The Florida Department of Health (DOH) issued a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals were treated and recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Residents throughout the state should take precautions by applying bug spray, draining and preventing standing water, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible - especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The cause of malaria in these cases has been identified as the Plasmodium vivax species. Effective treatment is readily available through hospitals and other health care providers. Individuals in this area with symptoms of fever, chills, sweats, nausea/vomiting, and headache should seek immediate medical attention. 

DOH is working closely with local partners and county mosquito control as aerial and ground mosquito spraying continues to be conducted in areas to mitigate the risk of further transmission.  

​Residents can do the following to help prevent bites and mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected. 
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools and keep appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
• Wear long pants and shirts especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitoes are most active.

• Apply mosquito repellent appropriately.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

• Some repellents are not suitable for children. Ensure repellent is safe for children and age appropriate: 
  • Mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children under the age of three years.
  • DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
  • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.
  • Parents should apply repellent to their hands first and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

DOH is continuing statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. To assist, residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

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 Instagram  and Facebook page for more local info.

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora Vice-mayor and District 4 Representative

I've selected several highlights from City Council's June 20th meeting. You know that this report comes from me as an individual, not on behalf of City Council.

The most prominent item had to do with retaining our City Manager, Patrick Comiskey. A good number of people were on hand to voice their opinions. Following a discussion, City Council decided to find an outside consultant versed in conflict resolution and communications to work with our staff moving forward. Mr. Comiskey will continue in his role of City Manager. The vote was 5-1. Mayor Stile voted "No" and Mr. Rolfson was out of town.

An ordinance allowing specially equipped golf carts on certain city streets was approved. It will be reviewed next year allowing us to make changes as needed.

An ordinance amending the Land Development Code for the construction of model homes was approved.

We are in the early stages of getting design services for an approximately 2,000 square-foot proposed addition to City Hall.

We set a preliminary Fire Assessment Fee rate of $219 for the upcoming year. That fee is currently $209 and I think it will likely be reduced later in the budget discussions. We're guessing high right now and can reduce the fee later this summer.

I've selected a quote today from Meg Resoff. "I don't get nearly enough credit in life for the things I manage not to say."

Thanks for your interest in Mount Dora.
By Marc Crail
Mount Dora Vice-mayor and District 4 Representative
​
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 Instagram  and Facebook page for more local info.

By Dr. Marc Crail
​Vice-mayor and District 4 Representative

I've selected some discussion and action items from our June 6 meeting to share with you. As always, please keep in mind that I'm not reporting to you on behalf of City Council, I'm just one member and speak only for myself.

Mayor Stile added an agenda item that I didn't have any prior knowledge of, making a motion to fire City Manager Patrick Comiskey. She presented a list of her concerns, similar to the issues she brought up during our last May City Council meeting. She stressed that in her opinion, many hard working city employees are having issues with the Manager's leadership style.

When her presentation concluded, other City Council members spoke. The theme of their responses to the Mayor's concerns was that we are moving forward with our plan to ask department heads and other direct reports to the City Manager to anonymously relate their experiences (good or bad) working under the leadership of Mr. Comiskey. That process is underway and the results should be compiled and available to City Council members within a month. Most members said that they are in favor of allowing that plan to move forward. I heard the words "due process" mentioned a few times. When we voted on the Mayor's motion, it was defeated 6-1.

By another 6-1 vote (Cataldo voting No) we approved an amendment to the proposed Mount Dora and Lake County Joint Planning Area Agreement.

After a related discussion, our City Manager recommended getting a "second opinion" as to whether  the City can deny water or sewer service to new developments in our JPA.  We voted to seek the opinion of a specialized attorney who would meet with our City Attorney and staff to investigate if that is legal under Florida law.

We voted to approve a "Second-First reading" that could ultimately allow properly equipped golf carts to use certain city streets. There were several changes from the original proposal including reducing the golf cart registration fees to $25 for the first year and $10 in subsequent years. I asked that whatever rules we end up with, we make a one year trial run so that we can make revisions that might be needed regarding parking, etc. There's a second reading and possibly some more adjustments before this becomes law.

Our incoming Fire Chief, Joe Hightower was introduced. Chief Hightower will begin his new job soon.

The quote of the day is actually an ancient Turkish proverb. "When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king, the palace becomes a circus."

Thanks to everyone who loves our city and cares enough to spend their valuable time to voice their opinions.

By Dr. Marc Crail
​Vice-mayor and District 4 Representative

​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 Instagram  and Facebook page for more local info.