown Mount Dora comes alive on October 23 and 24 with more than 400 crafters from across the country.

The Mount Dora Craft Fair is among the top-ranked craft fairs across the U.S. The event, featuring an eclectic mix of handmade items ranging from jewelry, photography and textiles to paintings, leather goods and woodwork, spans two days with an expected 100,000 visitors, according to its organizers. Downtown’s many unique stores and restaurants are also open during fair hours to accommodate shoppers and diners.

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking restrictions begin downtown in the late afternoon on Friday to allow for the craft vendors to set up. Street parking is limited, so as visitors drive into Mount Dora, they are encouraged to look for signs for the various park-and-ride shuttles located near the different entry points into the city. Pets are not allowed inside the festival for their own safety and that of other visitors.

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

The Best Fall Events in Lake County

10/1/2021

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Fall is here and with it comes the start of Lake County's festival and event season. There are so many diverse events to choose from, here's the list of the ones you don't want to miss:

FALL IN THE FIELD, OCT . 2 & 3

Above: Heirloom pumpkins and gourds available during Fall in the Field. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

You’ll swear there is a change of seasons at this two-day event that welcomes fall with vendors selling fall decor, antiques and vintage items. The array of “fall finery” comes from some of the best primitive antique dealers in the Southeast. Free admission.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

THE GREAT FLORIDIAN MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, OCT. 23

Headlined by a full triathlon, The Great Florida Triathlon, this event kicks off early and takes place in a city renowned for its triathlons and training facilities.
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Victory Pointe, Clermont

STEAMPUNK INDUSTRIAL SHOW, OCT. 16 & 17

Above: Accessories for sale during Steampunk Industrial Show (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

The best people-watching in Central Florida happens during this two two-day festival filled with all-things Steampunk--music, costumed fire-breathers, a sword-swallower, imaginative vendors, entertainment and Victorian shenanigans. Free admission. More info
Time: 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

BOO! FESTIVAL, OCT. 29

This annual one-night event features family fun with live music, carnival games, trunk or treat, hayride, costume contest, food vendors, and more. Free admission.
Time: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m
Location: Downtown Tavares

ROCKTOBERFEST & MONSTER SPLASH SEAPLANE FLY-IN, OCT. 16

Above: Wooton Park lakefront in Tavares (Mount Dora Buzz photo).

Part concert, part airshow above Lake Dora and part kids’ party in the park, this family event features seaplane flying contests and a fun “Pumpkin Bomb Drop.” Kids are welcome to paint the pumpkins before the bomb drop. Free admission.
Time: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Wooton Park, downtown Tavares waterfront

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR, OCT. 23 & 24

Above: Mount Dora Craft Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Now in its 37th year, this is Mount Dora’s most popular fall festival. The event was recently ranked #4 for craft festivals in the U.S. Over 400 crafters line the city’s downtown streets, plus there’ll be food, bagpipes and other entertainment. Free admission. More info.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Downtown Mount Dora

TRICK-OR-TREAT MOUNT DORA, OCT. 31

Participating downtown merchants open their doors and hand out candy and treats to young, costumed trick-or-treaters during an evening of spooky family fun from 6pm to 8 pm.

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, NOV. 5-7 & 13-14.

Take a step back in time into a European village during the Renaissance era. Guests can enjoy the food, music, crafts and entertainment of the time. Adult tickets $16 (includes $2 fee). More info
Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: 12835 County Landfill Road in Lake Idamere Park in Tavares

PLANT & GARDEN FAIR, NOV. 13 & 14

Above: Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Located in the heart of downtown Mount Dora, the annual fair boasts over 12,000 plants for sale ranging from exotic tropicals and orchids to native and drought-tolerant varieties. The two-day event also features garden decor, education exhibits, plants, containers and more. Free admission.
Time: Begins at 9 a.m on Saturday
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, NOV. 19-21

This mega antique festival is one of the largest is the Southeastern U.S. with over 800 dealers on the sprawling acreage of rolling hills and majestic oaks. The food and music are a bonus. Admission price varies each day.
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Renningers Antique Center, Mount Dora

LEESBURG CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, OCT. 15

Wine, beer and food lovers can graze to their hearts’ content at this outdoor festival at Venetian Gardens. Tickets are $35.
Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Towne Square, downtown Leesburg

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA, NOV. 27

Above: Holiday lights display at Mount Dora Marina (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

As “Light-Up” ceremonies go, it’s hard to top downtown Mount Dora’s impressive annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Millions of lights come on in the park, a large musical Christmas tree awakens, and Mount Dora Marina's impressive display comes alive while unique shops with festive window displays are open late for holiday shopping. Free admission. More holiday event info
Time: Festivities start at 5 p.m. Light turn on after dusk.
Location: Donnelly Park, downtown Mount Dora

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

(The above is a paid political advertisement)

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IN THE HOT SEAT: Musician Kelly Jarrard

8/1/2021

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ABOVE: Kelly Jarrard (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Live music lovers tend to remember the first time her sweet and sultry voice filled their ears. As soon as Kelly Jarrard hit Mount Dora’s live music scene in 2014, she gained a bevy of loyal fans that embraced her heavily Motown-influenced mix of 60’s soul, jazz and funk.

The thirty-year-old is a free-spirited blend of Southern grit and girly-girl embedded in a light-hearted personality that belies her intense drive. After graduating from college, that ambition took the 23-year-old, self-taught guitarist from her hometown of Stockbridge, Georgia, to pursue her music career in Central Florida at the encouragement of a local music producer.

In addition to her creative endeavors, Jarrard’s personal life has also thrived in Lake County. In 2020, during the height of COVID-19, she married Michael McGowan, her boyfriend of three years. The Eustis-based couple recently dipped their toes into entrepreneurship with the opening of their mobile kayak rental business.

Mount Dora Buzz sat down with the upbeat singer-songwriter over coffee to find out what lies beneath her talent and sweet, fun vibe.

MDB: What came first: guitar or singing?
KJ: Singing. I was a shy closet-singer and even hid it from my family.
(She would later sing in the high school choir and graduated with honors from Clayton State University with a Bachelor's degree in Music with a focus in Vocal Performance. )

MDB: How old were you when you played your first paid gig?
KJ: I was like 15 (laughs). It was at Mellow Mushroom in Stockbridge, Georgia.

MDB: Who are your three favorite artists?
KJ: (Thinks for a bit) Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and Mayer Hawthorne.

MDB: What artist’s work would you never attempt to cover?
KJ: (Sigh) Taylor Swift. I really don’t like current music too much.

MDB: What two artists would you like to grab a drink with?
KJ: Hmmm. That’s a tough one. Pharrel...and Joss Stone.

MDB: What’s your dream performance venue?
KJ: (Immediately and excitedly) Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre in Colorado.

MDB: Finish this sentence, “I’ll know I made it when…”
KJ: I have an amazing beach house in Hawaii! (laughs)

MDB: After beginning to write your own music at 13, you cut your first album, “It’s Time” in 2019. Are you working on another album?
KJ: Yes, I’m hoping to put out a Christmas album and another album of original songs.

MDB: You’re insanely talented, do you ever think of going on The Voice or another network talent show?
KJ: I did! (laughs) I tried out for The Voice and America’s Got Talent. I sang for Howie Mandell and Sharon Osbourne, but didn’t advance.

To get to know Jarrard better, it was time to venture off-topic to see what else there is to this talented boho girl.

MDB: You have a lot of ink. Tell me about your tats.
KJ: I got my first at 19 and it says “music” using different music symbols (on her forearm). Ninety percent of them are music-related tattoos that were done in Atlanta. (Jarrard’s large mermaid tat was chosen because she’s “always beachy and wanted to be a mermaid which, coincidentally, also sings.” The very cool abstract guitar on her thigh is her favorite so far.)

MDB: You’re still a newlywed. Finish this sentence: “The biggest change has been…”
KJ: “Being a homeowner of a fixer-upper.” (Jarrard and her husband live in an historic bungalow in Eustis. )

MDB: You have a lot of positive traits, what’s your most annoying one?
KJ: I’m too apologetic all the time!” (laughs)

MDB: Three words to describe yourself?
KJ: Talented, fun, colorful

MDB: Three words your husband would use?
KJ: Smart. He always tells me that. Trustworthy, and I think he would say beautiful.

MDB: What is your biggest music-related fear?
KJ: Oooh. I’m afraid of puking on stage (laughs). It hasn’t happened before.

MDB: What is your biggest non-music related fear?
KJ: (Ponders) Not being accepted.

MDB: What’s your guilty pleasure?
KJ: Watching kids’ movies (laughs). I love Disney’s Aristocats and Little Mermaid, but I’d have to say Aristocats.

MDB: Tell me a secret about yourself? One that not a lot of people know.
KJ: I don’t always want to be in the limelight.

MDB: What day of the year would you like to celebrate twice a year?
KJ: (Smiles) My birthday!

MDB: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
KJ: Two songs playing at the same time.

MDB: Who’s your celebrity crush?
KJ: I don’t really have them anymore, but the last one was Jake Gyllenhaal.

MDB: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
KJ: Hawaii! (she’s never been)

MDB: Now it’s time for Mount Dora Buzz's speed round of “Would you Rather...”

MDB: Asheville or Cancun?
KJ: Asheville.

MDB: New Wave or old-school country?
KJ: New Wave.

MDB: Superbowl tickets or shopping spree?
KJ: Shopping spree.

MDB: “Ring of Fire” or Earth Wind & Fire?
KJ:  Earth Wind & Fire.

MDB: Sailboat or speedboat?
KJ:  Sailboat.

MDB: Steak or soy?
KJ: Steak.

MDB: Cats or dogs?
KJ:  Cats.

MDB: Hug or handshake?
KJ:  Hug.

MDB: Belly laughs or giggles?
KJ:  Belly laughs.

MDB: Eiffel Tower or Grand Canyon?
KJ:  Eiffel Tower.

MDB: Snow or sweat?
KJ:  Sweat.

MDB: Insta or Facebook?
KJ:  Insta.

MDB: Rat or roach?
KJ: Ugh! Rat.

MDB: Fast & Furious or chick flick?
KJ:  Chick flick.

Jarrard can be heard regularly performing live at Mount Dora’s top live music venues, at Disney Springs and other regional venues. Her album “It’s Time,” with its seven original tracks, is currently available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and other music outlets.

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook and 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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TAVARES CELEBRATES JULY 4TH WITH PARADE, FIREWORKS & LIVE MUSIC

7/1/2021

The City of Tavares starts its Independence Day festivities with a downtown parade along Ruby and Main Streets, but that’s just the beginning.

Following the parade, the family-friendly celebration will continue in Wooton Park with live music, community vendors, food trucks, a family fun zone, and a seaplane flyover. Live music includes performances by the Kenny Lives Band and the main act, Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Fireworks will follow at 9 p.m.

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

schedule of july 4th events

4:45 pm Street Party on Main Street begins before the parade.

5:00 pm Seaplane flyover Ruby Street & Main Street.

5:00 pm Parade begins going east on Ruby Street to St. Clair Abrams. Parade traffic turns north and continues west on Main Street to the roundabout.

5:00 pm Kids activities in Tavares Square commence.

5:00 pm Kids dance party in Splash Park gazebo begins.

5:45 pm The Kenny Lives (band) begins performance on the main stage in Wooton Park.

6:00 pm Kids dance party in Tavares Square begins.

6:30 pm Main Street opens to allow traffic to flow normally. The barricades closing off Ruby Street & Rockingham will remain until the conclusion of the event.

7:15 pm The main musical act, Slippery When Wet (The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band) begins performance on the main stage in Wooton Park.

9:00 pm Fireworks

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.

EUSTIS HOSTS INDEPENDENCE FESTIVITIES ON JULY 2

7/1/2021

The City of Eustis will host its Independence Day Hometown Celebration on Friday, July 2, in Ferran Park. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and entertainment will include the Central Florida Show Ski Team, a petting zoo, a water slide, and ax throwing, as well as live music by TC & Sass and more. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of vendors, food, and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m.

As part of the Independence celebration, the City will offer free admission to the Eustis Aquatic Center pool and splash pad from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Bathing suits are required.

RELATED: Mount Dora hosts Independence Festivities on July 3

The night will be capped off at 9:30 p.m. with a display of fireworks over Lake Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Pets are permitted, but must remain on a leash. Ferran Park is at 250 Ferran Park Drive in downtown Eustis.

Schedule of Events:
5:00 p.m. – 9 p.m. TC & Sass (Bandshell Stage)
6:30 p.m. – Central Florida Show Ski Team
9:30 p.m. – Fireworks over Lake Eustis
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.

MOUNT DORA CELEBRATES AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE ON JULY 3

7/1/2021

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The City of Mount Dora’s annual Independence celebration, Freedom on the Waterfront, returns on Saturday, July 3rd. Festivities kick off with a parade downtown beginning at 4 p.m. and continues with live music at Elizabeth Evans and Gilbert Parks. A fireworks display over Lake Dora will culminate the event at 9:15.

RELATED: Tavares 4th of July Celebration and Parade

The free event will feature three live music performances including Nashville recording artist Bailey Callahan, and sisters duo Diamond Dixie, as well as Sean Holcomb, the recent winner of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Battle of the Bands.

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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DAY TRIPPIN’ TO CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE

5/1/2021

ABOVE: Canaveral National Seashore (Photo by (Photo attribution rainbow - By Joneboi at the English-language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org

Anyone in Lake County longing for the sand and surf has likely hit the shores of New Smyrna Beach. A quick drive past the popular drive-on beach transports beachgoers to a completely different beach experience with less-travelled, pristine coastline.

The 57,662-acre Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) sits on a barrier island just minutes south of vibrant New Smyrna Beach and just past residential Bethune Beach.

This federally protected, 24-mile stretch of Atlantic beach is the longest expanse of undeveloped land along the East Coast of Florida and features gentle sloping dunes with coast grasses and sprawling sandy beaches on the east side and Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system. The unspoiled seashore is home to protected gopher tortoises, over 300 bird species and more than 1,000 plant species.

CANA is known to be an outdoor recreational paradise with kayaking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, nature watching, swimming and surfing when the waves permit. History buffs can explore the historic Turtle Mound or Seminole Rest Historic Site, both home to large Timucuan shell mounds. The cultural significance of CANA reflects human history from 2000 B.C. to the early 20th century.

The expansive seashore is divided into three sections. The southern part of CANA is Playalinda Beach, the middle section is Klondike Beach, and the northern section closest to Bethune Beach is Apollo Beach. Playalinda Beach has 13 small parking lots numbered from the south. The space shuttle launch facility is easily visible from the approach to Parking Lot number one.

Klondike Beach is the designated backcountry hiking area of Canaveral National Seashore. Visitors wishing to hike there must have a Backcountry Hiking Permit. To obtain a permit, speak with the Visitor Use Assistant on duty at Apollo Beach or the Playalinda Beach entrance station. 14 backcountry campsites along Mosquito Lagoon can be reserved at the national reservation booking service, www.recreation.gov.

The John F. Kennedy Space Center is located at the southern end of the barrier island occupied by CANA, so access to the seashore is often restricted during launch-related activities at the space center.

CANA is open from 6 a.m to 8 p.m. and parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early. The cost to enter is $20 per car. Public wifi is available at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center. Cellular reception within the park is spotty and very limited in some areas. There is a small nude beach between areas 11 and 12, so visitors with families should be aware.

After a day at the beach, visitors can check for manatees at nearby Mary Bethune Park, and then grab a bite and cocktail at J.B.’s Fish Camp, an outdoor institution along the mangroves at Mosquito Lagoon. At the fish camp, visitors will find kayak rentals and fishing charters, but J.B.’s is best known as an iconic watering hole with a scenic deck, fresh peel-n-eat shrimp and other seafood specialties.

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.

PARACHUTES TO DOT THE SKIES OVER LAKE DORA ON MAY 1

5/1/2021

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ABOVE: Brigade during a previous jump over Lake Dora (photo supplied by Chris Stephens)

It’s guaranteed to be an uncommon and impressive sight. Over eighty Airborne “jumpers” parachuting from a vintage Douglas C47 into Lake Dora doesn’t happen every day.

The jumps, organized by Phantom Airborne Brigade, will feature 88 total jumpers that are former military Airborne members and one active duty member of the military. The vintage military plane being used, Tico Belle, dropped troops on D-day in Normandy and is now based in Titusville.

The recreational Brigade, based in Zephyrhills, will have four airlifts with 22 jumpers per flight. The first jump is expected between 10 and10:30 a.m. After each lift there will be a 20 to 30 minute break for the plane to return to Leesburg airport to pick up the next lift of jumpers. The drops will start near the west end of Lake Dora near Tavares and continue east toward the center for the lake.

The group chose Lake Dora because it seemed to be one of the best lakes for public viewing. The drop area is a safe distance from observers and is closest to Wooton Park and Kalua Beach Bar, according to Chris Stephens, the event organizer.

The jumpers will descend over Lake Dora and be plucked from the water by volunteer boaters that will have attended a safety briefing prior to participating.

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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HOWEY MANSION HOSTS CITRUS FESTIVAL ON MAY 1

4/28/2021

ABOVE: Howey Mansion (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

This year the 96th annual Founder’s Day Citrus Festival will take place at the historic Howey Mansion in Howey-in-the-Hills on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free event will include craft vendors, a food truck, pony rides, free mansion tours, and a Howey history exhibit by the town’s Historical Society in the ballroom of the Howey Mansion which was built in 1927 by orange grove magnate William J. Howey. Neglected for nearly a decade, the 20-room Spanish Revival home was restored and reopened for special events and tours in 2018.

Guests are invited to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to a free night stay at the Howey Mansion Guest House and for baskets filled with items donated by the vendors and local businesses with proceeds going to the restoration of the vintage Howey 1946 Mack fire truck.

Just a short drive from Mount Dora and Tavares, the mansion is located at 1001 Citrus Ave. in Howey-in-the-Hills.

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.

EUSTIS GEARS UP FOR SPRING BIKE RALLY & MUSIC FEST

4/13/2021

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Bikes and music will fill Eustis on April 23 and 24. The bike rally kicks off on Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The free, two-day event is bigger than previous years with four stages of live entertainment, bike shows, free bike parking and vendors in both Historic Downtown Eustis and beautiful lakefront Ferran Park.

The line-up of live music will feature Wicked Serenity, Signs of Sacrifice, Big Engine, Jeff Howell Blues Trio, Crashrocket, Papa Wheelee, Southern Chaos, The Smokin' Torpedoes, Jen-n-Tonix, Greye, Time Machine, Sniper, and East Side Rock! Other entertainment includes The Wall of Death, ADV Fest and Mechanical Motorcycle.

On Saturday visitors can check out the Baggerz & Tailz Custom Bike Show downtown and adventure motorcycles will be on display in Ferran Park. Meanwhile, classic cars from all over Lake County will converge on Fountain Green.

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.

LOCAL DINING GUIDE

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Arts & Entertainment

Huge Antique Extravaganza comes to Mount Dora Nov. 19-21

Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair sprouts up on Nov. 13 & 14

The best local pumpkin patches

Mount Dora's Steampunk Show draws the creative and curious on Oct.16 & 17

Mount Dora’s 'Fall in the Field' ushers in the season Oct. 2 & 3

Top-ranked Mount Dora Craft Fair returns Oct. 23-24

The Best Fall Events in Lake County

FALL IN THE FIELD, OCT . 2 & 3

THE GREAT FLORIDIAN MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, OCT. 23

STEAMPUNK INDUSTRIAL SHOW, OCT. 16 & 17

BOO! FESTIVAL, OCT. 29

ROCKTOBERFEST & MONSTER SPLASH SEAPLANE FLY-IN, OCT. 16

MOUNT DORA CRAFT FAIR, OCT. 23 & 24

TRICK-OR-TREAT MOUNT DORA, OCT. 31

LADY OF THE LAKES RENAISSANCE FAIRE, NOV. 5-7 & 13-14.

PLANT & GARDEN FAIR, NOV. 13 & 14

ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA, NOV. 19-21

LEESBURG CRAFT BEER, WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, OCT. 15

LIGHT UP MOUNT DORA, NOV. 27

IN THE HOT SEAT: Musician Kelly Jarrard

TAVARES CELEBRATES JULY 4TH WITH PARADE, FIREWORKS & LIVE MUSIC

schedule of july 4th events

EUSTIS HOSTS INDEPENDENCE FESTIVITIES ON JULY 2

MOUNT DORA CELEBRATES AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE ON JULY 3

DAY TRIPPIN’ TO CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE

PARACHUTES TO DOT THE SKIES OVER LAKE DORA ON MAY 1

HOWEY MANSION HOSTS CITRUS FESTIVAL ON MAY 1

EUSTIS GEARS UP FOR SPRING BIKE RALLY & MUSIC FEST

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