Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

New apartments proposed in Mount Dora

5/1/2022

ABOVE: The land for the proposed Parkview Apartments in Mount Dora. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

On property that was recently set to become part of a new townhouse development, a different plan is now on the table. Preliminary plans were submitted by the developer proposing Parkview Apartments, 59 units in a three-story building located on the southeast corner of Grandview and Liberty, diagonally across from Gilbert Park. Previously, a townhouse project called The Bungalows was slated for the property by the same developer.

The proposed site for Parkview Apartments is 2.92 acres and is currently zoned R-3 (multi-family residential). The proposed 68,820 square-foot building has a footprint of 22,940 square feet and would offer three-bedroom apartments.

The building’s parking lot would be located on the section of property closest to the railroad tracks. The City requires 138 spaces for such a project and the developer provided 111 on the plans submitted. The City also requires a tree removal plan for permitting, which the developer provided.

Parkview Apartments received preliminary approval with conditions in April and the City requires resubmittal. The following are among the conditions the developer must meet in order to proceed:

Lower the number of apartments to 52 in order to comply with the maximum of 18 units allowable per acre.
Provide a traffic study.
Address the parking deficiency.
Provide design enhancements as required.
Clarify the maximum building height measurement to the top of the building on the exterior elevation drawing.
Provide required landscape buffers.
Revise the tree removal plan.

The civil engineering plans cite the owner of the property as The Bungalows LLC and the contact is Jake Guenther of G3 Development. The City’s correspondence about the project was addressed to G3 Development.

If the approval conditions are met and the project advances, it would eventually come before Mount Dora City Council for a vote, but that would be further along in the approval process. For additional current commercial and residential developments click here

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Top 3 local U-pick blueberry farms

4/1/2022

Locally, it’s become a favorite season of the year and this year’s blueberry season in Lake County kicked off in late March and is expected to continue through May.

The top three local U-pick farms currently have prices that range from $4.95 to $5.00 per pound for the sweet and nutritious treat. Eager blueberry lovers should pick to their heart’s content since blueberries are widely considered a “super food” that’s low in calories and high in nutrients and antioxidants.

Here's the list of local U-Pick blueberry farms and their current price per pound and u-pick hours:

atwood family farm

25079 SE Hwy 450, Umatilla, 352-630-0145
This farm's blueberry season opens April 2.
U-pick days and Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
Prices: U-pick blueberries will be $4.95 per pound and pre-picked berries are $13.00 per two-pound container.

The farm has a new market at its entrance that will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those wanting to buy pre-picked berries, sunflowers, homemade fudge, roasted nuts, and more. There will also be farm activities and special events on select weekends during blueberry season.

Blue bayou farms (organic)

8222 CR 48, Yalaha, 352-267-5277
U-pick days and hours: Tuesday and Thursday, as well as every weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prices: $5.00 per pound for U-pick and $7.00 per pound for pre-picked berries.
Customers are asked to please wear close-toed shoes for picking.
Blueberry season ends around the end of May but the farm’s crop varies every year.
The farm will also have blackberries ready for picking in May.

far reach ranch

1255 South Dora Blvd., Tavares, 352-343-7389
U-Pick days and hours: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prices: U-pick $5.00 per pound for U-pick. $6.50 per pound for pre-picked berries.
The farm also sells jams, honey and blueberry wines, and on select weekends it features food vendors, music, a kids zone and a full bar.

Due to weather and field and berry conditions, U-pick hours and pricing can change, so it's recommended that pickers call the farm prior to visiting.

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Mystic Ice Cream introduces spiked ice cream to Eustis

4/1/2022

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Ice cream is an old-school treat enjoyed by young and old, but a new Eustis shop has taken it to another level. Mystic Ice Cream not only features traditional ice cream, but also dishes out adult-only flavors with different liquors incorporated into the recipes.

Mystic Ice Cream, with its vibrant hippie vibe, recently opened its third Lake County location in the heart of downtown Eustis. The cozy shop typically offers 32 flavors daily, half of which are traditional family-friendly flavors. The other half include one ounce of alcohol per serving.

On a recent visit, Mount Dora Buzz sampled many unique flavors and it was tough to pick a favorite, but Mystic Slide (similar to a Mud Slide shot) and the Oreo Cookie Dough flavors were right up there. Their best-selling flavors of traditional ice cream are the Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Black Jack Cherry and Butter Pecan, according to owners Darrell and Lisa Day. For adults wanting something stronger, the best-selling spiked flavors are Mystic Slide, Chocolate with Kahlua and Amaretto, as well as the Butterscotch Crunch, which is vanilla ice cream with Heath Bar crunch and butterscotch schnapps. All of the ice cream is made by hand at the company’s nearby Fruitland Park location.

Lisa is in charge of ice cream operations and has perfected two new flavors of her own. One is the seasonal Hog Heaven, a creamy take on the popular maple and bacon profile. Her other new flavor is the spiked Crown Apple Betty, which is a vanilla ice cream with Crown Royal and apples. While she’s busy with the ice cream, Darrell, a trained composer and pianist, handles the stores, as well as the popular game nights at the larger Fruitland Park location.

In addition to cups of ice cream, Mystic Ice Cream also serves sundaes, shakes, malts and floats, plus larger containers of ice cream, but it does not offer cones.

The couple has expanded the company quickly after purchasing the 10-year-old Fruitland Park location at the end of 2019. Prior to the new Eustis location, the Days also opened a location in downtown Leesburg and added a tie-dyed ice cream truck as a mobile shop. The brightly colored truck features 16 flavors and can be scheduled for special events. As a result of its expansion, the independent chain now sells 400 gallons of ice cream monthly, up from 180 monthly at the time the Days purchased the single location. Darrell credits his dedicated employees as being an important part of the company's growth and success.

Mystic Ice Cream’s new location is at 38 East Magnolia Street in downtown Eustis and is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

If you know of an area eatery that you think Mount Dora Buzz should visit, please let us know by contacting us here.

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 Mexican restaurant brings unique dishes to Eustis

4/1/2022

When it comes to local Mexican cuisine, there were few options other than the ubiquitous TexMex. A new Mexican restaurant in Eustis has changed that by creating authentic dishes that are unique in the area.

La Perla Tapatia, which opened in April, has quickly distinguished itself from other local Latin eateries by cooking up flavorful house specialities as well as customary Mexican dishes. Traditional favorites include enchiladas, street tacos, grilled fish tacos, chicken en mole, and el costeno (Mexican shrimp cocktail). El Playero (grilled salmon with mushroom, carrots and broccoli), Ceviche Aguachile, and Estilo Jalisco (braised and seasoned brisket) are some of the less common Mexican dishes that are featured.

On a recent visit, we tried the flaming Fogon Tapatia with seasoned grilled steak, pork, chorizo, chicken and naples (cactus) served with rice, refried pinto beans and fresh guacamole. The dish easily served two people and all of the proteins were seasoned and cooked perfectly. The naples were a nice surprise, since this traditional dish is often missing from more Americanized menus. We also tried the El Manotas (grilled octopus) which can be a tricky dish to cook properly. The chef at La Perla didn’t disappoint, delivering a tender, well-seasoned and perfectly charred dish that was served with a special poblano rice and delicious cabbage salad. The Birria tacos (seasoned braised brisket) are quite possibly the best beef tacos around.

La Perla Tapatia, the nickname of the city of Guadalajara, also creates some of that region's signature dishes including La Valentina (diced ribeye in green tomatillo sauce) and Torta Ahogada (a sandwich with pork, beans and onions). There are also ample vegetarian options available like Tostadas Rancheras, veggie tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and salads.

Presently, the bar offers housemade sangria and a selection of beers. However, sometime in April the restaurant is expecting to have its full liquor license and feature traditional and contemporary Mexican cocktails.

Last, but certainly not least, are La Perla’s rich desserts. Our favorites were the traditional cinnamon churros and the sweet Mexican cornbread. Both are served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The friendly owners of La Perla, Luis de la Torre and his wife Selene Rodriquez, and their partner Ed Meza, have decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Their goal was to bring a different type of Mexican cuisine to Lake County. From its diverse menu, friendly service and the passionate owners, it’s clear La Perla will keep its guests coming back.

The restaurant is located at 2060 S. Bay Street in Eustis and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. If you know of an area eatery you would like Mount Dora Buzz to try, please let us know by contacting us here.

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.

Creativity to bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

4/1/2022

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Spring has sprung and the warmer weather means more time in the garden.

This season’s inspiration for all types of gardens will be sprawled under the oaks in Mount Dora at the annual Vintage Garden Show held on April 2 & 3. The annual, two-day event will host local and out-of-state vendors selling everything from up-cycled outdoor decor, fresh herbs and plants, architectural wrought iron, vintage patio furniture, as well as a mix of curiosities just waiting to be repurposed.

The Vintage Garden Show runs both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Renningers Antique Center located at 20651 US 441 in Mount Dora. Admission and parking are free and food is available for purchase.

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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Popular Mount Dora restaurant welcomes new owner

2/1/2022

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It’s one of downtown Mount Dora’s most popular restaurants.

After opening the Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar and Grill in 2015, Jerry and Karen Vejseli quickly built a large loyal following. Diners enjoyed the friendly owners and staff and returned repeatedly for their fresh Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as the live music on the outdoor deck.

Simultaneously, Karen also had a successful career in finance with a Manhattan firm and was often commuting back and forth. A recent promotion required that she be in New York full time, so the Vejselis decided to put the restaurant on the market and move to Long Island.

Olive Branch’s new owner is Jeff Riesland, whose family has a long history in the restaurant business. A Wyoming native, Riesland began busing tables when he was five years old.

Riesland plans to maintain the same hours and menu, plus add a mushroom ravioli that is a personal favorite of his. He also plans to introduce daily specials. Riesland is also keeping the same live music and staff, so Olive Branch’s regular customers will be greeted by the same friendly faces they are accustomed to. Riesland, who will maintain his decades-long career as a business and real estate broker, has decided to relocate to Mount Dora from Orlando to be closer to the restaurant.

Jerry agreed to stay on with the restaurant for a few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Olive Branch is located at 115 W. 3rd Avenue in downtown 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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A new indie market takes root near Eustis

2/1/2022

Take a fresh produce market, blend in a healthy dose of local artisans and vintage vendors, and you have an independent market. North Lake County’s new indie market is located in Dona Vista just north of downtown Eustis.

Once a month, visitors can browse the tents in a corner field filled with everything from artisanal and handmade goods, plants, vintage treasures and jewelry to hand crafts, gifts, art and beautiful items crafted by a local blacksmith. Indie markets are popular across the country, and typically Lake County residents would have to travel to DeLand, Winter Garden or St. Petersburg to find one.

On the weekends when Dona Vista Independent Market isn’t happening, customers can still visit its host, the original Dona Vista Market, a local co-op of farmers and handmade and homemade vendors that opened in one convenient location last year. The outdoor indie market was launched so more vendors could participate in the growing co-op and fill the needs of its customers.

Dona Vista Independent Market launched in November, resumed in January, and continues monthly through April. The three-day market starts on the first Thursday of those months and runs through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The market is located at 16209 Eustis Place in Dona Vista, just five minutes north of downtown Eustis on the west side of State Road 19 across from the Mason Jar. The next Independent Market weekend is February 3, 4 and 5. Vendor applications are now being accepted and anyone interested should call Leslie Wasgatt, (352) 551-0345.

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.

New store provides renewed vibrancy for Mount Dora site

1/1/2022

ABOVE: Store owner, Porshia Blackmon.

Once again, residents of Mount Dora’s Northeast Community have a local business to serve their area. Regal Shop, a general merchandise store, recently opened at 1345 N. Grandview Street and offers customers everything from snacks and treats to incense, hardware and household items. The store also sells a range of party goods including helium balloons, cards and small gifts.

Early in 2022, the owner, Porshia Blackmon, plans to serve house-made burgers and wings from Regal’s small commercial kitchen. Blackmon, a Mount Dora High School alumna who relocated the store from Clermont, also plans to sell a variety of beauty supplies in the adjacent space.

For years, T & N Market had provided convenience and essential goods from the same location to Mount Dora’s Northeast Community. That store abruptly closed following the double murder of its beloved owners Kheim (Ken) Ba Trinh, 56, and 47-year-old Minh (Tina) Nguyen. The crime occurred over a year ago and is still under an active investigation. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-423-TIPS and can remain anonymous.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here and follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

New restaurant returns pizza to downtown Mount Dora

1/1/2022

With its dozens of restaurants that span every ethnic cuisine, somehow it’s been years since downtown Mount Dora had a pizza spot. Well, that’s about to change!

Later this month, Back Porch Pizza Bar will open in the former space of Cecile’s French Corner and fire-up a variety of gourmet pizzas from scratch, along with providing a full bar and high-quality craft cocktails.

Back Porch’s pizzas menu includes:
Fungool
Sliced creminis, fermented black garlic, Danish fontina, ricotta, porcini & morel ragu. Topped with baby arugula and white truffle drizzle.

Doraritta
Fire roasted marinara, Buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato, and micro basil. Drizzled with pesto.

Aloha Luau
Grilled pineapple, crispy spam, Danish fontina, pina colada bechamel. Topped with micro cilantro and tossed coconut flakes.

Prosciutto & Blue
Shaved parmesan, gorgonzola crumbles, baby spinach, fermented black garlic brandy, honey soaked sundried tomato and fire roasted marinara. Topped with aged balsamic drizzle.

Dees Way
Fire roasted marinara, Danish fontina and buffalo mozzarella, nitrate free pepperoni, nicoise olives, and sliced creminis.

Say Cheese
Fire roasted marinara, Danish fontina, ricotta and buffalo mozzarella, dusted with shaved parmesan and chili flake.

Pepper Mi-Roni
Fire roasted marinara, nitrate free pepperoni, chopped pepperoncini. Topped with shaved parmesan and micro basil.

I'm Not Garbage (Vegan)
Fire roasted marinara, cremini mushrooms, heirloom tomato and garlic spinach. Topped with shaved vegan parmesan.

For patrons wanting more than just pizza, the casual restaurant will also offer a variety of fresh poke bowls and keep their kitchen open later on weekends to provide late-night diners an option to satisfy their cravings.

Back Porch Pizza Bar is the latest Mount Dora eatery by Joshua Jungferman, proprietor of Pisces Rising Seafood Restaurant on 4th Avenue and McDonald Street, as well as Pisces Rising Catering on Grandview Street. Back Porch will open at 237 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for an opening date.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here and follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook. For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

New microbrewery to open in Mount Dora

12/1/2021

ABOVE: The old Mount Dora Brewing will be home to Eden Abbey Brewing Community

When Peggy and Jeff Herbst decided to retire and close Mount Dora Brewing, you could almost hear craft beer lovers sobbing in their mugs. In a few months, those tears will be replaced with ice-cold beers when a small new microbrewery opens in the space.

If all goes well, Eden Abbey Brewing Community is expected to open in late winter or early spring, 2022. The owners, Ben and Eve Passmore, have been ministers, missionaries and entrepreneurs for 15 years. Ben has been brewing his own beer since 2016 and 18 months ago the couple set out to turn their home-based brews into a full-fledged business. The hunt for the perfect location for their microbrewery landed them in uptown Mount Dora which had the perfect space to accommodate their goal of bringing people together around excellent beer, coffee, food, music and fun.

Eden Abbey Brewing Community favors European-style brews and its most popular beer is its Belgian Tripel. They also have a pilsner, brown ale and lager, plus IPAs and seasonal brews. They also make a point of keeping an eye on brewing trends.

The tap room will serve eight to ten house beers on tap and feature live music on weekends. Similar to Mount Dora Brewing, Eden Abbey Brewery Community will also have a family-friendly cafe that will dish out lunch and dinner. The Passmores are currently courting chefs, so the style of food will depend on which one they decide to partner with.

Prior to moving to Kissimmee, the couple operated Happy Hive Music Cafe in South Malta and discovered a successful recipe in all of the areas they love most: faith, family, community and excellent hospitality. They hope to recreate some of that vibe at their new 405 S. Highland Street brewery.

The Passmore family will be relocating to Mount Dora in the coming weeks and will be working on the renovations while awaiting their licensing. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz’s 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 and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

A new Mexican restaurant opens in Mount Dora

11/1/2021

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It’s been home to several restaurants over the years, but the newest restaurant seems to have all of the ingredients for lasting success.

El Mezcal, a new Mexican restaurant by the same owners at Plaza Guadalajara, recently opened in the C.F. Fitness shopping center in the space formerly occupied by Rosati’s Pizza and Black Bear Smokehouse. The owners completed an impressive transformation of the space into a well-designed contemporary eatery and cantina. The former Plaza Guadalajara space has since closed permanently.

On a recent visit to El Mezcal, the food was excellent --- fresh, perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. The Camarones Mezcal, a house specialty of grilled shrimp and vegetables served over rice, was well-seasoned and perfectly cooked. The large Fajita Quesadilla was stuffed full of meat, peppers, onions and cheese and also very well seasoned. The meat and cheese Chile Rellenos ordered a la carte were made from fresh peppers and had generous amounts of ground meat and melted cheese. Traditional guacamole is made to order at the table and diners can choose their ingredients. The service was also excellent -- friendly, knowledgeable, prompt and attentive.

El Mezcal offers a full bar and a large menu that includes traditional Mexican beef, chicken, seafood and pork dishes. There are also over a dozen vegetarian dinner options and an ample kids’ menu. Lunch specials are served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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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New Mount Dora donut shop fills a void

10/27/2021

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Mount Dora seemingly had everything -- a gazillion ethnic restaurants, a craft brewery, lively bars, burger joints, coffee houses and plenty of bakeries and sweets shops. However, there was one crave-worthy staple missing -- donuts. In late October, that hole was filled with the opening of King’s Donuts Deli on 19A just west of Eudora Road.

The new independent donut shop makes a variety of raised donuts and bars, plus cake donuts, fresh baked croissants, cinnamon rolls, fritters and muffins. Donuts are $1.20 while the fritters, bear claws and muffins are $2.50. For the best selection, patrons are encouraged to arrive early.

The few tables provide a place for patrons to enjoy treats inside, while the drive-through allows for a quick sugar-fix on the road.

King’s Donuts also serves a few breakfast offerings including biscuits and gravy, plus a variety of sizable breakfast sandwiches ($4.50) made to order on a choice of bagel, croissant or bread. For a quick lunch, ham, turkey or ‘deluxe’ sandwiches ($7.00-$8.25) are available.

The breakfast and lunch spot also whips up specialty beverages that include hot and cold coffee drinks, smoothies and boba teas. Bottled beverages are also available.

The eatery is closed on Mondays, but patrons can indulge Tuesday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

King's Donuts & Deli is located at 3301 C.R. 19A in Mount Dora. It is not affiliated with Clermont-based Donut King which has resumed selling its donuts again at Hometown Market 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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Mount Dora's new entrance feature and bridge are under construction

10/25/2021

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ABOVE: Preliminary design of the pedestrian and golf cart bridge over Donnelly Street connecting the existing Waterman Village community to its new Lakeside Retirement Community.

Earlier this year, Mount Dora City Council approved a golf cart and pedestrian bridge that crosses Donnelly Street south of U.S. Highway 441. The overpass, which is now under construction, will connect the existing Waterman Village with the new section currently being built. The use of the bridge will be limited to the retirement community’s residents and allows them to avoid crossing busy Donnelly Street.

The bridge, funded by Waterman Village, will feature “Welcome to Mount Dora” signage across the span of the bridge. In June, Mount Dora Arts Commission recommended that it also include backlit metal art of a heron and leaves on the walls beneath the bridge span and that those elements be proportional to the bridge, and the “Welcome” signage.

During a May 11 town hall meeting, some Mount Dora residents voiced concern that the bridge would detract from the City’s scenic Donnelly Street entrance and create an eyesore or make it similar to The Villages entrance.

Waterman Village’s new community under construction on the east side of Donnelly Street, Lakeside at Waterman Village, will have almost 37 acres of duplexes, quadplexes, independent living and memory support units. Reservations for the units are now being accepted.

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

Paid political ad.

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Mount Dora election attracts local small business owners as candidates

9/1/2021

Whether by happenstance or disinterest by younger residents, the roles of Mayor and City Council members are typically filled by active retirees in Mount Dora. This year’s local campaign season is quite different. Both of Mount Dora’s non-partisan races have attracted community-minded local business owners.

In the race for City Council District 1, which encompasses much of the historic district, John Cataldo, co-owner of Adora Inn, has tossed his hat in the ring. Cataldo is a 16-year Mount Dora resident who previously served on Mount Dora’s Economic Advisory Committee and its Planning and Zoning Commission. Prior to moving to Mount Dora, Cataldo's career was in hospitality management. According to his campaign information, Cataldo’s priorities will be Mount Dora’s people, progress and historic preservation.

In Mount Dora’s mayoral race, another small business owner has stepped up to serve. Downtown bookstore owner Crissy Stile launched her campaign focusing on integrity, public safety and preservation of the historic district, according to her website. Stile is also a former Mount Dora City Council Member and holds a masters degree in business administration.

Stile is running against incumbent two-term Mount Dora Mayor Cathy Hoechst, who also served as a past president of the local Chamber of Commerce and previously had a lengthy career in nursing and healthcare administration. Before retiring in 2019, Hoechst, a 35-year Mount Dora resident, was in management at Lake Receptions.

Cataldo is running against Carroll Jaskulski, a 14-year resident who serves on the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission. He is currently an associate real estate broker with Colony Realty Group, which has the same principal as Cottages on 11th, a new Mount Dora development he voted to approve in 2019 and later became its project manager.

The four candidates share the same stance on one key issue. None of them oppose a parking garage to improve downtown's parking issue. Additionally, they all support some form of growth to increase the city's revenue. The candidates differ greatly on the appropriate location, size and scope of new development and their own relationships to developers.

In addition to local business ownership, Stile, 45, and Cataldo, 57, also represent a younger demographic than what is typically attracted to run for City Hall office in Mount Dora. Future elections will determine if this is a trend of younger residents becoming civically involved or just an anomaly due to current issues.

Mount Dora’s non-partisan election is Nov. 2 and vote-by-mail begins September 17.

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

Mount Dora petition seeks to let voters decide fate of Historic District

8/4/2021

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“Let the voters decide.” That’s the mantra of the bevy of volunteers circulating a legal petition to place a new Mount Dora charter amendment on the ballot.

The referendum seeks to reinforce the height limit within the city’s historic district to 35 feet and 25 feet within 100 feet of the lakefront. Organizers of the initiative believe such a charter amendment is necessary to stop recurring efforts by special interest groups to bypass or change the existing building height ordinance. The petition does not oppose or prevent a parking garage.

“We hoped the City Council would put this issue on the ballot to let Mount Dora voters decide,” said Crissy Stile, a downtown business owner who is spearheading the referendum effort. “Unfortunately, the most expeditious, representative and cost-effective option wasn’t chosen by the council, so now residents are working together to put it on the ballot,” said Stile. The former city council member recently declared her candidacy for mayor after the council declined to put the charter amendment before voters.

The new petition will require approximately 1700 signatures of registered voters that live within Mount Dora’s city limits. Interested residents can get more information or sign the petition at Barrel of Books & Games located at 128 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora on Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition, volunteers will be visiting neighborhoods within Mount Dora's city limits to gather signatures.

Below are some frequently asked questions about the petition and the answers:

F.A.Q.s

1. Does this petition and proposed charter amendment allow for a downtown parking garage?
Yes. Mount Dora City Council already passed an ordinance allowing a parking garage with a maximum height of 55’. This charter amendment would not repeal any existing ordinances.

2. What is a ”City Charter?”
A city's charter is the most important governing and legal document of a city. It defines a city government's organization, powers, functions and essential procedures. Federally, it is comparable to the Constitution of the U.S. The only way to change a charter once it's been adopted is by a voter referendum.

3. How would a charter amendment protect Mount Dora's Historic District more than existing ordinances which limit building heights?
Ordinances can easily be changed by a vote of the City Council. Council members and/or Planning & Zoning Commission members affected by undue influence or conflicts of interest can pursue changing the ordinance. By contrast, if the charter amendment passes it could only be changed by residents that are registered voters.

4. Mount Dora has a Historic Preservation Board. Aren't their guidelines and protections enough?
City Council can always vote to overturn the vote of the Historic Preservation Board (HPB), In two significant cases earlier this year, HPB rejected two submittals to increase building heights in excess of 35 feet, yet Mount Dora City Council overruled those rejections and voted to let the projects proceed.

5. The issue of increasing building heights was recently tabled. Does that mean the issue is moot?
A tabled issue can be brought back for a vote at any time. Controversial issues can be tabled and then brought back after an election or at any time.

6. If this charter amendment passes, could it be overturned in the future?
Yes. If the majority of voters chose to overturn it.

7. Do other historic downtowns in Florida have height restrictions for new buildings?
Yes. Through various mechanisms, the historic downtowns of Fernandina Beach, Naples, Winter Garden, Dunedin, Winter Park and others have height restrictions.

8. Do charter amendments require a special election?
No. If a vote by a city council places a charter amendment on the ballot with ample time, the referendum can be included on the regular election's ballot. Likewise, if ample time is given to collect and process petition signatures, the referendum can be included on the regular election's ballot.

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

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Business Buzz

New apartments proposed in Mount Dora

Top 3 local U-pick blueberry farms

atwood family farm

Blue bayou farms (organic)

far reach ranch

Mystic Ice Cream introduces spiked ice cream to Eustis

New Mexican restaurant brings unique dishes to Eustis

Creativity to bloom at Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show

Popular Mount Dora restaurant welcomes new owner

A new indie market takes root near Eustis

New store provides renewed vibrancy for Mount Dora site

New restaurant returns pizza to downtown Mount Dora

New microbrewery to open in Mount Dora

A new Mexican restaurant opens in Mount Dora

New Mount Dora donut shop fills a void

Mount Dora's new entrance feature and bridge are under construction

Mount Dora election attracts local small business owners as candidates

Mount Dora petition seeks to let voters decide fate of Historic District

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

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