Government & Education news

Mount Dora Police Chief announces his retirement

7/21/2026

After nearly 35 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, including the past seven years leading the Mount Dora Police Department, Chief Michael T. Gibson has announced his retirement, effective August 1, 2026.

Gibson joined the Mount Dora Police Department in 2019, bringing decades of leadership and a commitment to public safety. During his tenure, he guided the department through organizational changes and growth while strengthening its relationships with residents, businesses, and regional law enforcement agencies.
Previously, Gibson served almost three decades with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, where he supervised the Drug Unit, Gang Enforcement Unit, and Community Relations Section. He also served as Orange County Night Watch Commander and led the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation’s Vice, Organized Crime, and Human Trafficking Section.

A recognized expert in combating human trafficking, Gibson co-authored Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach. He is a UCF alum, having earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

“Serving the Mount Dora community has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Gibson. “I am incredibly proud of the men and women of this department and all that we have accomplished together. I am grateful to the City Council, City administration and staff, and this wonderful community for their support over the past seven years.”

Mount Dora City Manager Vince Sandersfeld praised Gibson’s tenure: “Chief Gibson has led the Mount Dora Police Department with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to both public safety and community policing. His experience and steady leadership have left a lasting impact on our organization and our community. On behalf of the City, we thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the best in retirement.”

Gibson, a humble yet strong leader, was responsible for resurrecting the department’s essential community policing program after it had been eliminated by a previous city manager.

As he begins this next chapter, Chief Gibson looks forward to spending more time with his family while pursuing his passions for boating and woodworking.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page.

Mount Dora plain-clothed police target pedestrian safety

7/20/2026

Mount Dora Police Department began its participation in Operation Best Foot Forward, a high-visibility pedestrian safety enforcement campaign, from July 20 through August 4, 2026, to educate drivers and improve safety at crosswalks throughout the community. In Florida, failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a minimum $164 fine and 3 points on the driver's license—a reminder that this is not only a safety issue, but a legal responsibility.

Operation Best Foot Forward is a Central Florida pedestrian safety initiative focused on improving behavior at crosswalks by increasing the number of drivers who stop for people crossing. The program centers on one clear, measurable goal: making crosswalks safer through consistent, visible, and data-informed strategies.

Rather than relying on a single solution, Best Foot Forward brings together education, enforcement, engineering, and evaluation to address crosswalk safety in a coordinated way. This approach helps communities better understand driver behavior, improve visibility and awareness, and track progress over time.

"Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility," said Mount Dora Police Chief Mike Gibson. "Our goal is to educate drivers, encourage safer behaviors, and help prevent crashes before they happen."

During the operation, Mount Dora police officers will conduct targeted crosswalk enforcement at selected locations with high pedestrian activity. The enforcement uses a plainclothes officer who walks as a pedestrian, while additional officers monitor driver compliance and stop motorists who fail to yield as required by law. Drivers may receive warnings or citations at the officer's discretion and will be provided educational materials about Florida's pedestrian safety laws.

Crosswalks are intended to provide a predictable, safer place for people to cross the street, yet many drivers do not consistently stop as required by law. When yielding behavior is unclear or inconsistent, it increases the risk of serious injuries and loss of life. Every day in the United States, more than 200 pedestrians are killed or injured on our roadways, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2023 Pedestrian Traffic Safety Facts. Many of these crashes happen while people are simply crossing the street, which underscores how important driver behavior is at crosswalks. When drivers clearly understand when to stop and do so consistently, crossings become safer, more visible, and easier to navigate for everyone.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Three candidates vie for Mount Dora City Council's at-large seat

7/1/2026

Two of the three seats on the Mount Dora City Council ballot this November are already settled. Incumbent Dennis Dawson was returned to his District 3 seat without opposition, and John Murray was unopposed and will fill the District 2 seat being left by retiring City Council member Cal Rolfson. That leaves the at-large race as the only contest voters will actually decide.

The election is to replace council member Doug Bryant, who reached the two-term limit. The opening has attracted three candidates who are long-time residents, but new to Mount Dora politics: Michael Garcia, Charity McClarty, and Christopher “
Bailey" Stack.

Unlike district races, the at-large seat is decided by all registered voters within the city limits, meaning every registered Mount Doran gets a say.

Election Day is November 3, 2026. Check your updated voter registration card for your polling location, or contact the Lake County Supervisor of Elections at (352) 343-9734.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

RECAP: April 21st City Council meeting

5/30/2026

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council, District 4 Representative

I have chosen several discussion or action items from the City Council's April 21 meeting to tell you about. Please keep in mind that I'm not reporting to you in any official capacity on behalf of City Council.

Sixteen years ago, in 2010, the city purchased a parcel of land outside the city limits on Thrill Hill Road. I'm not exactly sure what the plans for the property were back then, but the acreage is no longer needed, and it's not adjacent to the city. Council approved an addendum to a contract to sell it for $500,000.

We approved a warehouse type development on 4.92 acres located at 1649 Lincoln Avenue.

Each budget cycle at the mid-year point we amend our city budget. There are always changes from what was anticipated when our budget was approved 6 months ago. This year, the flood event of October 26 changed our budget priorities significantly. Our local costs for flood-related repairs have been about $3.5 million. Just like with your family budget, if the roof starts leaking or the transmission on the car craps out, those high-priority items mean that we need to change our plans in order to deal with emergencies. We have the money in our budget, but we need to shuffle it around to meet critical needs.

Another thing that we can count on every April and May after our dry winter months is that reclaimed water is hard to come by. We have several "perk ponds" in which to store reclaimed water, but Florida is in a drought, and those storage ponds are running low. That will change dramatically once the summer afternoon rains begin in June, but for now, we are pumping underground water from an augmentation well to help, but there are intermittent outages. Reclaimed water users are asked to limit lawn watering to once per week and not to water between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thanks!

Our quote for today Ronald Regan; "We are a nation that has a government, not the other way around."

Thanks for your interest in Mount Dora.

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council, District 4 Representative

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info

RECAP: May 19th City Council Meeting

5/30/2026

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora District 4 City Council Representative

There were lots of positives to report from your Mount Dora City Council's May 19th meeting. I have selected several items and please remember that I am reporting to you as one council member, not on behalf of city council.

A certificate of recognition was presented to Carla & Edon Pereira who are retiring from their Piglet's Pantry Dog Bakery. located on 4th Ave. and Donnelly St. They have owned the business for 29 years and have been active in making downtown Mount Dora someplace special.

Council approved a 10 year lease agreement between the city and a company that will provide cell phone antennas on the top of the city water tower at 1207 N. Tremain St. This will help AT &T customers get far better cell service in the downtown area. The city will collect $378,000 rent over the term of the lease.

We approved participation in Lake County's Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard and Resilience Plan. This should help us garner future emergency grants.

We approved naming the Frank Brown Sports Complex football field; Johnny "Tonk" Copeland Football Field. Johnny Copeland brought youth football (Pop Warner) and cheerleading to young athletes in Mount Dora. The council meeting room was full of family members and former players who sung the praises of Johnny "Tonk" Copeland. He was called "a man of great character", "a father to the fatherless" and "a man who got the best out of the kids he coached". This will be a fitting tribute to a person who contributed a great deal to our younger citizens for decades.

The reconstruction of Donnelly Street and a new concrete sidewalk is scheduled to finish up on Thursday morning. A brief ribbon cutting ceremony will held at 1:00 p.m. and the street opened to traffic and pedestrians soon after. This is a few days less that 7 months after the October 26-27 flood event. That's lightning speed . Many kudos are due to state and federal partners and to our city staff and our contractor.

Our quote for today comes from Theodore Roosevelt. "The most practical kind of politics is the politics of decency."

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora District 4 City Council Representative

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

RECAP: May 6 City Council Meeting

5/6/2026

Marc Crail
Mount Dora District 4 City Council Representative

There was plenty of city business to attend to at our May 5th Mount Dora City Council meeting. I'm going to try to provide you with several brief pieces of action and information items. Please keep in mind that what follows comes from me as one individual council member. I'm not reporting in any official capacity.

We often refer to the parking lot constructed in 2019 on the corner of Baker Street and 3rd. Avenue as "the grass parking lot". It is well located and often used but it's in poor repair with ruts and deep potholes. During the slower summer months renovations and improvements will made including the addition of crushed stones to fill in the pot holes and the driveway loop into and out of lot will be replaced with pavers. The Downtown CRA has money set aside to cover the costs.

We heard an appeal from a property owner to reduce or wave code lien fines on a dilapidated yard that has become a safety hazard for neighbors at 1422 Plymouth Ave. After a discussion that included the current property owner who lives out of state, we approved a fine of $10,000 plus city costs and the removal of tree limbs, dead leaves and other plant debris by June 4. If the fine isn't paid or the debris isn't hauled away by June 4, the owner will be required to pay over $40K.

The 250th. birthday of the United States will be celebrated in Mount Dora on July 3rd. "Freedom on the Waterfront" will included a fireworks display costing about what was spent for last year's event. You won't want to miss it.

We discussed and approved a set of Guiding Principles and Core Values for our Nathaniel Bell Community and Resource Center that will open in August. Safety, Accountability, Community Partnerships and Integrity will be the foundation of it's Operational Framework.

We heard updates on ongoing efforts to repair stormwater facilities damaged in our massive October 26 flood event. We are attempting to reel in 9 different grants to improve our damaged drainage system and enlarge our pond capacity.

The reopening of Donnelly Street roadway, sidewalk and enhanced drainage is on schedule for a grand reopening, hopefully by the end of this month.

Our quote of the day comes from author Kurt Vonnegut. "You meet saints everywhere. They can be anywhere. They are people behaving decently in an indecent society."

Thanks for your interest in our wonderful town that was recently recognized by National Geographic.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

A new community hub takes shape in Mount Dora

4/28/2026

ABOVE: Rendering of front of Nathaniel Bell Community Resource and Recreation Center. (Source: City of Mount Dora)

Rising in the Northeast area, the Nathaniel Bell Community Resource and Recreation Center is steadily taking shape as a transformative space designed to bring programs, services and connections under one roof.

Currently under construction, with a target completion date in late summer 2026, the approximately 31,100-square-foot facility is envisioned as a multi-use community hub that blends recreation with access to essential resources. The project reflects a broader effort to create a centralized space where residents of all ages can gather, learn and engage.

Plans for the colorful and modern center include a wide range of programming tailored to the community, from youth and teen activities to after-school and seasonal offerings. Athletics, health and wellness initiatives, and programs focused on addressing specific needs in the Northeast area are also expected to play a key role in the center’s day-to-day impact in the city.

Inside, the facility will feature a full-size gymnasium complete with locker rooms. There will also be a computer and technology lab, a teaching kitchen, and multiple meeting and classroom spaces. Flexible multipurpose rooms are also part of the design, allowing the space to adapt to a variety of community uses and events.

Outside, the site will include dedicated parking, covered drop-off areas, and a courtyard designed to support both programming and informal gatherings. Together, the indoor and outdoor elements aim to create an environment that is both functional and welcoming to the community as a long-term investment in access, engagement, and opportunity for the surrounding community, according to the City of Mount Dora.

The center’s name honors longtime Northeast Mount Dora resident Nathaniel Bell, whose life in public service was dedicated to uplifting others and building community. He was a 38-year educator, as well as a Mount Dora City Council member, veteran, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose impact continues to shape Mount Dora, according to information provided by the City of Mount Dora. Bell’s service extended into city leadership, where he helped support housing opportunities for local families and played a role in developing recreational spaces that continue to serve the city today. Bell passed away in 2007.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Mount Dora to implement 85-cent toll on new Donnelly Street bridge upon its completion

4/1/2026

UPDATE: HAPPY APRIL FOOLS' DAY!!
Local officials announced that a 85-cent toll will be implemented on Mount Dora’s new bridge being constructed to replace a washed-out section of North Donnelly Street, caused by a severe storm in October 2025. Emergency vehicles, as well as school buses, will be exempt from the toll.

The storm caused significant erosion and structural failure along a key corridor, prompting emergency response measures and a longer-term reconstruction plan. While partial outside funding for the project was secured, Central Florida Toll Enhancement Authority (CFTEA) officials say the toll is necessary to offset remaining costs and avoid increasing property taxes for residents.

The cost of the reconstruction project is $2,011,500 of which $1,167,505 will be covered by the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The shortfall will be funded with the tolls. Once the remaining $843,995 is raised by the toll revenue, the bridge will become free to use.

“The existing transponders used on Florida toll roads will collect the tolls on Mount Dora’s new bridge,” said Cole Lecter, the public information officer for CFTEA. “Sensors mounted on the current pedestrian bridge will scan the cars’ transponders and license plates.”

Construction on the replacement bridge began last month and is progressing on an accelerated schedule. Crews are working around the clock over a 32-day period to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. The project is currently anticipated to be completed by May 2026, barring any unforeseen delays.

For safety reasons, access to the construction zone remains restricted. Motorists are advised to follow posted detour routes, which remain toll-free during the duration of the project. Learn more about how the toll revenue will be spent here.

The project’s contractor has more than 50 years of experience in bridge replacement, highway construction, and paving, and is expected to bring specialized expertise to what officials describe as a complex reconstruction effort.

The toll is expected to take effect as soon as the bridge opens to traffic. Further details regarding payment methods and implementation timelines can be found here.

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.

RECAP of MARCH 17 Mount Dora City Council meeting

3/17/2026

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By Marc O'Crail
District 4 City Council Representative

I've selected several items to report on from City Council's relatively light meeting agenda. Please keep in mind that I am reporting to you as one individual council member.

Our Wastewater Treatment Plant #2 needs to be expanded and updated to maintain adequate treatment capacity due to increases service demands. Expanding capacity will ensure that we can maintain reliable wastewater service to existing customers and meet state regulatory requirements. Staff has been authorized to negotiate with the top ranked firm, Wharton-Smith Inc.

We approved a request from our Arborist to approve persuing a $20,000 grant which will allow the City to plant new trees. Once the trees are planted, they will be watered and cared for by our partners, the Mount Dora Friends of the Environment.

We discussed and eventually approved a compromise Code Lien Violation Reduction for a residential property at 1450 Hilltop Dr.

The owner will need to pay $9,735.76 in a timely manner or he will face higher fines for safety violations that have recently been corrected.

City Council is beginning the process of building our budget for the upcoming FY 26-27. That is always an important job that may well become more difficult as our Florida State Legislature contemplates property tax reductions that would negatively impact every city and county in Florida. Legislators are planning a Special Session because they failed to reach an agreement as to how to proceed. Stay tuned on this process as it moves through the Legislature.

On Saint Patrick's Day I thought it would be a good idea to provide an Irish Blessing as our quote. "May your troubles be less. And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door."

By Marc O'Crail
District 4 City Council 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.

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RECAP: Mount Dora City Council February 17 Meeting

2/17/2026

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council District 4 Representative

City council held a rare "Shade Meeting" prior to our regular 2/17/26 meeting. A Shade Meeting is a private session where the city's attorney, city manager and city council members can discuss pending litigation. A court reporter was present documenting the meeting. That transcript will be available to the public once the litigation has been settled. No votes can be taken in a Shade Meeting. The topic of this Shade Meeting was a lawsuit against the City brought by Lake County regarding how best to share revenues from the expansion of our Northeast Community Redevelopment Area.

Once we reconvened in public session, we decided to have our city attorney craft language for a counter-offer to Lake County. That counter-offer should be ready for consideration at our next meeting in two weeks.

I've selected some items from our regular meeting to share with you today. I'm reporting to you as one individual council member.

You may recall that our wastewater treatment plant #2 located along Rt 441 is old and has reached its capacity. We are working to raise approximately $100 million to update and expand it. We approved borrowing over $19 million from the State's Revolving Fund (SRF) that provides a super low interest rate. Several other grant and loan opportunities are also being sought. This project probably won't be completed before 2030 but we're making progress.

Here's the latest info on the Donnelly St. reconstruction project. We have posted the bid for reconstruction. The project includes full roadway reconstruction, installation of underdrains to improve drainage, stormwater enhancements, relocation of underground water and reclaimed water pipes to increase long-term reliability.

To help offset the costs, we have applied for cost reimbursement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) which may cover up to 80% of the costs. We have also secured a $1.3 million FEMA grant to fund the sidewalk replacement. All of that took several months to accomplish but soon we'll see the work begin. Barring unforeseen problems Donnelly Street should reopen in May. Kudos to our city staff who have done lots of hard work!

Our quote of the day is from Rev. Jesse Jackson. "Never look down on someone unless you're helping them up."

By Marc Crail
Mount Dora City Council 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.

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