What lagged behind for years has now jumped ahead.  Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD), which previously had one of the lowest compensation ranges for its officers, has now moved slightly ahead of other Lake County cities.  

Now, with the unanimous approval of Mount Dora City Council members last month, the first year earning potential for an officer ranges from $45,054 to $66,205 depending on experience.  Officers can opt to increase their compensation by adding special work details during any of the city’s 38 events and joining specialized units which pushes the range up to $58,054 to $92,213 annually, commensurate with an officer’s experience.  

The goal is for the community-oriented police department, which serves approximately 14,000 residents in the quaint Central Florida town, to successfully recruit and retain the best law enforcement officers available.   The department is currently budgeted for 46 positions and presently has eight openings.

The fully functioning department’s specialized units include K-9, drug investigations, community relations, SWAT, school resource officer, traffic unit, traffic homicide investigations, field training officer and honor guard, among others. 
“Mount Dora Police Department is currently looking for experienced law enforcement officers who believe in the community policing philosophy,” said Assistant Mount Dora Police Chief Michael Fewless.  “Our relationship with the community is extremely important to us and we always try to serve it in a professional manner.”
Law enforcement officers interested in the opportunities available at Mount Dora Police Department should contact Captain Coy Hunter at  [email protected] ​

​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.  ​​​​

One thing expert scientists agree on is that widespread testing is essential in better understanding and mitigating the spread of the novel coronavirus in order to prepare for a safer reopening of businesses.  
 
Beginning on Wednesday, April 22, Lake County will partner with a private health provider to increase testing opportunities for all residents, including those who are asymptomatic. 
 
Three drive-thru locations are expected to be open by April 22  in each region of the County. FDA approved swab or antibody tests will be administered to Lake County residents for $20 through May 17.  The sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at:

• 3619 Lake Center Drive, Mount Dora (Adult Medicine of Lake County)   Testing available now Monday through Friday.
• 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont (Cooper Memorial Library) Testing to be available starting on April 23, then on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• 109 E. Dixie Ave., Leesburg (Venetian Gardens at the intersection of Canal Street and Dixie Avenue) Testing to be available starting on April 24, then on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Testing is limited to two per resident and results will be returned within 1 to 3 days after testing. Adult Medicine of Lake County offers swab or antibody tests for $85 for non-residents. No appointment is needed for the drive-thru testing sites and residents are required to present proof of residence to qualify for the reduced testing fee. Call the Adult Medicine of Lake County dedicated COVID-19 line for more information at 352-329-1133.

Residents are encouraged to call their doctor to obtain testing if their doctor has it available. . Residents with symptoms who are unable to receive testing through their primary healthcare provider should still call the Florida Department of Health Hotline at 352-742-4830; callers that meet the criteria for testing will receive an appointment for free testing at a Lake County testing location.   There will continue to be free testing provided by the Health Department and at the State’s regional test site located at the Orange County Convention Center.    
 
Antibody testing is important because if someone recovered from the virus, the presence of antibodies is their body’s way of recalling how it responded to it, so it can attack the same virus again if exposed to it. People with antibodies are at lower risk of reinfection because they have immune cells already available to fight the virus.
 
To further assist residents, Lake County will be announcing additional locations where residents can obtain and fill out printed forms for State unemployment benefits in order to expedite that process.
 
Business owners should watch for the launch of an online questionnaire to help them prepare for “next steps” to safely reopen their doors once the Governor lifts Florida’s Stay-at-Home order. Businesses are encouraged to respond to Lake County’s online questionnaire to: 

• Assess their financial situation
• Understand supply chain impacts on their particular business 
• Communicate their experiences to leaders overseeing relief programs, 
• Exchange information
• Share best practices

 
In addition, this questionnaire will identify how the County can assist them as they implement protective measures to address the safety of their employees and customers.   
 
Once that link becomes available, it will be published 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.  ​​​​