MOUNT DORA BUZZ - Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

WORK BEGINS ON MOUNT DORA'S PANDA EXPRESS

3/1/2021

Tongues began wagging as soon as equipment began tearing up the parking lot in front of Target in Mount Dora. The project consists of reconfiguration of the existing Target site with the creation of two new out-parcels. The smaller lot will be home to a 2,442 square-foot Panda Express restaurant with a drive-through. The larger second lot will be a multi-tenant project designed for two restaurant spaces and two retail spaces for a total of 8,358 square feet (see renderings). The project applicant did not indicate if there are tenants yet for the multi-tenant building.

Panda Express, based out of California, originally sought to open at that location over thirteen years ago, but the project was met with legal resistance from Chick-Fil-A which claimed deed restrictions at the Target plaza prevented the national Chinese-American fast-casual chain from opening in that location. Deed restrictions, created by a property owner, are routinely used in commercial real estate to limit a property’s use in order to protect business interests.

After years of legal wrangling, Panda Express can finally follow through on its plans for the Mount Dora location. Now, with visible progress being made, lovers of the chain’s popular Hunan-inspired Orange Chicken have reason to celebrate.

The growing restaurant chain also cooks up Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Honey Walnut shrimp, fried rice, chow mein and other Chinese favorites, and recently began offering plant-based options, including Eggplant Tofu.

Panda Express launched in 1983 when the Cherng family opened the location in Glendale, California. With more than 2,100 stores and $3 billion in sales, Panda Express is the largest family-owned-and-operated Asian dining concept in America, according to the company’s website.
Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz’s Facebook page for the restaurant's projected opening date once construction milestones are met.

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

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ABOVE: Developer's rendering of Mount Dora's Panda Express

ABOVE: Developer's rendering of second Target outparcel for 4 additional businesses.

NEW ART GALLERY OPENS IN MOUNT DORA

3/1/2021

For artists, it’s the place to be in Central Florida. As an enclave for creative types, Mount Dora has more than its share of talented artists, and last month another new art gallery and studio opened in the heart of downtown Mount Dora.

Studio Art Farm was opened by Mount Dora artist P.J. Svejda and Orlando-based artist German Lemus just in time to greet visitors at the Mount Dora Arts Festival. Much of the pair’s work is highly illustrative, but the artists differ in style, subject matter and media. The white walls of the gallery also feature the colorful landscape and scenic canvases of Orlando-based artist Heather Nagy and there is still wall space available in the studio for another artist.

Svejda also offers art classes, currently hosted online via a private Facebook group. Lemus, originally from Honduras, now resides in Orlando.

The Studio Art Farm is located in the Fuller Building at 120 E. 4th Avenue between Allyson A. Bakeshop and the new Magic Tea Market currently under construction. The gallery’s hours vary, so visitors are welcome to call ahead at 407- 376-2228.

Recently, Wild Ibis Art Studio and Gallery relocated from its Eustis location into downtown Mount Dora’s Renaissance Building, adding to the number of artists’ working spaces in the historic district.

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

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FOOD TRUCK GARDEN DRAWS DINERS TO MOUNT PLYMOUTH

2/1/2021

Just a short rural drive from downtown Mount Dora, sits a remote little eatery that combines the convenience of a food truck with the ambiance of a beer garden.

Nestled under live oaks, the IGA Food Truck Park offers traditional favorites like Angus beef burgers with brioche buns which include the Classic burger ($7) a gyro burger ($9), as well as a plant-based Impossible burger. The yellow truck also dishes out a variety of tacos like steak, chicken and mahi that are served three per order ($7).

RELATED: Discover local restaurants in the Local Dining Guide

There are also about half a dozen types of sandwiches available, including a Prime Rib Philly Cheesesteak, a classic gyro, grilled Mahi, plus an Indian Chicken Tikka naan sandwich and a traditional Cuban sandwich ($8 to $9). Mount Dora Buzz dove into the Prime Rib Philly, along with the double All-American burger and the Chicken Tikka and all were delish.

RELATED: Vote for your favorite local Bloody Mary

Unlike the food trucks in more urban areas, this one sits on a shady lot filled with twelve picnic tables, a few fire pits and market lights that hang under the tree canopy. There is also an oversized Jenga-type game to keep patrons amused. Not only does the outdoor ambiance and quality food attract patrons, but so does the daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. that gives $2 off all burgers.

For those that want breakfast on the go, the truck also has a handful of breakfast sandwiches and a breakfast burger available. For little ones, there is also a kids menu.

The truck opened three years ago and prepares everything made-to-order with fresh ingredients from the IGA market directly across the street.

The IGA Food Truck is located at 31428 County Road 435 in Mount Plymouth. It’s open daily 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.  For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW TAVARES DINER BOOSTS AREA'S DINING OPTIONS

1/1/2021

It may be off the beaten path for many, but don’t let that stop you.

Tavares’ new breakfast and lunch diner, Twisted Biscuit Diner, is far removed from downtown’s bustling restaurants and bars, but it’s worth the quick 10-minute trek.

The spacious restaurant, with ample outdoor and indoor seating, opened its doors in November and is quickly becoming a local favorite. Its breakfast offerings are a mix of traditional dishes and Southern favorites with a little twist. Breakfast is served all day and patrons can choose from dishes like Texas Hash ($11.99), the Pig Licker Biscuit ($9.59), banana pecan pancakes ($9.49) , Son-of-a-Biscuit ($8.99) or our choice which was the Bayou Benedict -- an open-faced, bacon-cheddar biscuit topped with fried green tomatoes, two poached eggs and boiled shrimp, then smothered in a tasty Cajun crawfish sauce ($12.59). Bloody Mary’s and various mimosas are also available.

RELATED: Local Dining Guide

The bright and airy atmosphere of Twisted Biscuit includes a long counter with seating, just like every authentic diner should. The service was very friendly, attentive and quick, and left nothing to be desired. The portions were generous and the food was flavorful. .Although the yolks of the poached eggs on the Benedict were cooked hard, the server was very quick and happy to correct it, which is all patrons can ask.

The lunch menu features everything from six entree salads (most $10.99), various Po’boy sandwiches and burgers ($9.99-$12.99), plus entrees like chicken-fried steak ($13.99), red-eye ham platter ($12.99). fried hogfish with Cajun crawfish sauce, and broiled seasoned grouper ($15.99). Entrees are served with two sides and a biscuit.

RELATED: Best of Mount Dora winning restaurants

The diner’s owner, Don Wilson, returned to his restaurant roots after retiring from a career in food service sales. His daughter’s homemade strawberry biscuits were the inspiration for Twisted BIscuits’s concept -- classic southern diner favorites with a twist.

Twisted Biscuit is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 4101 County Road 561 at the intersection of County Road 448A in Tavares.

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STRAWBERRY LOVERS FLOCK TO SORRENTO U-PICK FARM

1/1/2021

The local strawberry season is still in full swing and could continue through March depending on the weather.

Oak Haven Farms & Winery, a family-owned U-Pick strawberry farm in Sorrento, has seven acres of their twenty-acre farm available for picking. Priced at $3.50 a pound, visitors can pick rows of ripe berries or opt for pre-picked berries sold for $4 per pound.

The Stauderman family has owned the farm for over twenty years and strawberries have been a staple. Nine years ago, a vineyard was added to grow grapes for making sweet local fruit wines.

RELATED: List of local organic farms

The farm is family-friendly and offers a free obstacle course, playground, short zip line, as well as a hayride on weekends. Pets are not permitted at the farm.

Inside the white barn, shoppers can taste and purchase the farm’s fruit wines, as well as find pre-picked berries, condiments, and local honey. On weekends, the kitchen in the barn sells u-roast hot dogs, drinks, fresh strawberry shortcake, and ice cream.

RELATED: Entertainment calendar for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Picking hours during the season vary due to supply and weather, but typically the days are Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Oak Haven Farms is located at 32418 Avington Road in Sorrento.

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DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA'S HOLIDAY HOURS

12/7/2020

If you want to shop and dine local during the holidays, here’s a little help. Mount Dora Merchants Association helped Mount Dora Buzz compile this list of holiday hours of some of your favorite indie shops and restaurants.

Most shops close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. However a handful are open until 5 or 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day most downtown eateries are open, but their hours vary and most close well before the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve.

EATS & DRINKS

Alyson A Bake Shop
Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. to Noon
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New Year’s Day: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Claire's Creperie
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Frog and Monkey:
Christmas and New Year’s Eve Noon to 9 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Las Palmas
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pisces Rising
Christmas Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year's Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
New Year's Day: 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

PizzaAmore
Christmas Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: Regular hours

Maggie's Attic
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Olive Branch Mediterranean Grill & Bar
Christmas Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
New Year’s Eve: 11:30 a.m. to midnight
New Year’s Day: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Shiva Indian Restaurant
Christmas Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Christmas: Closed
New Year's Eve: 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
New Year Day: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

RELATED: Local DIning Guide

RETAIL THERAPY:

Barrel of Books & Games
Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: Noon to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Checkered Moon:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Emz on Fifth:
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home and Garden Treasures:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Years Day: Closed

RELATED: 2020 Best of Mount Dora winners

Julianne's Coastal Cottage:
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lee Fusion Art Glass:
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Malena and Magda's Boutique:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Matamo Design:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Modernism Museum Shoppe:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Painting Outside the Lines
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Papilio
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Reefs and Ranches:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

Walk in the Woods
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Christmas and New Year’s Day: Closed

Wow Factory:
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Closed

This is just a partial list, so if your favorite spots aren’t here, no worries. Just head to their social media pages to find out their posted holiday hours and unique offerings.

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

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BUBBLE TEA AND MORE TO HIT DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

12/1/2020

ABOVE: Bubble tea file photo

It’s been a “thing” for years and now Mount Dora is finally joining the party.

Authentic boba tea, also called "black pearl tea" or "bubble tea," will be making its debut downtown in March with the opening of Magic Tea Market. Boba tea, originally created in Taiwan in the mid-1980s, is a sweet, frothy, cold drink made with tea, sweetened milk and “pearls” made from ingredients like tapioca and fruit jelly. Contrary to the name, there are actually no bubbles in the popular beverage.

RELATED: New eateries coming to Mount Dora's Renaissance Building

Enthusiasts and the adventurous can try various flavors of bubble teas including milk teas, oolong, matcha, brown sugar milk tea, as well as Magic Tea's signature tea topped with a tiramisu puffed cream. The new shop will also whip up a slushes with cheese foam, speciality fruit teas and a dragon berry fruit smoothie topped with vanilla ice cream, and other decadent drinks.

RELATED: Discover the Local Dining Guide

Those who aren’t big tea fans can try the soft serve matcha and vanilla ice cream with housemade waffle cones, or opt for containers of traditional Japanese red bean ice cream and other flavors. Customers looking for a nosh can choose from a variety of imported savory and sweet snacks imported from the Far East.

Magic Tea's owner is a familiar face locally. Ling Jiang and her husband also own the popular Momiji Japanese restaurant in Eustis near Sorrento. The couple is still working on the market's menu and snack options, but anticipates Magic Tea to open by the end of March on 4th Avenue between Alyson A Bakeshop and Wolf Branch Brewing. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz’s Facebook page for an opening date.

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

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MOUNT DORA WAWA UPDATES IT TARGETED OPENING

12/1/2020

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 expanding chain of large gas stations has gained popularity for its variety of take-out food offerings including salads, bowls and sandwiches.

Although the Wawa project was approved early on by the City of Mount Dora, Wawa revised its own internal construction schedule for the location which delayed the project. The Pennsylvania-based company has now begun the project and plans on opening in the spring of 2021.

RELATED: Discover the local Mount Dora Shopping Guide

In 2017, the city of Mount Dora quickly annexed the approximately 1.25 acre property and rezoned it as necessary for Wawa to proceed.

In 2020, Wawa planned to open 20 new stores throughout Florida and start construction on a number of others. The company’s goal at the time was 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.

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

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Local Entertainment Calendar

TRENDY WOMEN'S BOUTIQUE TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

12/1/2020

A new source of retail therapy is coming to downtown Mount Dora that will offer fun and trendy women’s clothing at affordable prices.

Ivy Boutique will carry the latest styles of dresses, tunics, jumpsuits, skirts, rompers and more, all under $50. The shop will also sell jewelry, handbags and sunglasses to complement the clothing.

RELATED: Mount Dora's Renaissance Building gets flurry of new businesses

The boutique’s owner, Ivy Parnasius, isn’t a novice in the retail game. She owns and operates the original Ivy Boutique in downtown Spring Harbor, Michigan, and will now spend her winters in Mount Dora and summers in Michigan.

“I opened my first shop over 20 years ago in Colorado, with one goal in mind -- to help women look and feel more beautiful and confident. We offer fun and affordable styles for women of all ages,” said Parnsius, whose store offers looks not currently available in downtown Mount Dora. The store provides live fashion shows on Facebook every Friday, so customers can see new arrivals and shop online, as well as in person.

RELATED: Discover Mount Dora's shopping guide

Parnasius’ family moved to Central Florida 30 years ago, and upon discovering Mount Dora, she fell in love with it. She later graduated from Stetson University in DeLand and moved out of the state, but maintained a dream of opening a shop in Mount Dora.

Ivy Boutique will open this month at 107 E. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora next to Piglet’s Pantry.

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

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NEW EATERIES & SHOPS REFRESH MOUNT DORA'S RENAISSANCE BUILDING

12/1/2020

Things are booming in the Renaissance Building in downtown Mount Dora. The historic building, which once served as the town’s hotel, has seen an influx of new businesses and the expansion of existing tenants in recent weeks.

Black Swan Mercantile, a French-inspired home decor and gift shop in the prime ground floor, completed its expansion into the next space to add a small specialty food market. The store had previously carried some packaged foods and is increasing its edible and culinary-related offerings to fill the new space.

Meanwhile, long-time tenant Rafiki boutique, moved from its ground-floor space to one that is closer to the front of the building. That jump forward gives the store and its African handmade items greater visibility to passersby.

The building’s short-lived ice cream shop, Steampunk Alley, closed its doors in November. However, its former ground-floor space was quickly grabbed by The Juice Box, a fresh smoothie shop which had been tucked inside Mount Dora Marketplace just a stone’s throw away. It’s new and expanded location in the Renaissance is expected to open early this month and provide much improved foot traffic and visibility. It was only a few months ago that My Peaceful Treasures, a welcoming metaphysical boutique, also moved from the Marketplace into the Renaissance Building.

A new sandwich shop is expected to open in early 2021 in the space across from The Juice Box. The building’s owner, Daniel DiVenanzo is currently considering three different experience operators to pick from. The decision will be based on which will work the best with the dynamic of the building.

RELATED: Discover the Local Dining Guide

It’s not just the ground floor of the three-story building that’s seeing an influx of new tenants. The second floor gained Wild Ibis Studio which was previously located in downtown Eustis and features paintings by two local artists. This is the only gallery in the building and DiVenanzo said he is careful about retail overlap in the building when accepting new tenants.

The second floor will also have a new eatery in the space formerly occupied by The Loft. The owners of the popular Frog & Monkey Pub in the basement will open their second eatery in the Renaissance in the bright space that overlooks Donnelly Street. The Frog and Monkey is known for its tasty food, so their new venture is expected to be another big success.

With all of the new businesses opening, the old hotel building is now approaching 100 percent occupancy with only one office space available on the third floor. Watch Mount Dora Buzz’s Facebook page for opening dates.

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

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NEW PEACH VALLEY CAFE TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

11/1/2020

Mount Dora will have the newest location of Peach Valley Cafe, a Florida-based chain that dishes up a variety of housemade breakfast and lunch options made from fresh ingredients, according to the company. The expanding chain currently has six other venues in the state.

Known for their fresh apple fritters tossed tableside in cinnamon sugar, the restaurant’s morning offerings include a variety of hearty breakfasts like various omelets, eggs benedicts, blueberry pancakes, stuffed French toast, and biscuits and gravy, as well as lighter breakfasts like avocado toast, housemade granola, smoked salmon bagels, fruit bowls and egg sandwiches. Breakfasts run from approximately $5 to $12. Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellinis and sangria are also available.

RELATED: New Organic Smoothie Shop Opens in Mount Dora

Peach Valley’s lunch options also run the gamut with menu items ranging from salads, wraps and soups to fish tacos, meaty burgers, shrimp and grits, plus a variety of hot and cold sandwiches. Lunches are priced from $8 to $12 A kids’ menu is also available. The cafe also offers lunch and breakfast catering and platters.

Mount Dora’s Peach Valley Cafe will be located at 18935 U.S. Highway 441 in the space formerly occupied by Bob Evans. Watch Mount Dora Buzz’s Facebook page for the opening date once it’s determined.

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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Local Dining Guide

MOUNT DORA'S NEW ORGANIC SMOOTHIE SHOP WHIPS UP HEALTHY OPTIONS

11/1/2020

From organic farms, vegan menu items and more gluten-free offerings, Mount Dora has been gaining more healthy food options. Last month it gained another. Juize Box, an organic smoothie and juice bar, opened in September and whips up organic smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices, as well as an assortment of light bites.

The partners, Janice DiFiore and Linda Ricker became friends while working together in a local medical office. Both are downtown Mount Dora residents and wanted to offer a fresh and healthy alternative to patrons.

From their collaboration, downtown’s Juize Box was born. It’s a friendly organic juice bar and smoothie shop tucked next to the landmark Donnelly House on Donnelly Street near Fifth Avenue. Patrons can choose from 14 different recipes of smoothies, 10 different cold-pressed juice blends and five flavors of fresh-squeezed lemonades. Customers also have the option of creating their own beverages from the myriad of fresh ingredients and add-ins available.

The Choco Nana smoothie provides a protein boost with its recipe of banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, honey, oats and almond milk. The Bee Sting combines mixed berries with banana, Greek yogurt, fresh orange juice and honey.

Juize Box also offers a variety of Greek yogurt parfaits and açaí bowls. Typically, açaí bowls are like thick smoothies consisting of a pureed acai berry base and then topped with fruits, granola, seeds, nuts and other toppings. The Mount Dora Bowl includes the organic açaí base and fresh berries, plus granola, raw honey, coconut shavings and Nutella drizzle.

The dog-friendly eatery even has a menu item made especially for man’s best friend.

Juize Box can be found at 525 N. Donnelly Street and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 pm.

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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Local Dining Guide

NEW TOWNHOUSES MIGHT BE BUILT IN MOUNT DORA

10/14/2020

ABOVE: Site at the corner of Liberty Avenue and Grandview Street.

In real estate there are just three words: location, location, location. That’s certainly true for the proposed new residential development in the southwest section of Mount Dora. If approved, the 32 townhomes would be just a stone’s throw from Gilbert Park and a two-block walk to the city’s lighthouse and Palm Island Boardwalk. The small wooded project site straddles the train tracks that run across Liberty Avenue and is currently flanked by two large signs announcing the residential project.

The Bungalows feature row-style townhomes that are approximately 2,200 square feet and have the common living areas on the first floor and three bedrooms on the second floor. The prices start at $289,000.

The two-story development would be designed as a pocket neighborhood with the attached townhouses arranged in two parallel rows, according to the project’s website. The fronts of the units would face a common narrow green space. Pocket neighborhoods were originally designed to foster a sense of community with an increased level of interaction between neighbors. Such multi-family unit neighborhoods are a contemporary spin on Pasadena, California’s bungalow courts built in the early 1900’s which provided residents with amenities without the higher cost of single-family homes.

The developer is G3 Development (G3), whose president, Gerry Guenther, is a longtime Mount Dora resident. His son, Austin Guenther, is also Mount Dora’s newest city council member who will begin his term in November and Director of Business Development for G3. His brother, Jake, shares the same title and is also the project manager for The Bungalows. G3 is also developing Donnelly Woods, the 112-unit apartment complex and professional office space that was approved by Mount Dora City Council earlier this year.

The proposed site of The Bungalows is currently zoned R-3 which allows for high-density residential up to 12 units per acre, as well as other housing types like single family homes, duplexes and triplexes. Any new development will require Mount Dora’s Planning & Zoning Commission review after the Development Review Committee makes a recommendation. Mount Dora City Council would vote on the project only if the developer seeks a zoning change.

According to the City, no development plan applications have been filed with the City’s Planning and Development Department, and therefore no meetings have been scheduled to begin the review process. The Bungalows’ reservation contract contains the disclaimer that G3 cannot guarantee the proposed development will be constructed if it is rendered unfeasible or undesirable and that the current plans are very preliminary and likely to change in material respects.

The closest new residential project to The Bungalows’ site is the 22-acre Dora Parc development located approximately a quarter of a mile south on Clayton Street. That single-family home neighborhood has 38 home sites with floor plans that range in square footage from 1,900 to 3,900 square feet with prices starting at $295,000. Lennar is the developer.

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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POPULAR MOUNT DORA BOUTIQUE CLOSES

10/1/2020

It's the end of a retail era, as one of downtown Mount Dora’s longest-running boutiques closed last week. The owners of The Secret Garden, Marti and Steve Schwab, announced they will be happily retiring and are permanently closing the femme boutique.

The Schwabs purchased the French-inspired shop in 2007 after a visit to Mount Dora. The quaint and popular Donnelly Street store which sold apparel, accessories and vintage items had two previous owners.

After 13 years working as downtown Mount Dora merchants, the Schwabs are leaving the area to travel and to cheer on their daughter’s college cross-country team in Mississippi.

The couple attempted to sell The Secret Garden for several months before the pandemic using a business broker, but the experienced merchants cited the rent in their prime downtown location deterred prospective buyers and dissuaded them from renewing their lease. COVID-19 later presented additional challenges for the established business, according to the couple.

RELATED: Discover Mount Dora's historic downtown shopping district.

“We will miss your beautiful faces (even with masks) and we thank you for being such wonderful customers and friends to us over the last 13 years,” wrote the Schwabs to their customers on Facebook.

Loyal patrons will be happy to learn that The Secret Garden will continue to sell online through Facebook and Instagram after it closes.

Last month, the owners of Noni at the Olive Branch, a store just a few doors away from The Secret Garden, also announced they would be retiring. Read more.

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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Local Entertainment Calendar

GOBLIN MARKET SETS REOPENING DATE IN MOUNT DORA

9/16/2020

For six months, Mount Dora diners have felt the absence of one of downtown’s most acclaimed bistros. Since COVID-19 resulted in limiting the capacity of restaurants, some smaller eateries opted to remain closed until reopening was more economically feasible.

The owners of the Goblin Market announced the restaurant, the winner of two Best of Mount Dora awards this year, will reopen on October 1 with extra safety precautions, and fifty percent of its seating capacity. To ensure social distancing, larger parties are limited to eight patrons in the eclectic fine dining restaurant. Due to the limited number of seats in the quaint alley building, making dinner reservations a week or two in advance is highly recommended. The restaurant's popular lunch will be first-come, first-served, as it was in the past. Guests can be added to the waiting list via phone on the same day.

The intimate upstairs bar will also reopen on a first-come, first-served basis, but there will be no standing room or waiting in the bar, so staff will take guests into the bar when seats are available.

Beginning October 1, Goblin Market’s new hours will be:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: Lunch 11:30-3:00. Dinner 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday: Lunch 11:30-3:00. Dinner 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday: Lunch 11:30-3:00. Dinner 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday: Lunch 11:30-3:00. Dinner 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Lunch 11:30-3:00. Dinner CLOSED.

Before October 1, reservations can be called in to (352) 735-0059 between 12 pm. to 2 pm., Tuesday through Friday, to accept reservations. Goblin Market is located at 330 Dora Drawdy Way in downtown Mount Dora.

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Local Dining Guide