Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

EUSTIS POSTPONES REFERENDUM ON SAILING CENTER PROJECT

4/5/2020

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.

0 Comments

PROPOSED MOUNT DORA DEVELOPMENT ON DONNELLY STREET SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 7 FINAL HEARING

4/5/2020

4 Comments

ABOVE: Donnelly Woods would be on Donnell Street and on Limit Avenue (wrapping around the existing office buildings).

APRIL 6TH UPDATE:   The City's final hearing and City Council vote on Donnelly Woods development has been postponed until April 21, 2020.

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, April 7. 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 and the City. The developer is GC Development of Lake County, Inc., whose president, Gerry Guenther, is a Mount Dora resident and a principal of G3 Development.

The City had recommended postponing the public hearing until a later date, but the item was put back the agenda for April 7. Public input will be allowed and interested residents can also email their input to the City’s mayor and City Council members here.  The April 7 meeting will be broadcast live via the City's Facebook page so residents can listen to the meeting and submit public comments via Facebook.

Residents also have the option to call 352-735-7158 between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 to be given instructions about how to participate in the live process. Lastly. residents can attend the meeting at Mount Dora City Hall and will be seated according to social distancing guidelines by the CDC. The City Council meeting begins at 5:30pm and the hearing is a few items down on the agenda.

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.

4 Comments

ORANGE THEORY FITNESS TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

3/1/2020

0 Comments

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.

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.

0 Comments

LAKE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET PROVIDES BIG VENUE FOR FRESH PRODUCE

3/1/2020

0 Comments

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.

Local Shopping Guide

0 Comments

NEW GREEK RESTAURANT DISHES OUT FAVORITES IN EUSTIS

2/28/2020

3 Comments

ABOVE: Saganaki, a traditional Green appetizer. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

Opa! Diners who love authentic Greek meals will be thrilled to try a new eatery that recently opened in Eustis. Gyro King serves up everything from traditional starters like dolmades (stuffed grape leaves, 4 for $4.50), saganaki (flaming kasseri cheese, $7.95) and spanakopita (spinach pie, $4.50) to favorites like gyros ($6.95 or a platter for $11.95), souvlaki pitas (pork kabob pita $6.50) and Greek salads (large $8.00). No Greek meal is complete without baklava ($2.25) for dessert, and the small casual restaurant has that, too.

Although the atmosphere is nondescript, diners heaped big praise on the gyros and other items prepared by Gyro King’s Greek owner and chef.

The restaurant is located at 248 W. Ardice Road inside the Tractor Supply shopping center in Eustis. Patrons can opt to dine in or take out.

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.

3 Comments

NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART MAMMOGRAMS AVAILABLE IN LAKE COUNTY

2/17/2020

0 Comments

ABOVE: The state-of-the-art Fuji Aspire Cristalle machine. (Photo by Fuji)

It’s no secret that technology is ever-advancing. When it comes to breast cancer, those advances can result in more detailed imaging, earlier detection and more comfortable screenings. Beginning in March, a new state-of-the-art medical imaging machine that provides those benefits will be available in Tavares.

Dr. Jaime Mejia has been practicing radiology for 38 years. Ten of those have been in Lake County. Mejia and his wife, Yanira Gell, decided to open Serene Diagnostic Imaging in Lake County to bring high-tech imaging to area patients. Additionally, the recent closing of imaging centers like Physicians Imaging in Mount Dora and DOCS in Eustis left patients with few alternatives for local diagnostic imaging.

The couple’s new center will focus on women’s health and provide advanced 3D mammography, high-tech ultrasound obstetrics with 3D and 4D imaging, plus the next generation in DXA body scanning to check patients’ bone density and the amount of dangerous visceral fat. Serene Diagnostic Imaging is bringing the first state-of-the-art Fuji Cristalle 3D mammogram unit to Lake County. The impressive machine is designed to provide a more comfortable patient experience with less breast compression and superior low-dose imaging that provides greater diagnostic accuracy when compared to 2D mammograms. That's of great significance because of the one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives, those who have their cancer detected at an early stage have a 90% survival rate in the first five years, according to the American Cancer Society,

To help local women become familiar with the advanced technology and more comfortable process, Serene is hosting a free public "Mimosas & Mammograms" event on February 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Fuji to showcase the new mammography machine and answer questions. The open-house-style event will feature free appetizers, mimosas, tours and door prizes, including free certificates for future mammograms and other imaging packages given away every thirty minutes.

ABOVE: Serene Diagnostic Imaging during build-out phase (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Advanced technology won’t be the only feature that differentiates the new center from large and impersonal imaging centers. Serene is committed to providing patients with personalized attention in a comfortable setting and leading them through the entire process.

“My staff and I understand the stress patients often suffer when diagnostic imaging is ordered by their doctor. Our mission is to provide compassionate care in a spa-like atmosphere in order to keep our patients comfortable and relaxed,” said Mejia. “To reduce patient stress caused by the wait for imaging results, Serene will send results to patients’ doctors within 24 hours and critical results can be discussed with the radiologist during office hours.”

Serene Diagnostic Imaging will begin seeing patients in March and plans on accepting all types of insurance including Medicare and managed care. The center is located at 1751 David Walker Drive in Tavares and will be the site of "Mimosas and Mammograms on Friday, February 21.

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.

0 Comments

POPULAR RESTAURANT TRIPLES DOWN IN MOUNT DORA

2/1/2020

0 Comments

It’s been over four years since Jerry and Karen Vejseli moved from New York to open The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar and Grille in downtown Mount Dora. It has since become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike to enjoy traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes on the expansive deck or in the large dining room.

Now the Vejselis are hoping to continue their success with the opening of two new ventures, Mediterranean Kitchen and Coffee Kitchen, inside the Mount Dora Marketplace’s Building Two.

Mediterranean Kitchen parlays Jerry’s 25 years of cooking experience in Chicago and New York, along with his roots in Albania, to create a Mediterranean eatery with the proven build-your-own concept. For $10 patrons can create their own rice bowl, salad or pita with chicken or gyro meat, along with choices of fresh toppings and house-made tzatziki, greek dressing and hummus. Vegetarians and vegans can opt for a meatless option for $8. Additional offerings include Greek salad ($5), a stuffed grape leaves platter ($8), baklava ($5), soup ($4) and toasted pita with dip ($4).

Diners can choose from indoor and outdoor seating or take-out.

Adjoining the Mediterranean Kitchen is the couple’s other new venture, Coffee Kitchen, which brews Trilogy coffee and uses a precision Slayer espresso machine to provide the perfect shot of espresso every time.

The walk-up coffee counter whips up espressos, cappuccinos, caramel macchiatos, and lattes in various sizes ranging in price from $3.25 to $4.00. Regular brewed coffee and decaf coffee range from $2.50 to $3.50. To accommodate today’s range in preferences, a variety of milk options are available, including whole, non-fat, unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk. Customers can also add flavorings like mocha, caramel, French vanilla and hazelnut to any of the beverages or choose from a variety of teas ranging in price from $2.50 to $4.50.

On warmer Florida days, coffee enthusiasts can indulge in frozen frappes offered from $4.00 to $5.25 or opt for a premium cold brew or Nitro, priced from $3.50 to $4.50.

Coffee Kitchen also sells hot chocolate and sugar-free, low-carb, baked donuts by Crave Bakehouse to anyone wanting a treat with their coffee.

Mediterranean Kitchen and Coffee Kitchen are located inside 334 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. They are joined in that location by other eatery counters like A Moveable Feast, Fun-ko’s Poke Bowls, Arepa Bistro and Empanado & Co.

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.

Local Dining Guide

0 Comments

NEW "ASIAN INVASION" RESTAURANT COMES TO TAVARES

2/1/2020

2 Comments

From full-service eateries to smaller walk-up counters, Asian restaurants have been a popular local dining choice for years. Beginning on February 3, downtown Tavares will have another option on the table, Asian Invasion, an eatery featuring a diverse menu of Japanese, Thai and Korean dishes.

Located in the former space of Lake Dora Sushi and Sake at 227 E. Main Street, Asian Invasion will serve a wide selection of traditional Thai dishes like pad Thai, chicken satay, kao pad, and various curries, as well as soups like tom kha, lemongrass, and tom yum koong. The plentiful Japanese offerings include teriyaki and sushi dinners, specialty rolls, tuna tataki, tempura, salads, sashimi, and bento boxes. The restaurant will also feature Korean dishes, but only as specials.

Asian Invasion will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Beer, wine and sake will also be available.

The same Main Street location served Lake Dora Sushi and Sake well for eight years before it closed last November in preparation to open Fun-Ko’s Poke Bowl & Asian Snacks inside Mount Dora Marketplace. The build-your-own bowl concept opened at 334 N. Donnelly Street in January.

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.

Local Dining Guide

2 Comments

NEW MEDICAL PLAZA IN MOUNT DORA OPENS JAN. 6

1/3/2020

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA BUILDING IS SOLD AND SIGNS NEW TENANT

1/1/2020

0 Comments

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.

0 Comments

NITRO ICE CREAM COMES TO DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA

1/1/2020

0 Comments

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.

Local Dining Guide

0 Comments

EUSTIS EMBRACES WINTER GARDEN'S COMMUNITY MARKET CONCEPT

1/1/2020

1 Comment

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.

1 Comment

NEW LAKE DORA RIVERBOAT ARRIVES IN TAVARES

12/8/2019

3 Comments

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.

3 Comments

PROPOSED MOUNT DORA DEVELOPMENT SET FOR DEC. 3 PUBLIC HEARING

12/2/2019

10 Comments

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.

10 Comments

MOUNT DORA'S BRITISH PUB PREPS FOR NEW LOCATION

12/1/2019

3 Comments

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.