MOUNT DORA BUZZ - Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

NEW MEDICAL PLAZA IN MOUNT DORA OPENS JAN. 6

1/3/2020

Located just south of the entrance to the Country Club of Mount Dora, the new and modern AdventHealth Medical Plaza will open to patients on January 6. The estimated $13 million medical facility is the newest AdventHealth project in Lake County and follows last month’s opening of its new Pediatric ER and Inpatient Rehab Center at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares.

The first floor of the new 22,260 square-foot medical plaza is home to family medicine physicians Dr. Veronica Chastain, Dr. Devlin O’Connor, Dr. Anielka Rodriguez and Dr. Kurt Wagner, as well as Estrellita Lu, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The practice will provide primary care services and offer extended office hours and care coordination resources.

Designed by Gresham Smith, the facility currently includes 21 examination rooms, two physician workrooms, procedure and consultation rooms, an interior reception area and a large, glass-enclosed lobby.

The second floor of the plaza will open by the end of 2020 and will be home to AdventHealth Medical Group specialists and pediatric care.

The plaza’s location was selected to provide a community-based facility to care for the growing Sorrento and Mt. Plymouth areas, as well as Mount Dora. AdventHealth Medical Plaza is located at 19735 U.S. Highway 441. To book an appointment, visit AdventHealthMedicalGroup.com or call 352-735-5700.

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.

DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA BUILDING IS SOLD AND SIGNS NEW TENANT

1/1/2020

Located on the most prime block of downtown Mount Dora, the old 1920 bank building housed the same tenant since 1996. That’s the year Cindy and Clay Oliver purchased the historic building located at 404 N. Donnelly Street and opened Oliver’s Twist Antiques, a two-level store filled with vintage treasures.

After two decades of rarities and oddities, the Olivers decided to scale back their business by closing the brick-and-mortar store to focus on the estate-sale side of their business, Oliver’s Twist Estate Sales. On December 2, they sold the approximately 3,500 square-foot building to Donnelly 404, LLC, for $1,300,000. The property will be managed by CFL Property Group (CFL) which manages several fully-leased commercial buildings downtown.

Demand exceeds availability for spaces on Donnelly between Fifth and Fourth Avenues, so the vacant space had immediate interest from many prospective tenants. In the end, Becker’s Best Shoes, currently located in a small storefront a few doors away, secured the lease and will be moving into the much larger space to expand its inventory of shoes and accessories.

CFL also manages the small Donnelly Street space being vacated by the shoe store, and the leasing agent, Sandi Weld, has succeeded in securing prospective tenants. A familiar store, Malena & Magda’s Boutique, is planning to make the move just around the corner from 4th Avenue in the first quarter of 2020. In turn, the space that the boutique is vacating is expected to be home to a new Turkish jewelry and accessories store by the same retailers that own the Turkish decor store, Cappadocia Arts, just across 4th Avenue.

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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NITRO ICE CREAM COMES TO DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

1/1/2020

There’s no doubt some of Mount Dora’s tastiest treats come from its bustling downtown ice cream shops. Even on the rare chilly day, loyal customers will line up for heaping scoops of their favorite flavors outside The Village Coffee Pot on Donnelly Street and Scoops on 5th Avenue.

A new player entered the arena of frozen treats in the city's historic downtown district. Steampunk Alley Nitro Ice Cream opened a counter on the first floor of the Renaissance Building.

The secret of nitro ice cream is in the rapid freezing of the ice cream mixture with liquid nitrogen. Other non-traditional shops, like Monster Dough which won 2019 Best New Business in Mount Dora, roll their ice cream after it freezes which also distinguishes it from the popular scooped ice cream served at downtown's Scoops on 5th and The Village Coffee Pot. Rolled ice cream is often regarded as having the most intense flavor due to a process that creates less air in the frozen treat.

The new owners have an similar business in Eustis that whips up unique ice cream flavors such as Caramel Twinkie Delight and Queen’s Red Velvet Treasure and priced at $6.99 for a small cup.

ABOVE: The Village Coffee Pot, at 425 N. Donnelly in downtown Mount Dora.

ABOVE: Scoops on 5th at 130 E. 5th in downtown Mount Dora

ABOVE: Steampunk Alley, 411 N. Donnelly Street.

According to its social media, the small, new ice cream counter is having its soft opening through January 5. 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

EUSTIS EMBRACES WINTER GARDEN'S COMMUNITY MARKET CONCEPT

1/1/2020

Taking a cue from its neighbor, downtown Eustis is preparing space for its own version of a community market. Eustis will have a much smaller venue than the popular Plant Street Market in downtown Winter Garden, but the new venture will be right in the heart of the city's historic downtown.

It was just over two months ago that neighboring Mount Dora partially opened its marketplace downtown. Originally slated for an early summer 2019 opening, Mount Dora Marketplace eventually opened a portion of its space at the end of October. In November, additional retail vendors were finally able to open their businesses, while other walk-up eateries have experienced even longer delays and still are not open.

The Eustis Market is being built inside a unique space tucked inside 24 E. Magnolia Avenue by different owners than its Mount Dora counterpart. It's seeking many of the same types of businesses that are currently in the Mount Dora model and markets in other U.S. cities -- coffee, baked goods, flowers and other retail vendors.

As the project gains steam and reaches milestones, stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz for its projected opening.

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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NEW LAKE DORA RIVERBOAT ARRIVES IN TAVARES

12/8/2019

ABOVE: The Dora Queen is transported through downtown Tavares on its way to its Wooton Park base. (Photo by Trident Boats of Tavares)

It’s been over two dedicated years in the making: The Dora Queen, a new 149-passenger replica of a paddlewheel riverboat, was painstakingly transported in pieces today to its new home at the downtown Tavares waterfront.

The custom 80-foot, pontoon paddleboat, based out of the Wooton Park docks, will now have its top deck, paddlewheel and other elements reassembled on site, as the vessel inches closer to its maiden voyage.

The impressive New Orleans-styled boat with its gray shiplap exterior and red ornamental iron details will feature two bars, comfortable lounge-style seating and music for passengers to enjoy or dance to during their approximately 90-minute to two-hour Lake Dora voyage. Unlike the other commercial passenger boats currently on Lake Dora, the Dora Queen will be offering pleasure cruises that remain on Lake Dora, rather than narrated boat tours into the Dora Canal. Passengers will be able to board the boat at the Tavares docks and in Mount Dora.

B.J. and Brandy Herron, long-time Mount Dora residents and owners of Steamboat Tours Inc., which will operate The Dora Queen, are planning to offer three scenic cruises a day on Lake Dora, including a sunset cruise. The shaded boat will also be available for private parties with its galley available for caterers. In addition to its daily operations, The Dora Queen will also have special cruises for Mother’s Day, the 4th of July and other seasonal events.

ABOVE PHOTOS: It took approximately two and half hours to carefully transport the very wide load of the Dora Queen's lower deck to Wooton Park from just a few miles away. (Photos by Nancy Ball, Jonni Vermuelen and Lauren Cunningham).

The timing of the Dora Queen’s maiden voyage will depend on its finishing details and the U.S. Coast Guard’s inspections schedule.

“We wanted a way for locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Lake Dora, while offering a unique experience,” said Brandy Herron. “Our goal is to add to the charm of our community with a fun and enjoyable new attraction.”

Over two years ago, the couple purchased the Dora Contessa riverboat replica that was docked on the Dead River for several years. Fortuitously, it was the same boat that served as the location of their wedding rehearsal dinner in 2001.

Robbie Cunningham, of Trident Pontoon Boats in Tavares, was contracted to build The Dora Queen and incorporate The Dora Contessa’s paddle wheel and other elements into the new and larger vessel. Cunningham and his crew have a solid track record of building impressive commercial pontoon boats for businesses throughout Florida.

ABOVE: Brian and Brandy Herron, owners of the Dora Queen and Mount Dora residents

The Dora Queen’s pleasure cruises will complement the vintage excursion train, seaplane rides, restaurants and other businesses based in the City’s entertainment district.

Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for updates on The Dora Queen’s maiden voyage, pricing, schedules and other details as they become available. 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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PROPOSED MOUNT DORA DEVELOPMENT SET FOR DEC. 3 PUBLIC HEARING

12/2/2019

UPDATE 12/17/2019: The development passed at its final public hearing on December 17 with a 5-2 vote by Mount Dora City Council.
UPDATE 12/3/2019: Mount Dora City Council passed the rezoning application at the December 3 public hearing with the inclusion of the caveats added by the city's Planning and Zoning Board. A required second public meeting will be held at an upcoming city council meeting.

It’s the only tract of land of its kind within Mount Dora’s city limits. On Tuesday evening, December 3 (see updates above), Mount Dora City Council will hold a public hearing for rezoning of a proposed new development titled “Cottages on 11th," which would have a maximum of 27 luxury, single-family homes.

The hilltop 10.9-acre property with a view of Lake Dora is between 11th Avenue and Old U.S. Highway 441 near Helen Street, just west of downtown. The land can be identified by its old orange groves perched on the hill a short distance past the van Gogh House.

The application seeks approval to allow for narrower lots, but remain within the 2.5 acre density currently allowed. The applicant for the Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning is Florida Realty and Development, Inc.

The developer’s stated vision includes:

Prices ranging from $650,000 to over $1 million.
Two points of access on 11th Avenue. (One will be full access, while the other will only be an entrance)
Smaller lots for ease of maintenance.
Homes designed in the character and appeal of historic Mount Dora.
Varied lot sizes to provide a varied streetscape.
A park and recreational amenities for its residents.

Emphasis on landscaping
The area just north of Old Highway 441 will be used as open space and retention.
The 1.05-acre lakefront “parcel” located to the south of Old Highway 441 will be donated to the CIty and remain natural vegetation and serve as open space for the community.
A staggered contribution to the City’s Public Arts Fund totaling $54,000 once the development is completed and all lots are sold.

The development and its rezoning is not without public opposition. Several neighbors have voiced their concerns at public meetings throughout the rezoning application process.

The public hearing will be during the Mount Dora City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Comments from the public are allowed.

ABOVE: Cottages on 11th site plan submitted by developer in August.

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MOUNT DORA'S BRITISH PUB PREPS FOR NEW LOCATION

12/1/2019

After five successful years at its current downtown Mount Dora location, the city’s popular pub, Magical Meat Boutique, is relocating just a stone’s-throw away. The expansive new location, across from the Chamber of Commerce on Alexander Street, has been home to several restaurants over the last decade, most recently, the short-lived Jamaica Gardens.

The new 4,500 square-foot space will triple the pub’s size and provide plentiful covered, outdoor dining.

Over the years, the British pub’s client base has grown, not just with local residents, but also with visits from some of the 400,000 British expats who reside in Florida, according to Phil Barnard, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Kate. Over the years, the Barnards discovered that throughout the summer months, the pub could not accommodate many of their patrons, who found it too hot or wet to sit outside, according to Phil.

Magical Meat Boutique, named after Phil’s father’s famous 1960’s London butcher shop, currently sits alongside downtown’s railroad tracks. The current uncertainty about the railroad’s future posed potential issues for the restaurant since a portion of the eatery’s large deck and entertainment space was located adjacent to the tracks. Additionally, the vintage railcar they leased could also be affected.

As a result of the uncertainty that the weather and the railroad posed, the Barnards decided to make the leap across the street while the 170-seat space was still available.

ABOVE: Pub owners Phil & Kate Barnard outside the current, smaller location. (Photo provided by Magical Meat Boutique)

The larger kitchen and bar in the new space will enable Magical Meat Boutique to expand its menu and its draught beer offerings. The eatery currently offers authentic British pub fare, plus American favorites like juicy burgers and fries. The full bar serves cocktails, and of course, British beers on tap.

In keeping with its existing friendly ambiance, the interior of the sprawling space will be transformed into a traditional British pub and feature a large new bar in the center section of the space. Most of the pub’s popular live music events will be inside, but a separate dining room will be available for patrons who want to enjoy quieter meals. The Barnards plan to work closely with their friends that own the neighboring Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille to share outside entertainment to avoid any potential sound conflicts.

Magical Meat Boutique is currently located at 112 W. 3rd Avenue downtown. Sometime in December, the pub is expected to open in its new location at 322 N. Alexander Street.

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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THE NEW UPDATE ON MOUNT DORA'S WAWA

12/1/2019

In the spring of 2017, it was announced that Wawa, a national convenience store and gas station chain, was slated to replace the small Shell station on the corner of U.S. 441 and Morningside Drive near Lake Gertrude. The chain of large gas stations has gained popularity in regions of the U.S. for its variety of take-out food options.

Although the Wawa project was approved early on by the City of Mount Dora, Wawa has revised its construction schedule for the location. The Pennsylvania-based company presently has scheduled construction to begin in the third quarter of 2020 with a potential opening in the first quarter of 2021.

“Wawa is continuing its exciting growth and expansion throughout the state of Florida. Right now, we have a number of stores already under construction and in our development pipeline throughout the state. Our construction timelines and grand opening dates are based on many factors, including timing of permits and approvals throughout the state,” Lori Bruce, Wawa Public Relations Manager, told Mount Dora Buzz.

In 2017, the city of Mount Dora acted promptly to annex the approximately 1.25 acre property and rezone it as necessary for Wawa. There are presently no issues or delays with the City of Mount Dora.

In 2020, Wawa will open 20 new stores throughout Florida and start construction on a number of others. The company’s goal is to reach 400 stores in Florida by 2028.

Wawa opened its first store in Florida in 2012 and had over 100 locations in the Sunshine State when it first announced its Mount Dora location.

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NEW PEDIATRIC E.R. OPENS AT ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN ON DEC. 10

12/1/2019

Emergency healthcare for kids just got better in Lake County. AdventHealth Waterman is celebrating the grand opening of the new pediatric Emergency Room (ER). The opening marks the completion of the second phase of a 111,000-square-foot, $85 million expansion at the Tavares hospital.

This construction project doubled the footprint of the emergency department and grew capacity from 35 to 58 beds, making it the largest ER facility in Lake County. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read more

TWO NEW EATERIES KEEP IT SIMPLE IN DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

11/1/2019

As the diverse culinary options keep growing in Mount Dora, dishing up everything from authentic Indian and Cuban cuisines to Italian fare and a British tea room, two new downtown eateries have taken a decidedly different approach.

The Salted Fry and Duke’s Dogs, located within a block of each other in the city’s historic district, are keeping the menus simple with familiar foods that are easy to eat on the go.

Over the years, a small space tucked down a quaint downtown Mount Dora alley has been home to various popular coffee houses and even a home decor store. Now, after more than a year in the making, The Salted Fry opened with their take on an American classic.

From the walk-up counter inside the cozy small space, patrons can order hand-cut French fries served in easy-to-carry paper cones. Although the fries may be simple, customers can add a variety of toppings that include aged cheddar sauce, diced jalapenos, truffle and garlic aioli or even a blueberry pie filling. Patrons can opt to add a little sophistication to their snack by pairing it with a glass of wine.

Another new business focusing on an American classic, Duke’s Dogs, is opening on Alexander Street next to Maggie’s Attic and is currently in the build-out stage. The family-owned business is described as an old-fashioned hot dog shop and will offer all-beef hot dogs with a variety of toppings.

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’S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING PUMPKIN: Lattes, Cocktails, Muffins and More!

11/1/2019

It’s always one of the most anticipated delights of fall: pumpkin-flavored everything! Muffins and soups fly off menus, while homes fill up with the smell of pumpkin pie. In an effort to help local pumpkin lovers maximize the season, here’s the Great Pumpkin Tour of downtown Mount Dora with all the things you don’t want to miss.

COFFEES DRINKS

Pumpkin Spice Latte
These drinks are arguably the most anxiously awaited beverage all year as a rite of passage into Fall. Latte drinkers can get their fix with tasty variations whipped up at Cody's on 4th. (111 E. 4th Ave., downtown)

Pumpkin Spice Cold Foam Cold Brew
Serious coffee enthusiasts can head to Serendipity Coffee and belly up to their bar for one of these robust and flavorful cold beverages. (144 W. 5th Ave., downtown)

Spiked Lattes
These are delish! Served hot or cold, these adult beverages are perfect when the day calls for something a little stronger. Choose between a spiked Nutty Pumpkin Latte or an Irish Pumpkin Latte at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant. (351 N. Donnelly St., downtown)

EDIBLE FAVORITES

Pumpkin Muffins
The homemade, generously-sized muffins at Cody's on 4th are always moist and have just the right amount of pumpkin spice. They may be large, but you won’t want to share. (111 E. 4th Ave., downtown)

Pumpkin Creme Brulee
Yep, it’s as good as it sounds. Be sure to save room after your favorite pizza or pasta dish for this decadent house-made dessert at PizzAmore on 5th Avenue. (722 E. 5th Ave., near uptown)

Pumpkin Bars
These fresh and scrumptious seasonal baked treats are brought to you by a new sweets and custom cake bakery in town, Aunt Gingibread’s Bakery located inside the new Mount Dora Marketplace. (100 E. 4th Ave., downtown)

Maple Pumpkin Butter
Who knew toast could be so good? Julianne's Coastal Cottage sells this heaven-in-a-jar condiment which is to die for when generously applied to toast or ice cream. (135 E. 4th Ave., downtown)

Spicy Pumpkin Bisque
The homemade recipe is absolute perfection at Cody's on 4th. Grab a bowl on a day with a chill because it has just a little kick. Be sure to call ahead because it’s a special. (111 E. 4th Ave., downtown)

ADULT BEVERAGES

Pumpkin White Russian
This is a seasonal spin on the creamy traditional favorite poured over ice at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant downtown. It is akin to dessert in a glass. (351 N. Donnelly St., downtown)

Pumpkin Hard Cider
Perfect for the season, Swilled Dog’s Pumpkin Path hard cider at PizzAmore blends the perfect amount of fresh pumpkin and chai tea spices with its tart and sweet apples. (722 E. 5th Avenue, near uptown)

Pumpkin Pale Ale
Dubbed the mother of all pumpkin ales by the Beer Advocate due to its heartier, spicier pumpkin flavor, Imperial Pumpkin Pale Ale is brewed by Weyerbacher Brewery and served at Serendipity Coffee. (144 W 5th Ave., downtown)

Pumpkin Amber Ale
PizzAmore’s list of beers includes the season’s Isle of MaGourdo, an amber ale featuring pumpkin and spices brewed by Florida’s own Due South Brewery. (722 E. 5th Avenue, near uptown)

Spiked Nutty Lattes
Served hot or cold, these adult beverages are perfect when the day (or night) calls for something a little stronger. Choose between a spiked Nutty Pumpkin Latte or an Irish Pumpkin Latte at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant. (351 N. Donnelly St., downtown)

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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A PORTION OF MOUNT DORA MARKETPLACE OPENS

10/15/2019

Almost half of a new food and retail hub, Mount Dora Marketplace, will open its doors on Tuesday, October 15. The opening of the corner building’s first floor is great news for the vendors who will be kicking off their businesses in time for the Mount Dora Craft Fair on October 26 and 27.

The two-story building, formerly home to Eduardo’s and The Lost Parrot restaurants, features a mix of vendors that offer a variety of fresh baked goods, sweets, craft beer, and ceviche, as well as orchids and tropical plants set in a country market decor.

After choosing their food and beverages, patrons can opt for take-out or dine outside at the new picnic tables in the cozy converted alley.

The anchor of the market is Wolf Branch Brewing, a local brewery and craft beer bar which is having its soft opening in the downstairs bar space of the building. The large bar with an inviting vibe provides plenty of indoor seating and stellar draft beer.

When completed, Mount Dora Marketplace will incorporate two separate buildings. The one-story building with its new street entrance on Donnelly Street, will feature more food vendors, but will also include a variety of small retailers. The individual businesses are creating their own build-outs, so each will bring its own unique style.

According to the City, it’s currently awaiting plans for that building from the building’s owner, but once the standard Change of Use guidelines are followed and the project has the necessary permits, the remaining work will continue and that portion of the marketplace will also be open for business.

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 PUMPKIN PATCHES

10/1/2019

It’s arguably the most fun 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 good pumpkins to larger farms with fun activities for kids:

Community Pumpkin Patch
East Lake Chamber of Commerce (24214 SR 46, Sorrento)
Choose from a selection of pumpkins in a variety of shapes and sizes beginning the first weekend in October.
Dates/Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. through October 30 or until the last pumpkin is sold. Cash and checks accepted.

Fall in the Field
Renningers Antique Center, 20651 US Hwy 441, Mount Dora
Every year this weekend show features an area with a very impressive selection of unique heirloom pumpkins.
Dates/Hours: October 5 & 6, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Long & Scott Farm
26216 CR 448A, Mount Dora
Plenty of pumpkins and photo opportunities outside the entrance to Scott’s Country Market. On weekends you can also take in the corn maze, bounce pillow, and more. Pumpkins are available beginning in early October.
Dates/Hours: Tues - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 12 - 6 p.m.

A Lot of Pumpkins Patch
35317 Huff Road, Eustis (Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm)
352-357-9863
This farm with a shaded pumpkin patch also offers a carving station for visitors to carve their jack-o’-lantern at the farm; hayrides, maze, zip lines, bounce pillow, plus horse and pony rides and barnyard animals. Pumpkins are priced by size, and most range between $3 and $12. General admission on days when all activities are offered range from $3 to $6.

Atwood Family Farm
36111 N CR 44A, Eustis
In addition to purchasing fresh pumpkins, visitors can enjoy a playground, yard games and free face painting. Food and drinks are available for purchase. The farm is open on weekend, plus Wednesday and Friday afternoons through Halloween. Entry is $5 per car which is applied to pumpkin 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.

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SEASONED PROMOTERS OPEN NEW MOUNT DORA EVENT VENUE

10/1/2019

Well known for its many festivals throughout the year, Mount Dora also has a reputation for playing host to a myriad of music concerts and other performances. Now, a brand new venue hopes to entice even more quality entertainment to this quaint Central Florida city.

Although the nondescript shell tucked inside the Mount Dora Plaza shopping center is far from the neon lights of Radio City Music Hall, the sprawling venue’s owners have completely transformed the interior space into a sparkling, 26,000 square-foot event facility that is flexible enough to be customized for virtually any type of entertainment, according to Brian Young, one of the venue’s co-owners.

In addition to its convenient location just a mile west from downtown, Mount Dora Plaza Live boasts impressive professional lighting and sound systems, as well as another asset that’s elusive in Mount Dora--plentiful parking.

Although the venue is available to rent for private and corporate functions, it also has a diverse schedule of regular events ranging from murder-mystery dinner theater and film screenings to an entertaining drag show called Brunch with the Broadway Bunch (see video), a group renowned for their Sunday brunch performances at Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando.

“Dinner style shows will be our primary focus, which will set the venue apart from other entertainment venues in Central Florida,” said Young. He anticipates offering as many as four dinner theater performances monthly. Currently the actors for the Murder Mystery Dinner are part of an in-house theater troupe.

In addition to featuring a full bar, Mount Dora Plaza Live also has a well-equipped commercial kitchen and a modern cafe space. Patrons can opt to grab a bite to eat on- site before the event, and cocktails will be served before and during performances.

The scale of the Mount Dora Plaza Live is impressive. The main room is more than 15,000 square feet, but can be partitioned to accommodate much smaller sizes. Dinner-style shows with tables will accommodate almost 400 guests, while concert-style shows with rows of seats and aisles can accommodate nearly 600 patrons. By comparison, the historic Mount Dora Community Building on Baker Street seats 633.

Young believes the timing and opportunity are perfect for such a bold venture. (article continues below)

ABOVE: Stage set for Lunch with the Broadway Brunch (see video below)

“I have enjoyed tremendous success with entertainment in Mount Dora and wish to continue that,” said Young. “Stan has been a music professional for more than 45 years and has owned and operated a production company for 11 years,” he said of his partner Stan Allen, owner of Allengang Entertainment. Both men are experienced at producing events in the city. Allen’s wife, Elyse, is handling the private rentals of the facility.

Young has promoted events for more than 30 years between his time in Florida and California. In Mount Dora, he coordinates one of downtown’s most established festivals, October’s annual craft fair, as well as newer events like the blueberry festival and the recent seafood festival.

Allen and Young made substantial improvements to the interior of the venue that include renovated restrooms, new furnishings, an upgraded electrical system and a fresh coat of paint throughout.

Private parties, corporations and other promoters can rent the versatile space starting at $1,450 daily. Catering, sound, lights, tables, chairs, etc. may incur additional costs as part of their rental fee schedule.

Mount Dora Plaza Live is located at 2728 W. Old Highway 441 in Mount Dora in the same shopping center as Mount Dora's post office.

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 CHIK-FIL-A CLOSES FOR RENOVATIONS

9/19/2019

“Say it isn’t so!” That’s what a lot of fans of the national fast-food franchise, Chik-fil-A, will be saying when they pull into the Mount Dora drive-through on September 20 and discover the location is temporarily closed.

The popular restaurant, located on US. Highway 441 and headquartered in Atlanta, will undergo extensive renovations and remodeling and anticipates re-opening sometime in November. Among the improvements are a second drive-through lane which will help serve customers faster and help alleviate the frequent traffic tie-ups.

Mount Dora’s Chik-fil-A will also get 400 square feet added to its kitchen and a facelift to the interior that includes new seating and furnishings.

Until the renovations are complete, fans will have to get their fix at the closest Chik-fil-A located at 3050 E Semoran Boulevard in Apopka.

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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