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Business Buzz

DORA QUEEN NOW BOOKING CRUISES FOR SEPTEMBER

8/1/2020

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ABOVE: Dora Queen docked at Wooton Park in Tavares. (Photo by Lisa Kilgore Davidson)
Lake County’s wait is almost over.  The much-anticipated Dora Queen will begin training runs soon, but has already started booking reservations for September pleasure cruises.  Although the stately replica of a paddle-wheel riverboat comfortably holds up to 108 passengers, it will only book up to 50 passengers per cruise to safely allow for adequate social distancing.
 
The impressive New Orleans-styled boat with its gray shiplap exterior and red ornamental iron details features two bars, comfortable lounge-style seating and music for passengers to enjoy or dance to during their approximately  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 board the boat at its Wooton Park dock in downtown Tavares.  In the future, the Dora Queen hopes to have additional boarding times in Mount Dora depending on logistics, but the attraction will remain based in Tavares.  
 
The 80-foot pleasure boat has a full bar that serves beer, wine, well and top shelf spirits, as well as specialty drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.   Food is not served onboard, but passengers can bring their own snacks, although coolers and beverages aren’t allowed to be brought on board.  The covered, open-air Dora Queen has a state of the art sound system, plus live music most weekends.
SEPTEMBER CRUISE SCHEDULE:
Wednesday and Thursday
Afternoon Cruise: 4:00-6:00 p.m. 
Sunset Cruise:  7:00-9:00 p.m.
Ticket prices: children (2-12 years old) $24, adults $34  
Friday through Sunday 
Afternoon Cruise: 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Sunset Cruise: 7:00 -9:00 p.m.
Ticket prices: children (2-12 years old) $29, adults $39
 
A third cruise is planned at approximately 1pm depending on passenger demand. Cruise times will change according to month and time of year. All times subject to change.
B.J. and Brandy Herron, long-time Mount Dora residents and owners of Steamboat Tours Inc., operate the Dora Queen which offers two scenic cruises daily on Lake Dora Wednesdays through Sundays.  One of the voyages will be a Sunset Cruise taking in the picturesque evening sky for which Lake Dora is renowned.   The pleasure cruises will complement the seaplane rides, restaurants and other businesses based in the Tavares entertainment district.

“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.”

In addition to its daily operations, the Dora Queen will feature special cruises for Mother’s Day, the 4th of July and other seasonal events.  The boat can also be booked for private parties.  

The Herrons 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. 

The couple then enlisted the help of ​Robbie Cunningham, of Trident Pontoon Boats in Tavares, to build The Dora Queen and incorporate The Dora Contessa’s paddle wheel and other elements into the new and larger vessel.  

Precautions will be taken for the novel coronavirus, by requiring all Dora Queen staff and crew to wear face masks. Guests are encouraged to wear masks, but it is not mandatory. All guests will be given hand sanitizer upon boarding, and it will be placed conveniently throughout the boat. Staff will routinely disinfect the boat’s surfaces and a thorough sanitization of the boat will take place between each cruise. ​​  Cruises for September can be booked here. 

​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 HOT SPOT:  WOLF BRANCH BREWING

8/1/2020

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ABOVE: Wolf Branch Brewing's tap room manager Victoria Rooney shows off some of its retail brews available. (Photo by Wolf Branch Brewing)
On sweltering Florida summer days, it doesn’t get much better than cooling off with a favorite icy cold brew with friends.  The summer of 2020 has made it challenging for local bars, but one local micro brewery and bar is making sure it’s still able to satisfy beer lovers’ cravings. 

Due to state-wide restrictions on bars to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, Wolf Branch Brewing, with tap rooms in downtown Mount Dora and Eustis, is struggling, but has been relying on its retail sales of sealed beers-to-go.  In addition to bottles of beer, the craft beer brewery also provides growlers, special jugs that allow draft beer to be transported home without a degradation of quality, and crowlers which are 32-ounce cans sealed in front of customers upon purchase.   Every purchase of a sealed container helps this locally-owned family business. 
Wolf Branch Brewing focuses on crafting old-world styles of beer with modern tastes. 
​Between both locations the brewery offers:
Honey Jalapeño Cream Ale
Kiwi Kolsch
Villa IPA
Coocha Coffee Milk Stout
Plum Banana Peach Berliner
Wolfees Pale Lager
Grapefruit Seltzer
Uncle Mikey’s Peach Blonde Ale
A brand new pineapple IPA
plus several guest taps. ​
Communities can help their local breweries by buying beers to go, leaving Google and Yelp reviews and interacting with them online by liking a brewery’s posts or commenting.  

The seed of Wolf Branch Brewery was planted in 2015 when Jose Villafana, an army veteran and amateur beer-maker, set off on his trek to become a master brewer.   Since then, Jose and his brothers-in-law, Josh Greenberg  and Chris Dunlop, honed their craft.  The trio and Jose’s father,  Jose Villafana Sr., opened their first 1,700 square-foot Wolf Branch Brewery in downtown Eustis in 2017 followed by the opening of another tap room in downtown Mount Dora as the anchor tenant Mount Dora Marketplace on the corner of 4th Avenue and Donnelly Street in 2019.  Both taprooms were popular with bar patrons, but were required to cease serving alcohol for on-site consumption due to COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.   

During the current restrictions Florida has on bars, the most challenging aspects for the brewery have been managing logistics, maintaining adequate inventory, and cutting costs to pay bills, said Greenberg.   

The brewery has seven employees that it continues to pay because they are considered family, said Greenberg who also said the business was able to get Federal PPP assistance, but the amount was only proportional to assisting one location, so they have been very grateful for local support. 

Wolf Branch Brewing is located at 119 N. Bay Steet in Eustis and 100 E. 4th Avenue in Mount Dora. 
 
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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FOXTAIL COFFEE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN EUSTIS

7/2/2020

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An Orlando-based chain opened a coffee cafe in downtown Eustis today.  Foxtail Coffee, which currently has approximately a dozen locations in Central Florida, is building out to its new Magnolia Avenue location.

Founded by two childhood friends, Foxtail Coffee launched only a couple of years ago.  Iain Yeakle had been in the wholesale coffee roasting business in South Florida, before he and his old  friend  Alex Tchekmeian began collaborating on what would become Foxtail Coffee.  

RELATED STORY:  Naples Soap Company Finds New Location in Mount Dora

In addition to whipping up the expected expressos, cappuccinos, chai lattes, flat whites, pour-overs and various cold brews,  Foxtail Coffee also serves baked goods and other simple food items like the other coffee cafes.   Coffee accessories and bags of locally roasted beans are also available for purchase. 

Although the design of each location differs, the cafes often feature combinations of exposed beam ceilings, subway tiles, distressed wood and industrial-style fixtures to create a warm atmosphere. 

Foxtail Coffee is located at 17 E. Magnolia Avenue in Eustis. 

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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NAPLES SOAP COMPANY OPENS NEW  MOUNT DORA LOCATION

7/1/2020

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In June 2017, a Florida-based skincare company chose to open its twelfth location in a landmark historic house in Mount Dora.   The quaint downtown location was an easy choice for the CEO of Naples Soap Company, Deanna Renda, a native Floridian who has a passion for old Florida communities. 

Fast forward to May of 2020 during Florida’s COVID-19 closure and the company decided to close the two-story location.  Now, the company has found a new location in Mount Dora just a block away from its previous home.  The new and smaller store opened July 1 next door to The Spice and Tea Exchange at 429 N. Donnelly Street on the block of downtown known to have the highest pedestrian traffic.

RELATED STORY:  Eustis Awaiting Opening of New Coffee Spot

Naples Soap Company’s top-selling products include bath bombs, body sprays, and an unscented sea salt soap bar.  That particular bar, good for psoriasis, acne and rosacea, was the impetus for the company and its mission to develop effective products to help chronic skin conditions.

The first store opened in Naples in 2009  with just 300 square feet.  As the company grew, so did the stores, which averaged 1,200 square feet in 2017.  Now the products are sold at Dillards and other retailers.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​ For local things to do, click here.  For the area's entertainment calendar, click here.
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MOUNT DORA'S BRITISH PUB PREPS FOR OPENING  IN NEW LOCATION

7/1/2020

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ABOVE: Co-owner Phil Barnard in the new bar area of Magical Meat Boutique as it's nearing the end of renovations. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)
After five successful years at its downtown location on Third Avenue, Mount Dora’s popular British pub, Magical Meat Boutique, is expected to reopen in early July in its new location just a stone’s throw away.  The expansive space, across from the Chamber of Commerce on Alexander Street, has been home to several restaurants over the last decade, but this is the first time it has been completely transformed.  

The 4,500 square-foot building has tripled the pub’s size and provided plentiful indoor and covered outdoor dining.  In keeping with its friendly vibe, the interior of the space has been extensively renovated and reconfigured into a traditional British pub by owners Phil and Kate Barnard.  Phil’s impressive woodwork includes a large new bar in the center of the space and beautiful moldings throughout.  The warm interior is accented by leaded glass and other Old World details.  

Most of the pub’s popular live music events will be inside, but a separate new dining room will be available for patrons who want to enjoy quieter meals. The larger kitchen and bar in the new space enables Magical Meat Boutique to expand its menu and its draught beer offerings.  The restaurant currently offers authentic British pub fare, plus American favorites like juicy burgers and fries. The new location will eventually offer a few more traditional British dishes like Cornish game hens.   The full bar serves cocktails, and of course, a large variety of British beers on tap.

Over the years, Magical Meat Boutique, named after Phil’s father’s famous 1960’s London butcher shop, expanded its following, not just with local residents, but also from some of the 400,000 British expats who reside in Florida, according to Phil.   Last December, Phil said that as the pub’s popularity grew, the old location could not accommodate many of their patrons indoors, especially in the summer when the weather was too hot or wet to sit outside. Additionally, the future of the railroad tracks adjacent to the pub was in question, so the Barnards decided to make the leap across the street while the 170-seat space was still available. 

The new address for Magical Meat Boutique is 322 N. Alexander Street in downtown Mount Dora.   Watch Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page for an opening date.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​ For local things to do, click here.  For the area's entertainment calendar, click here.​
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TAVARES LAUNCHES 'SEAL OF APPROVAL' PROGRAM TO AID CONSUMER CONFIDENCE DURING CO-VID 19

6/25/2020

 
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Consumer confidence is always part of an economy’s and business’ success.  With more testing and rising positive cases of COVID-19, Tavares Chamber of Commerce believes many local residents are feeling hesitant about venturing out, but are also anxious to return to local businesses. 

A new program by the Chamber and the City of Tavares encourages business owners to show patrons their level of commitment to safety precautions designed to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Local businesses can apply for the new Seaplane Seal of Approval at no charge.  The program has three levels that differentiate the voluntary safety policies adopted by local organizations.   Participating businesses then receive the appropriate certificate to display at their location, as well as get free promotion on the chamber’s website and social media.  
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“Many people are wanting to get back out to patronize our local businesses, but there is still fear about Covid-19.  We wanted to provide a place where consumers could find which businesses are taking what precautions,” said J. Scott Berry, Director of Tavares Chamber of Commerce. 

The application can be found on the Tavares Chamber of Commerce website.  It’s free to members of Tavares Chamber of Commerce and  $100 for non-members.  However, the Chamber currently has a promotion for $110 memberships, so businesses can opt to join the Chamber which includes the free application.  

New COVID-19 cases have been increasing in Lake County and statewide.  To view up-to-date information on Florida’s cases, as well as those in Lake County, click here. 

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​ For local things to do, click here.  For the area's entertainment calendar, click here.
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NEW MOUNT DORA STORE EMBRACES FLORIDA LIFE

6/1/2020

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For six years it was a staple in downtown Eustis.  Last month, The Salty Mare, a boutique specializing in youthful brands for the Florida lifestyle, relocated just down the road to downtown Mount Dora. 

Shoppers will discover there’s more to the store than just flowy sundresses, fun rompers, comfy tank tops and trendy jewelry.   The Salty Mare’s owner, Rachel Priester, has stocked her shop with complementary lifestyle brands that are perfect for Florida’s sunny days on the water.  Beachgoers will find Yeti coolers and drinkware, wide-brimmed Hemlock hats, Brumates, as well as Costa polarized sunglasses.    

The Salty Mare is located next to Jane Slivka’s Art Gallery at 104 E. 3rd Avenue in Mount Dora just east of Donnelly Street.   It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​​
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GERMAN BAKERY AND DELI EXPANDS TO MOUNT DORA

6/1/2020

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What began in Orlando in 2014 has now expanded to Lake County.  Backhaus German Bakery recently opened a small second location west of downtown Mount Dora.

The bakery, owned by Benno and Heike Deifel, who immigrated from Europe, crafts all of its baked goods using old-world German techniques.  The Deifels, born and raised in Germany, import flours and other ingredients from Germany, Switzerland and France to ensure their recipes’ authenticity.   

In addition to German breads like country rye, cranberry walnut and a German rustic loaf, there are traditional sweet streusels and apple strudels.   Backhaus also bakes rich European pastries that include eclairs, fruit tarts, croissants, cannolis and their gluten-free almond horns.  Customers can choose from a tempting selection of decadent cakes including Black Forest cake, German cheesecake, obstkuchen, blueberry streusel cake, German apple cake and Austrian linzer and Sacher Tortes. Customers enjoy their treats with Backhaus’ own brand of coffee that is a proprietary blend of imported Ethiopian and Columbian coffee beans that are locally roasted.   

For anyone seeking more savory options, the bakery’s small deli case offers authentic German meats, cheeses and sausages.  Traditional German potato salad, pickled herring, soft pretzels and pickles are also available.  

Backhaus also makes a variety of deli sandwiches for take-out.  Customers can order Reubens, schnitzel sandwiches, Leberkaese (German bologna), Black Forest ham, chicken salad, brie cheese and vegetarian sandwiches. Prices range from $8 to $10.  Catering is also available.

Backhaus is located  at 2355 Old W Hwy 441 in Mount Dora and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday.  For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.  ​​​​​
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MOUNT DORA'S NEW SEGWAY TOURS ROLL WITH FAMILIAR FACES

5/28/2020

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ABOVE: Tour owners, from left, Janet Gamache, Brian Young, John Tucker and Paula Tucker.
Segway tours in Mount Dora are hardly new.  The two-wheeled personal transporters have been rolling through the streets of the historic downtown and waterfront for years.  What has changed for the popular tours are its owners and its new scenic waterfront location. 
Longtime Mount Dora area residents Brian Young and  Janet Gamache have joined forces with Paula and John Tucker to take over the city’s Segway tours and rename it Glide Adventure Tours.  
The foursome aren’t new to operating tours in Mount Dora nor partnering on business ventures.   The Tuckers have owned and operated Taste of our Town Tours in Mount Dora since 2013.   Paula served as Mount Dora’s Postmaster for six years and John is currently a city councilman.  Young and Gamache are the organizers of several of Mount Dora’s large downtown events.   Last year, the foursome partnered to open CatBoat Adventures, a guided two-person watercraft tour across Lake Dora and through the Dora Canal that departs from Mount Dora.
Segway of Central Florida, located in downtown Mount Dora, will no longer offer tours, but will continue to offer sales, service and maintenance of the personal transporters, according to Young.
Glide Adventure Tours is expected to launch in early June with five Segway Personal Transporters and plans to expand to 10 as demand for the tour grows.  The tours will be based out of Mount Dora Marina and Boating Center located between downtown shops and the lighthouse 
The 90-minute Segway tours will depart from Mount Dora Marina and  Boating Center next to Evans Park and wind through downtown Mount Dora and Evans Park and then travel to scenic Palm Island Boardwalk and Lighthouse Point.  A new two-hour evening tour will be added to encompass enjoying the city’s beautiful sunsets from Lighthouse Point.
The 90-minute tours are $55 per person plus tax and the new 2-hour tours are $65 per person plus tax.   The age requirement to ride is 12 years and older, and the weight requirement is for riders to weigh between 100 and 260 pounds.
 The minimum number for a tour is two people and the maximum is eight.  Glide Tours will be offering packages for larger groups that allow group members to split between Segway tours and CatBoat Adventures tours.
 

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MOUNT DORA POLICE TASKED WITH BALANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY POLICING

5/10/2020

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ABOVE: The bar at Fiesta Grande Mexican restaurant in Mount Dora on May 5.
Times have changed in the days of COVID-19.  Now police officers in small towns like Mount Dora can find themselves stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.   Over the years, Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) has emphasized its community policing, a philosophy that creates a constructive partnership between law enforcement and the community.  The strategy enables police departments to build trust and understanding which creates a stronger bond with local residents, business owners and neighborhoods.  That bond helps shape goodwill and prevent crime. 

Now MDPD must balance community policy with public safety by enforcing Florida Governor’s Ron DeSantis’ executive orders designed to protect the public’s safety by mitigating the spread of COVID-19. 

That is what happened on May 5,  one day after DeSantis allowed a limited reopening of restaurants' dining rooms, but did not allow patrons at at close proximity to each other at their bars.  That evening  MDPD responded to Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant after receiving a call about the large crowd.  At the same time, a photo of the restaurant’s bar crowded with patrons appearing to have drinks was being circulated statewide on social media. The temporary order requires restaurants have six feet of social distancing, but compliance is the responsibility of the  business owners, not the patrons.  

The image was captured by a food delivery driver who was on duty and had to enter the restaurant.  Although the driver is not the person that placed the call to authorities, his photo sparked  concern inside the city and out.  

“Local law enforcement has been working a fine line between enforcing the governor’s executive order and being empathetic to the needs of our business community,” said Mount Dora Police Chief Robert Bell.  “We appreciate our merchant partners and hope they police themselves.  However, in the rare occasion where we have to get involved, their quick compliance to the order is appreciated.”

Meanwhile, other Mount Dora restaurants are complying and working hard to provide a safe environment for their employees and patrons.   Pisces Rising published a reopening message on Facebook that outlined how they will be improving safety during COVID-19, including switching to disposable paper menus, screening staff prior to work and requiring masks for employees that have direct contact with customers as recommended by DeSantis.   The Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille also requires staff to wear masks, placed a hand-sanitizing station at the entrance for guests and employees, physically removed several of its tables and chairs and increased sanitation efforts.  Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant also requires its staff to wear masks.  Allyson A Bakeshop, whose owner is a former ER doctor, accepted only credit card payments and had an efficient no-contact policy during the initial shutdown.  All of the voluntary safety practices at restaurants come at an increased cost to the businesses that are already operating under difficult financial limitations.

Although local police departments are on the front lines to enforce DeSantis’ order for public health, anyone can report business violations directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) using their online form available here. ​
For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here and download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​
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DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA  RESTAURANTS OFFER  EASTER FEASTS FOR TAKE-OUT

4/9/2020

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​Now there’s a way to enjoy an Easter feast while staying out of the kitchen and showing support of local small businesses.  This weekend a diverse line-up of downtown Mount Dora eateries is whipping up special family meals available for take-out.

For families that want a blend of traditional and adventurous, Las Palmas Cuban restaurant is offering a four-course Easter meal at steeply discounted prices.  Diners have their choice of one of five different entrees and a selection of side dishes. All meals also come with a choice of house-made desserts. The Easter special pricing is approximately $18 to $30 per person depending on the entree selected.  The price is additionally discounted depending on the number of people. View menu here. Las Palmas is located at 351 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. 

Pisces RIsing is cooking up a holiday feast in multiple serving sizes.  The special meal includes traditional favorites like smoked prime rib, country ham, sides dishes and choice of salad.  The Easter feast is approximately $30 per person, but is additionally discounted depending on the number of people.  The menu can be viewed online at www.piscesrisingdining.com/easter.   Orders can be placed online or by calling 352-385-2669.  Pre-ordering is required and must be placed by 12 p.m. on Friday, April 10th.  Pisces Rising is located at 239 W. Fourth Avenue in downtown Mount Dora.  

Shiva Indian restaurant also offers flavorful take-out family meals for $55 that serve from four to six people.  Families can choose from chicken or lamb served with Basmati rice and naan (traditional Indian bread). The popular restaurant also offers a vegetarian family meal for $40 that also serves four to six people.  View menu here. Orders can be placed by calling (352)735-4555.  Shiva is located at 140 W. Fifth Avenue in downtown Mount Dora  

Lakeside Inn is offering their version of a take-out Easter buffet.  The ten brunch-syle items include smoked ham, quiche, baked brie, garlic smashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy and other favorites.  Pre-orders must be placed by Saturday, April 11th by calling (352) 383-4101.  The price is approximately $25 per person, but is additionally discounted depending on the number of people.  Lakeside Inn is located at 100 N. Alexander Street in downtown Mount Dora​​

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​
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EUSTIS POSTPONES REFERENDUM ON SAILING CENTER PROJECT

4/5/2020

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The City of Eustis announced it postponed the bond referendum to fund the proposed Community, Conference, and Sailing Center and the Carver Park Expansion Projects.  The referendum was slated for the November 2020 ballot.  

At the April 2 Eustis City Commission meeting, the commissioners delayed the ballot initiative until further discussions on both projects resumed in 2021.

Citing concerns about making large general fund capital commitments during this volatile time, the Commission felt the postponement was appropriate. The greatest issue is the possibility of falling revenues coupled with potential increases in operating costs, especially pension obligations due to steep drops in the stock market. 

RELATED:  Mount Dora postpones final hearing on Donnelly Woods development

The delay also provides additional time for the City to engage the public with appropriate advertising, education, and outreach.  The City stated it remains committed to both projects and the opportunity to continue to seek public opinion.

​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 DEVELOPMENT ON DONNELLY STREET HAS FINAL PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 5

4/5/2020

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ABOVE: Donnelly Woods would be on Donnell Street and on Limit Avenue (wrapping around the existing office buildings).
(Articled updated May 3 to reflect new May 5 final hearing date.)

Mount Dora’s newest proposed development, Donnelly Woods,  is a combination of apartments and professional office space.  The final public hearing is set for Tuesday, May 5 at the Mount Dora Community Building at 5:30 p.m.  The development would encompass two adjoining parcels on the east side of Donnelly Street and the north side of Limit Avenue. The parcels total just under 17 acres and 2.22 of those acres are wetlands, which would be left undisturbed.  

The project would be developed in two phases with the first one being the construction of 24,000 square feet of professional office space with buildings no more than 35 feet high.  Phase two of Donnelly Woods would be adding 112 apartment units with on-site amenities like a pool and clubhouse. The three-story apartment building would be built to a maximum height of 45 feet. 

The developer is requesting to reduce the front setback from 25 feet to 15 feet for the office buildings. The northern section of the property would be kept as passive recreation and an active recreation area is proposed south of the apartments and north of the office complex.  (see diagrams below)

The proposed Donnelly Woods touts enhanced landscape buffers to help minimize impact to the surrounding properties and wetland buffers that are greater than the minimum 25 feet required by the City.

The developer is seeking a zoning change to Planned Unit Development (PUD) from the existing Single-Family Residential (R-1A) and Residential Professional (RP) zoning districts. A PUD typically allows more flexibility to the developer, as well as the City.   The developer is GC Development of Lake County, Inc., whose president, Gerry Guenther, is a long-time Mount Dora resident and a principal of G3 Development.

Public input will be allowed at the hearing at Mount Dora Community Building located next to City Hall.   Seating will be according to social distancing guideline.  The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
​For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​
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ORANGE THEORY FITNESS TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

3/1/2020

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The days when one fitness center could serve the entire Golden Triangle area are long gone.  Over the last decade new gyms have popped up all over Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.  

The latest to enter the arena is OrangeTheory Fitness.  The South Florida-based chain is building a location on an outparcel at the Loch Leven Landing shopping center on the northeast corner of U.S. 441 and Donnelly Street.   The Mount Dora fitness center is owned by the same franchisees as the Clermont studio and four other locations in Central Florida. The opening is expected sometime in May.   

Founded in 2010, OrangeTheory differentiates itself from other gyms by claiming science-backed training in its 60-minute group workouts.  The gym uses their own coaches and welcomes people of all levels who can do the pre-scheduled workouts at their own pace. OrangeTheory locations often  have events, challenges, and socials for their members.   
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Before creating the OrangeTheory workout, the founder, Ellen Latham, owned a Pilates studio and noticed clients were still working with personal trainers to burn fat.  OrangeTheory workouts were developed to address that need. By the end of 2019, the fitness chain claimed over 1,200 studios across the U.S. and in over 20 countries.

​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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LAKE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET PROVIDES BIG VENUE FOR FRESH PRODUCE

3/1/2020

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Tucked behind a winding path of vendors peddling everything from sunglasses, tools, vintage treasures, T-shirts and housewares stands a large, open-air pavilion.  Inside hides what is arguably the biggest and most impressive weekly cache of fresh produce in Lake County.  

Every Thursday, growers and distributors fill the cavernous metal pavilion at Lake County Fairgrounds as part of the Lake County Farmers' & Flea Market which began serving the community over 40 years ago.

The sprawling produce tables boast bountiful selections of fresh fruits and vegetables that range from the ordinary to the exotic.  Vendors provide tasting samples of many of their offerings, so customers can purchase with confidence. Outside of the produce pavilion, shoppers can find fresh eggs, local raw honey, fresh seafood, plants, handmade soaps, artisan nut butters, chicharrones and other foods sprinkled among an eclectic mix of flea market vendors.  (see video below)

Lake County Farmers’ and Flea Market is located at 2101 CR 452 in Eustis.  October through May the market’s hours are Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.   June through September the market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags and arrive early for the best selection.  
TOP MARKET PICKS:
  • Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter ($4)
  • Smoked Fish Dips ($8-$10)  The multiple varieties of fish dips are simply  the best-tasting fish dips we’ve found in any Central Florida farmer’s market.
  • Fresh Chicharrones (pork cracklins).   These savory snacks are made on site in two varieties. 
  • Organic Honey Tangerine ($4) - Incredibly sweet and locally grown. 
  • Organic edible plants - Great variety
  • Local raw honey - Available in different varieties and sizes.
  • Freshly popped kettle corn 
BEST MARKET PRICES
(prices vary weekly at different vendors)
  • Fresh Cilantro (two bunches for $1)
  • Pineapples ($1)
  • Avocados - Up to ten for $10
  • Sugar Snap Peas ($1 bowl)
  • Limes - Prices vary
  • Strawberries - flats and baskets available.
  • Freshly-popped kettle corn
​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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