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TWO NEW ART EVENTS LAUNCHED IN LAKE COUNTY

9/1/2018

Lake County’s creative community and art lovers will be thrilled that the area has two more art events coming soon.

Lake Eustis Museum of Art (LEMA) will be hosting Magnolia Art Walk on September 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The downtown Eustis event will feature local artists along the street and artists’ studios will be open to the public. Art lovers can get a drink at any of the downtown bars to take with them as they stroll in the entertainment district. LEMA plans to host the free event three times a year if it's successful. There is no cost for artists to exhibit, but anyone interested should contact LEMA for approval and to be assigned a space.

Similarly, Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA) will host Art in the Alley on every second Friday beginning in October. The free downtown event will take place along Royellou Alley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and participating galleries will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The cost for artists and musicians to participate is $10, once their application has been approved. Artists and musicians interested should contact MDCA for an application.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

WHIMSICAL MURAL ADORNS ENTRANCE OF MOUNT DORA RESTAURANT

9/1/2018

When the owners of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille went on a family cruise this summer, they were just hoping for sunshine and relaxation. They got that and more.

While aboard the ship, Karen Vejseli was captivated by a surreal painting. It was a whimsical canvas by artist Michael Godard that depicted a cocktail olive painting a portrait of Vincent van Gogh with the painting of Starry Night hanging in the background. Although enamoured of the painting, Vejseli did not give in to her temptation to purchase it.

After returning home, Karen and her husband, Jerry, embarked on repainting the exterior of their restaurant, an endeavor they had long planned. It was then they decided to add a light-hearted mural to the front that was inspired by the painting they saw at sea. If the mural's style looks familiar, it because it was done by the same artist that painted Mount Dora’s Starry Night house.

Once it’s complete, the mural will play off the restaurant’s name and feature light-hearted cocktail olive caricatures trying to climb out of a martini glass and another olive painting a van Gogh portrait.

Still captivated by the original painting that inspired the mural, Karen is now trying to purchase it to hang in the restaurant.

The Olive Branch is located at 115 W. Third Avenue in downtown Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

MOUNT DORA HOSTS CENTRAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

9/1/2018

Move over Sundance. Mount Dora will play host to the 13th Annual Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO) for three days in early September,

Movie lovers are expected to trek from near and far to the small town known for its quaint downtown and low rolling hills for a weekend of film screenings on September 7 through 9. The three-day festival will screen 62 films selected from all genres including comedies, dramas, suspense, horror and adventure, at the 12-screen Epic Theatre just off U.S. Highway 441.

All films will be screened twice during the weekend, so festival-goers will have a chance to see everything they want. Showtimes are slated to start in the mid-morning and run all day. Filmmakers in attendance will have time to talk with the audience about their films. The evenings are expected to feature at least one studio film screening with a celebrity host and talkback afterwards.

After films were submitted to the festival for consideration they underwent a rigorous judging process on specific criteria. Films with the highest grades from judges were accepted into the festival. The festival will award a winning film from four finalists.

Individual movie tickets are $10 with daily movie passes costing $35 which allows access to all screenings on that day. Die-hard movie lovers can opt for a $200 V.I.P. pass for access to all films for the entire festival.

There will be special appearances by: Mindy Sterling, featured in the Austin Powers trilogy, iCarly, Reno 911 and Desperate Housewives; Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, featured in Pearl Harbor, Planet of the Apes, Rising Sun and the James Bond film License to Kill, among others; and Jacqueline Siegel, Central Florida resident and star of the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles. She will be on hand to screen her sequel, The Princess of Versailles and to discuss the prevention of opioid abuse. Get the complete schedule here.

The festival has come a long way since its debut year in 2005 at the Osceola Center for the Arts. In 2013 it was named among the "Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" by Movie Maker Magazine.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .

MOUNT DORA'S BRA-VO EVENT HAS CALL FOR ARTISTS

8/8/2018

Need to raise money for a great cause? No problem, just tap into Mount Dora’s artists’ community.

That was the idea when Artisans on Fifth decided to join the fight against breast cancer six years ago. The local artists’ co-op is the organizer of “Bra-Vo,” a fundraiser for no- or low-cost diagnostic testing and treatment for breast cancer in Lake County.

Bra-Vo has turned into an event which, thanks to its small army of inspired artists, businesses and residents, has raised over $28,000 for the cause.

Bra-Vo is once again calling for artists of all levels to create masterpieces on supplied art bra forms. In the past, creations have gone from the whimsical and outrageous to stunningly beautiful and inspiring.

Artists return their completed forms to be exhibited in the gallery at Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Money is raised by auctioning the creative forms during a public reception. Additional funds are collected by one-dollar ballots cast for people’s favorites. The public is encouraged to vote often to aid the cause.

Artists interested in participating in Bra-Vo can pick up their bra form and entry packet at Artisans on Fifth during normal business hours at 134 E. 5th Avenue. Artists can choose from a female half torso or full male torso. The entry fee is $35 for artists and business entries start at $60.

Art bra forms are due back by September 26th at 5 p.m. and will be part of the exhibit from October 6 through October 28 in the gallery at Mount Dora Center for the Arts (MDCA). The public is invited to visit the gallery and vote either in person or online at www.Bra-Vo.org.

Bra-Vo 2018 Gala Reception for artists & sponsors will be held on October 12th at MDCA located at 138 E. Fifth Avenue from 5 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

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MOUNT DORA TEACHER BECOMES LAKE COUNTY'S FIRST POET LAUREATE

7/18/2018

A panel has chosen a Mount Dora teacher who says “poetry chose her” as the Lake County Library System’s first poet laureate. In her role, Laura Sobbott Ross will serve a one-year term volunteering for events and writing for the Lake County Poet Laureate Journal.

Sobbott Ross is a widely published award-winning poet whose work has appeared in more than 100 literary journals. In addition to four Pushcart Prize nominations, she was a finalist for the Art & Letters Poetry Prize and won the Southern Humanities Auburn Witness Poetry Prize. She has published two chapbooks, “A Tiny Hunger” and “My Mississippi,” and a third book, “The Graffiti of Pompeii,” is scheduled for publication this year. Her recent poem, “The Writing Lesson,” reflects her strong affinity for the Lake County community.

“My goal is to get it out there, make it accessible and enjoyable,” Sobbott Ross said. “Lake County is artistic. It’s time we uncovered the raw, untapped potential of the people in our community.”

Sobbott Ross is a state-certified English teacher and trained writing coach. Much of her career was spent teaching children in the Lake County Schools system. She currently teaches English to ESOL adults and GED prep at Lake Technical College and has experience working with students ages 5 to 91.

For more information about the Lake County Library System or to find out about future programs, call 352-253-6180. Find more local news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis here and follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of 'The Buzz' are available here.

Eustis' Lip-Syncing Officer Goes Viral and Challenges Other Departments

7/12/2018

You’ve seen them and maybe even shared them. They’ve no doubt made millions of people smile. Police Departments from near and far have been putting their humor on display as their Lip-sync Battle videos go viral.

Recently, Tavares Police Department challenged Eustis Police to expose their lighthearted side in what has become a social media showcase of law enforcement’s pop culture cred.

In Eustis, one officer bravely stepped up to the dare. Sitting alone in his police truck on the central Florida city’s lakefront, Community Service Officer Jim Franquiz primitively rigged a selfie-stick to his cup holder before teasing viewers of what was to come. Unlike more sophisticated productions by larger departments, Franquiz had a single prop: his sunglasses.

The next thing you know, the officer was grooving and moving his lips to “Don’t Stop the Rock,” a 1990s dance anthem by Freestyle.

Keeping his cool under pressure, the seasoned officer impressively tackled the feat in the very first take and without rehearsing. The result was widespread, online public praise.

Franquiz chose the retro dance tune, because it took him back to happy times in South Florida dance clubs and rollerskating with his wife.

When asked how his fellow officers responded to his video, Franquiz laughed and said, “I think it was really a case of ‘Better you than me.’”

A personable extrovert, the 32-year veteran law enforcement officer has relished his job even on the most difficult days and wears his love of Eustis on his sleeve. “I want the community to know that everyone that puts on this uniform is a just a regular person, working day and night,” said Franquiz.

The officer, who has two daughters and a grandchild, said his wife has been keeping him updated on the growing reaction to his video on social media.

Meanwhile, in the spirit of law enforcement’s Lip-Sync Battle, Eustis Police Department announced it was challenging Mount Dora Police Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office to post their own videos. No doubt, the community will be waiting.
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TAVARES CONSIDERS NEW PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

7/1/2018

Concert-goers may have a new local venue to see some of their favorite performers. The county seat of Lake County is on the verge of adding a performing arts center to its growing list of entertainment attractions.

City officials have begun the process of evaluating the feasibility of building the center at one of three locations within the city limits that range in size from 53,000 to almost 83,000 square feet.

Currently, the closest performance venues are Mount Dora Community Building with 633 seats, nearby Apopka Amphitheater with seating for 1,500 and additional lawn seating to accommodate 5,000, and Clermont Performing Arts Center with 1,200 seats.

The Tavares study will help determine the center’s location, size, uses, funding, construction and operational costs. The study and contract negotiations are expected to take up to a year for completion.

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MOUNT DORA'S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE

6/27/2018

Something new is happening in Mount Dora during the month of July. Every Friday night the City of Mount Dora is hosting a free Summer Concert Series in downtown’s Sunset Park from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Each concert will features performances by two different artists or bands. The Central Florida performers spam various genres including rock, pop, metal, folk and soul. Here is the schedule of performers:

JULY 6
Featuring Central Florida’s Claire Van Diver who delivers a mix of electric soul and pop and the duo Esh 'n' Sheif.

JULY 13
Featuring the acoustic folk sounds of Josh We Know and one of Orlando’s best rock bands, Tears of a Tyrant.

JULY 20
Featuring the soulful and sultry sounds of solo artist Brooke Klonel of Longwood and Central Florida's high-energy LUVU variety band performing fast-paced pop dance mixes.

JULY 27
Featuring rock artist Clarissa Kelley, as well as the 5-piece rock band Leaving Haven. Both are from Orlando.

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Your Guide to Fireworks & Festivities in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

6/24/2018

Good news! This year folks get to enjoy fireworks across Lake County skies on three separate nights. Here’s the 411 on local celebrations and firework displays:

JULY 1: The City of Eustis will hold their patriotic party on the lakefront at Ferran Park. The festivities will include a concert by Eli Mosley, arts and crafts, a kids zone, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. and more. Get more details

JULY 3: Mount Dora will host its annual Freedom on the Waterfront at Elizabeth Evans Park. It will feature live music, a kids zone and fireworks after sundown. Get more details

JULY 4: Independence Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. along Donnelly Street in Mount Dora.

JULY 4: Tavares will throw an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July party downtown with a dance party, live music, plenty of activities for kids and fireworks at 9 p.m. Get more details

JULY 4: Tavares Independence Day Parade starts at 5 p.m. on Main Street in downtown.

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

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TAVARES HOSTS OLD-FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

6/23/2018

There’s nothing more appropriate in this neck of the woods than an old-fashioned 4th of July celebration. That’s exactly what one Lake County city is promising. Tavares will host its annual patriotic bash in downtown beginning at 3 p.m. A parade will begin along Main Street at 5 p.m. with small American flags passed out to the first 1000 guests.

After the parade, Tavares Square will host games, live music, a rock-climbing wall, and a percussion petting zoo which allows kids a fun, hands-on way to experience different types of percussion instruments.

Wooton Park will be the location for a dance party with Blonde Ambition, an Orlando dance band. Kids can enjoy crafts and storytelling and bounce inflatables. Fireworks and flag-raising will be at 9 p.m. The Van Cam, a tricked-out VW bus that is also a photo booth, will also be on the scene.

For more events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find more news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis by getting a free subscription to the monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz here and follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook.

MOUNT DORA CELEBRATES NATION'S INDEPENDENCE WITH PARTY ON JULY 3

6/23/2018

Mount Dora will celebrate the nation’s independence on July 3 on the downtown lakefront. Freedom on the Waterfront is a free, family-friendly event featuring live music by the 13th Army Band, a Kids Zone and fireworks.

Opening ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 5:40 performance by Spayed Koolie and a 7:30 performance by the 13th Army Band. Fireworks over Lake Dora will light up the sky at 9:15 p.m.

Public parking will be available with van shuttles available at the First Baptist Church of Mount Dora at 1000 East 1st Avenue. Handicap parking will be located in the lower level of the parking garage on Donnelly Street near the train tracks. Glass, pets, fireworks and alcohol are not permitted.

Road closures will be Tremain St, between Charles and Liberty, Edgerton Court, Charles St, between Donnelly St and Tremain St, Liberty St, between Tremain and Grandview. Public Restrooms are at Gilbert Park and portalets will be at Elizabeth Evans Park and Simpson Cove.

For July 4th festivities and fireworks in Tavares, click here. Discover the news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis by getting a free subscription to the monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz here and follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook.

EUSTIS CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE WITH JULY 1 CELEBRATION

6/18/2018

The City of Eustis will host its annual Independence Hometown Celebration on Sunday, July 1 in Ferran Park. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes live music from recording artist Eli Mosley, craft vendors, food, a kids’ zone, community pool, and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Eustis at 9:30 p.m.

The kids’ zone will feature bounce houses, water slides, a face painter, balloon animals, and arts and crafts with the Eustis Historical Museum and the Lake Eustis Museum of Art. The Eustis Aquatic Center will be open at no charge for open-swim and splash pad use from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Nashville-based country music artist Eli Mosley will perform at the the historic Alice McClelland Memorial Bandshell at 5 p.m.. The night will be capped off at 9:30 p.m. with a fireworks display over Lake Eustis.

As part of the PB&J Challenge to benefit local underprivileged children, the city will be accepting donations of unopened jars of peanut butter and jelly at their tent in the park. Everyone donating a combination of peanut butter & jelly jars (min.16 oz or larger) will receive a free Eustis t-shirt while supplies last.

Feran Park is located at 250 Ferran Park Drive on the waterfront in downtown Eustis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Pets are permitted, but must remain on a leash.

Get the details for fireworks and celebrations in Mount Dora and Tavares here. For more events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL RETURNS JUNE 23

6/1/2018

Mount Dora will join other communities across the country by hosting a Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 23.

The family-friendly festival will be held on historic Grandview Street between Grant and Florida Avenues from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be vendors, food, beer and wine, a kids zone and live music including gospel, rap music, ETurn and a Motown show. FREE admission for all. Food, beer and wine available for purchase. Visitors can escape the heat under the big tent while you watch the show.

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 43 states. This is Mount Dora’s second event.

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.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA CONSIDERS REGULATED, ON-STREET POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL IN DOWNTOWN

6/1/2018

City officials and business owners have kicked around the idea of controlled on-street consumption of alcoholic beverages in downtown for years. Now it may be coming to fruition. Read more

PULITZER PRIZE-WIINNING AUTHOR TO SPEAK IN MOUNT DORA

5/1/2018

It’s not every day Lake County welcomes a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. On May 6, Mount Dora will host Gilbert King, awarded the 2013 nonfiction Pulitzer Prize for “Devil in the Grove.” The acclaimed book, set in Lake County, highlights the racial injustice of the case involving The Groveland Boys, Sheriff Willis McCall, and Thurgood Marshall.

King is returning to Mount Dora to talk about his newest book, “Beneath a Ruthless Sun: a True Story of Violence, Race, and Justice Lost and Found.” The new book is an investigative nonfiction tale that raises themes that still haunt American society.

The story is based on a rape case in 1950s Leesburg when Lake County judges, juries, deputies and attorneys manufactured or accepted falsified evidence to send a mentally-disabled teenager, Jesse Daniels, to a notoriously cruel mental institution. Daniels was released fourteen years later with the help of his mother, a reporter, and an attorney.

The presentation will examine an era in Lake County when justice was perverted by bigotry and tempered by the power of the free press. The free presentation begins at 4:00 p.m. and will include a question and answer period. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. at the Mount Dora Community Center, 520 North Baker Street. Books will be available for purchase to have signed by the author after the program.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.