Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

Sale of iconic Long & Scott Farms could make way for more homes

2/1/2025

ABOVE: Long & Scott Farms agri-tourism attraction and corn maze in the distance. (Photo supplied by Long & Scott Farms/2018).

It’s been a popular agricultural icon in Lake County for decades. Long & Scott Farms, well-known for its trademarked Zellwood Sweet Corn, u-pick produce, and its sprawling seven-acre corn maze, may become part of the fast-changing landscape of rural Lake County.

Farmed for over 60 years, the roughly 700-acre agricultural land is in the process of being sold to Omni Development for a project expected to include residential development and a golf course, according to published reports.

It’s far too early in the process for plans to be submitted for approval to Lake County. However, the preliminary conceptual plan of the project would replace the farmland with homes and a golf course, and potentially other uses. A community meeting with Long & Scott Farms and Omni Development is scheduled for March 3 at 6 p.m. at the farm, where residents will have an opportunity to learn more. The farm is located a few miles south of Mount Dora at 26216 County Road 448A.

Hank Scott, the second Scott generation to lead the farm, vows that selling the property doesn’t mean the end to the family’s farming and corn maze.

“We’re not disappearing,” Scott said in a Fox35 interview that aired on February 20. “We’re going to build it back up in a better place and do an even better job farming.” He estimated that the sale could take up to two years to finalize.

Meanwhile, Lake County leaders have discussed exploring the viability of also putting in an offer for the farm.

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

Scenic rooftop bar to open in downtown Tavares

2/1/2025

ABOVE: The main building of Citrus on the Lake Hotel prior to construction of rooftop bar. (Photo source: Citrus on the Lake)

Built in 2014 and originally named the Key West Resort, the trio of multi-story buildings along Ruby Street in downtown Tavares now have modern new branding and a fresh direction, including a rooftop martini bar with expansive views of Lake Dora.

David and Hillary Perry, along with partner Emad Shahid, renamed the 66-room hotel The Citrus on the Lake and are transitioning the property into a contemporary boutique hotel. The new name pays homage to the citrus packing plant that was located where the hotel’s main building is now perched. The design and decor will also tie in to the area’s citrus industry and include an interactive "history wall."

So far the partners, who have a purchase agreement for the three buildings, have remodeled the entire ground floor of the main building, which included the creation of a lobby. In addition to new signage with its fresh logo, the exterior will also include a water feature at the front of the main building. Future updates will be the remodeling of rooms and the addition of some outdoor amenities.

Citrus Sky Bar will open soon on the roof of the hotel’s main building just feet away from the shore of Lake Dora. Besides impressive water views, the approximate 300-seat bar will also feature a 30-martini menu, plus other cocktails and light fare like flatbreads, charcuterie boards and other small plates.

The Perrys are no strangers to creating strong conceptual businesses. The couple also have ownership in Nautilus Coffee Company, The Argonaut Bar & Lounge, Ironworks Steakhouse, and Poppy's Ice Cream.

The Citrus on the Lake is located at 199 W. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares just off Lake Dora and Wooton Park. The ground floor of the main building is also home to Lake County Museum of Art and Tavares Dog House restaurant.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

Business Buzz

Sale of iconic Long & Scott Farms could make way for more homes

Scenic rooftop bar to open in downtown Tavares

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

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