Government & Education news - MOUNT DORA BUZZ

NEW SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR FREE MEALS FOR LAKE COUNTY STUDENTS

4/8/2020

Starting next week, free breakfasts and lunches for students will be available for pickup at specific Lake County schools from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. Students will receive the same number of meals even though the number of distributions days has been reduced.

Students will receive four meals on Tuesdays -- 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches. On Thursdays, they will receive 6 meals -- 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches.

The change, effective the week of April 13, lessens the amount of time employees are away from home while the state is under a stay-at-home order in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. It also aims to make pickups easier for parents, some of whom have complained that the daily pickups are disruptive to their new work-at-home and distance learning routines. Find a full list of meal distribution sites here.

Friday, April 10, is a pre-scheduled day off for students, so no meals will be distributed that day. Instead, students will receive Friday’s meals on Thursday, April 9.

Staff will distribute the meals directly to those in their vehicle via drive-through service, as well as hand-out meals to any walkers and/or bike riders who may lack motor-vehicle transportation. The food must be taken off-site to be eaten. Students must be present to receive the meals. Students are not required to have parents with them when they come, but parents are not allowed to pick up meals without a student accompanying them.

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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MOUNT DORA LOWERS ELECTRIC RATES TO EASE RESIDENTS' FINANCIAL BURDENS

4/2/2020

In a move aimed at easing the current financial burden of some of its residents, the City of Mount Dora Electric Utility Department announced plans to lower monthly electric bills early for city customers during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Due to lower fuel costs, the City was able to pass the savings on to customers sooner by reducing their rates now.

The savings start today and decrease the monthly electric bill between 7.9% and 10.7% depending on usage. As an example, the typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month would see a decrease of 10% on their next bill.

“I am very glad that the Electric Department can help out our customers when they need it most. Now that fuel prices are low, we felt it was important to go ahead and reduce the rates now as opposed to waiting until later,” said Electric Utility Director Steven Langley.

The Power Cost Charge (PCC) is a separate charge on the customers’ electric bills which recovers the actual cost of wholesale power that the city purchases from Duke Energy. The PCC is normally calculated for April 1 and October 1 and is applied to the following six-month period. According to the City, it does not make a profit on the PCC. It's simply a billing mechanism to pass along actual power costs to the city's electric customers, so when wholesale rates go down, the customers' rates will also decrease. Commercial customers will receive decreases ranging from 9.8% to 13.8%, depending on usage.

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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FACTS ABOUT FLORIDA'S "SAFER-AT-HOME" ORDER

4/1/2020

Today a statewide “Safer-At-Home” Executive Order was issued by Florida Governor DeSantis as Florida continues to be the state with the sixth highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The mandatory order goes into effect on April 3 at 12:01 a.m and expires on April 30. Florida's version of a stay-at-home order requires the following actions by everyone throughout the entire state:

All persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.

essential services are:

Government & public safety
Healthcare
Specific stores: Grocery, pharmacy, hardware, convenience, pet supply and office supply stores
Gas stations
Banks & Financial companies
Post office & shipping companies
News media companies
Take-out restaurants
Farming, manufacturing and industrial companies
Laundry companies
Public transportation
Energy, water, utilities & sanitation companies
IT companies

ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship (with no more than 10 people and all persons must be at least 6 feet apart).
Participating in recreational activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming (consistent with social distancing requirements).
Taking care of pets
Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

A social gathering in a public space is not an essential activity. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that groups of people greater than ten are not permitted to congregate in any public space.

Nothing in this order prohibits individuals from working from home and all businesses are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out or curbside service of orders placed online or via telephone.

Senior citizens and individuals with a significant underlying medical condition are required to stay at home and take all measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Underlying medical conditions include: chronic lung disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, serious heart conditions, immunocompromised status, cancer, diabetes, severe obesity, renal failure and liver disease.

As of today, Florida has 7,773 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 67 of those cases are in Lake County.

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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MOUNT DORA FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC DONATIONS FOR MASKS AND MORE

3/31/2020

It may be a small town, but Mount Dora isn’t exempt from the national shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the current coronavirus pandemic. Mount Dora Fire Department (MDFD) is taking the proactive step of asking for the public’s help to meet the expected shortage of basic safety equipment for first responders, as well as healthcare workers at AdventHealth Waterman Hospital in Tavares.

MDFD is asking for donations from individuals and companies that may have access to life-saving new surgical masks, N95 masks, gowns and gloves for the people on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.

Anyone with these items is encouraged to drop them off in the lobby of Mount Dora Police Department at 1300 N. Donnelly Street in Mount Dora.

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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WEBSITE GLITCHES AFFECT LAKE COUNTY STUDENTS TODAY

3/30/2020

Lake County students and teachers were reminded today that patience is truly a virtue. This morning marked the first day of the district’s Distance Learning Program that returned students to their coursework remotely while campuses are closed to help mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Due to the high number of users, the website of the County’s vendor for the new online learning program crashed. The national company, Edgenuity/Odysseyware, provides remote learning to elementary, middle and high school students in various school districts. The company provides Lake County’s educators the ability to customize curriculum for their students, who monitor their own progress while completing assignments, activities, lessons, tests and other assessments during the campus closures.

This is a new experience for both the teachers and the students, so patience is required while solutions are found to any issues that may arise with the new system.
Edgenuity/Odysseyware is working to correct the problem and Lake County Schools has provided information for a work-around that may help with some connectivity issues here.

For students and parents that have had issues with passwords, parents can fill out the a help form here.  For general information students and parents can visit the district’s resource page for its distance learning 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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ORANGE COUNTY ISSUES MANDATORY STAY-AT-HOME ORDER

3/25/2020

Thursday night Orange County residents and business owners will have a temporary new reality. On Tuesday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issued an executive order that significantly restricts non-essential activities. The stay-at-home order allows essential businesses, defined as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical offices, gas stations, banks and hardware stores, to remain open. Take-out and food delivery businesses are also permitted. Residents can still go for walks, runs and bike rides near their homes.

The public safety measures were put in place to help curb the fast-spreading COVID-19 virus.

The new order is in addition to Orange County’s curfew that remains in place from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Health professionals, first responders and government workers are exempt from the curfew, as well as anyone working or travelling to or from work.

Orange County Public Schools announced the cancellation of all high school proms and Grad Bash events, but no decision has been made on graduation ceremonies.

Orange County borders East Lake County, and includes Stoneybrook Hills, an unincorporated subdivision of Mount Dora, The Stoneybrook Hills Publix on U.S. 441 will remain open, but the non-essential businesses in the shopping center will be required to close temporarily beginning Thursday, March 26 at 11 p.m.

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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MORE LOCATIONS PROVIDE FREE MEALS TO LAKE COUNTY STUDENTS

3/20/2020

The school district has expanded the list of sites where free meals will be offered to Lake County students during the extended statewide school closures, now expected to last until at least April 15.

Initially, meals were to be distributed at five locations next week in response to school closures that are part of a worldwide effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Now, meals will be distributed at all traditional Lake County public school campuses, with the exception of Lake Hills School, and at Mascotte and Minneola charter schools. Addresses for the schools can be found on the district’s web site: www.lake.k12.fl.us

RELATED STORY: Financial help resources in Lake County for COVID-19

Students should go to the school nearest their home address to get their meals.

Meals will be distributed Monday through Friday, starting March 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the car loop of each school site. Students will be given a free lunch along with a free breakfast for the next day.

Staff will distribute the meals directly to those in their vehicle (drive-through service) upon arrival. In addition, staff will hand-out meals to any walkers and/or bike riders who may lack motor-vehicle transportation. Students must be present to receive the meals. Students are not required to have parents with them when they come, but parents are not allowed to pick up meals without a student accompanying them.

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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LOCAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19

LAKE COUNTY CLOSES LIBRARIES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

3/18/2020

The Lake County Library System closed some locations across the county as a precaution to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The following library locations will remain closed until further notice:

Astor County Library
Cagan Crossings Community Library (Four Corners)
Cooper Memorial Library (Clermont)
East Lake County Library (Sorrento)
Eustis Memorial Library (will close starting March 16 at 8 p.m.) - Fruitland Park Library
Helen Lehmann Memorial Library (Montverde)
Lady Lake Public Library
Marianne Beck Memorial Library (Howey-in-the-Hills)
Marion Baysinger Memorial County Library (Groveland) - Minneola Schoolhouse Library
Paisley County Library
Umatilla Public Library
W.T. Bland Public Library (Mount Dora, closes March 18)

Events, meetings and gatherings that were scheduled to take place at these libraries are also canceled through March. Item reservations will be paused but will resume once libraries open. Fines at all 16 Lake County Library locations will be waived during this time.

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.

MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: March 17 Meeting

3/17/2020

Mount Dora Buzz file photo

By Marc Crail
District 4, Mount Dora City Council Representative

Our meetings this evening had a decidedly different feel. With the advent of coronavirus, we were seated about six feet apart from one another and public attendance was minimal. We are trying to comply with state and federal health/safety recommendations while continuing to do the business of our city. This is an ever changing challenge and a late breaking Executive Order from our Governor was read aloud outlining new restrictions on bars, pubs and restaurants limiting seating to 50% of capacity among other things. Many local businesses are open for business and working hard to serve their customers while keeping everyone safe. Please continue to shop locally and stay safe yourself.

I'm reporting as usual not in any official capacity on behalf of the City Council, but as just one member of the Council.

After our previous meeting, I reported my opposition to an ordinance for PUD (Planned Unity Development) approval for a development called Donnelly Woods. This development is proposed to be built on 16.69 acres fronting on Limit Road. and bordering Donnelly Street. It would include 24,000 square feet of office space and 112 apartment units in buildings up to 45' high. District 1 Council- member Pam Burtnett joined me last time voting "no". The other five members voted "yes". Tonight we were scheduled to vote on the final reading of that Ordinance. At-Large Councilmember Crissy Stile said that she had heard from numerous constituents who voiced their concerns about the PUD. Since Cal Rolfson (District 2) was absent this evening it was decided to postpone the vote on the final reading until our next meeting scheduled for April 7th. If you have opinions for or against you should feel free to contact your elected officials to put your two cents in.

We unanimously approved a Resolution for a Police Department Incentive Program. This is critically important since we have been losing many experienced police officers to other nearby departments that pay better that we do. There are several components to this package that include a 7% pay raise as well as the opportunity to cash in 40 hours of vacation time twice a year and the opportunity to cash in 40 hours of accrued compensatory time per year. This will cost the City about $196,000 a year, but we must be able to attract and retain top notch officers. I am happy that working cooperatively with our police department, we have taken steps to help make our pay and benefits competitive. In my estimation, this will be money well spent.

We had a good initial discussion on several ways we might be able to address the need for "attainable housing" in Mount Dora. It's very early in the process, but helping to have infill homes built on empty lots by partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity sounds promising. Helping homeowners of modest means make repairs and improvements on their homes is another possibility. I'm looking forward to moving forward ASAP with possible solutions.

While your City Council members often agree, sometimes we don't, but in my opinion our occasional disagreements are opportunities to listen to opposing views and compromise for the betterment of our wonderful City. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of that process.

A friend sent me a quote from Danny Thomas who was a well known actor but will be remembered forever for his charity work. "Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself, it's what you do for others." Tens of thousands of deserving kids and their families have benefited from Danny Thomas's generosity.

By Marc Crail
District 4, Mount Dora City Council Representative

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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LAKE COUNTY ENSURES SAFE & SANITIZED POLLING PLACES FOR TOMORROW'S ELECTION

3/16/2020

In an effort to keep the public safe and be compliant with CDC guidelines, Lake County Supervisor of Elections Alan Hays has put the following safeguards in place at polling places during tomorrow’s Presidential Primary election:

As needed, polling locations may limit the number of voters allowed in the room at one time in accordance with social distancing guidelines.
Every precinct polling location is well equipped with disinfectant wipes and sprays, and all equipment will be wiped down according to CDC guidelines.
Voters who choose to bring their own pen to mark their ballot should use a black ink ballpoint pen.

“Rest assured, we will be able to accommodate all voters, and we take voter safety very seriously,” said Hays.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m tomorrow, March 17. Some polling locations have changed, so voters can find the current list of polling places at lakevotes.com. Voters must vote at their own precinct.

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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