When it was announced last year that Epic Theatres was building a state-of-the-art multiplex in Mount Dora, movie-lovers waited anxiously for the first signs of construction.  For months they have been reminded: Patience is truly a virtue.

After going through the design phase, construction crews are finally mobilizing for shovels to hit the dirt within the next two weeks.  Epic Theatres typically have a 10- to 12-month construction process which puts the Mount Dora location’s opening in the first quarter of 2018, according to an Epic Theatres representative.  

The 50,000 square-foot, 12-screen multiplex is being erected on the land between Target and Walmart.  It will feature 1,400 reclining seats, beer and wine,  two extra-large screens, optional reserved seats and an enhanced concession menu.

After the $10 million project is completed, Epic expects to hire between 30-50 employees depending on the season.  ​

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

Locals are taking it hard.  The Lost Parrot, a landmark restaurant in downtown Mount Dora, closed its doors earlier this week as the property changes hands.

The 4,500 square-foot historic building, formerly a Texaco station and Greyhound bus terminal, sold for $1.75 million.  The buyer is 100 E. 4th Avenue LLC, which has the same principals as the building across the street occupied by Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant.   The partners have a good track record of marketing and leasing their other Mount Dora properties.

For decades the family-owned building and establishment was known as much for its live music and over-sized rustic shutters as for its American-Caribbean food.    Dee Hawking originally opened Eduardo's  bar and restaurant and then took a break in 2006 to devote time to the family's tropical aviary.  In 2011, Hawking and her three children, Patty, Sandy and Vicky, reopened Eduardo's, but renamed it The Lost Parrot after their escaped pet Macaw.

The popular venue launched the careers of some of the area's best musicians, including Jeff Whitfield and Stephen Currence decades ago.  

The turnkey building is immediately available for lease.  The family will retain the valuable liquor license for potential future sale.

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

Those looking for a new hangout downtown, just got lucky.  A new tavern and restaurant in Mount Dora has rounded out the town's many dining options.   

The Pineapple Place, complete with a pool table and full bar, serves up gourmet burgers, steak kabobs and ribeye steaks, plus salads, wings, crab cakes and other American favorites.  All beef is grass-fed and cut or ground in-house.   The entrees are garnished with savory pineapple condiments like chutney and salsa.

The owners, Michele & 'Hoosh' Hooshmandan, bring over twenty years of corporate restaurant experience to the new venture.  The friendly couple is joined in the business by their son and three daughters.  

The expansive floor plan has over 4500 square feet of interior space, plus another thousand square feet of patio dining, providing plenty of room for private parties.  The full bar offers happy hour from 4-7 p.m. on weekdays, live music, and  a karaoke night. 

The Pineapple Place is located at 322 N. Alexander St. in downtown Mount Dora.  ​

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

Short, but sweet.   Lake County’s blueberry season ​is rapidly becoming a favorite time of the year.  Although typically only lasting 6 weeks, this year’s  season promises to be bountiful.  

The U-Pick season usually runs April through the end of May with current prices ranging from $4 to $8 a pound, depending on the farm.  This year, some farms like Far Reach Ranch, Green Acres and King Grove began their season in March.  Read more