MOUNT DORA BUZZ - Kindness Matters: no act of kindness is too small

MOUNT DORA MARINA OWNER LAUDED BY CITY FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY DISPLAY

2/19/2019

ABOVE: Joe Lewis (left) with part of his Mount Dora Boating Center crew.

It's been a long time coming. Finally, the City of Mount Dora is giving credit where credit is long overdue.

At tonight’s City Council meeting, Joe Lewis, owner of Mount Dora Boating Center, will be presented with a proclamation in appreciation for his annual efforts and financial sacrifice in producing the vast holiday light display along the shores of Lake Dora.

For the past 22 years, Joe and his crew of elves at Mount Dora Boating Center have created what is arguably Central Florida’s most impressive private light display (see video). The downtown marina boasts over one million lights which attract thousands of visitors every year during the holiday season.

Lewis' preparation begins in September, and the installation of all the illuminated decorations starts in October. After much anticipation by children and adults, the lights are turned on during the city's annual Light Up Mount Dora event and visited nightly throughout the holiday season.

As if their generous gift of lights to Mount Dora isn’t enough, Lewis and his wife Susan also host a Christmas charity event at the marina to collect toy donations for underprivileged children.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

MEMORIAL FOR LOCAL CIVIL RIGHTS TRAILBLAZER SEEKS PUBLIC'S HELP

2/1/2019

The courage of Mabel Norris Reese might have been forgotten had it not been for “Devil in the Grove,” Gilbert King's Pulitzer Prize-winning book that recounted a tragedy that occurred in Lake County, Florida, in 1949.

Reese's fierce pursuit of the truth began when four black suspects, known as The Groveland Four, were accused of a raping a white woman. The suspects were victims of the time -- and victims of Lake County’s callous Sheriff Willis McCall. One of the Four, Ernest Green, was killed by a posse before he could stand trial. The others, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepherd, and Charles Greenlee, were imprisoned and brutally tortured by McCall and his deputies to coerce confessions. McCall was elected to seven consecutive terms as sheriff from 1944 to 1972,

Reese, owner and editor of the small town newspaper, the Mount Dora Topic, initially sided with McCall. But when he murdered Sammy Shepherd and wounded Walter Irvin while claiming the handcuffed prisoners had tried to escape, Reese realized she had been an unwitting accomplice in his reign of terror.

Despite threats to her life that included the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) detonating two bombs at her home, burning a cross in her lawn, poisoning her dog, and launching a rival newspaper to drive her out of business, she spent the remainder of her career dedicated to holding the corrupt sheriff, deputies, judges, and attorneys to task. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her persistent attempts to gain justice for the Platts, a local family whose children were suspected of being "negroes" and were therefore forced out of Mount Dora's public schools.

Despite McCall's wrath, she continued to write articles in support of the two surviving Groveland Boys until they were released from prison. Concurrently, she continued to write articles and form alliances with politicians and attorneys to find justice for Jesse Daniels, a mentally disabled 19-year old who spent fourteen years in the state hospital for the insane after McCall, with the aid of local judges and attorneys, framed him for rape. Daniels was the subject of the book, “Beneath a Ruthless Sun,” also written by King.

Through the persistent efforts of their families, as well as evidence presented by authors Gilbert King and Gary Corsair and the support of politicians and private citizens seeking justice, The Groveland Four were pardoned posthumously by the State of Florida on January 11, 2019 -- 70 years after their arrests.

Two decades before his death in 1994, McCall lost his re-election bid for an eighth term after being acquitted of the murder in 1972 of Tommy J. Vickers, a mentally disabled black prisoner who died in his custody.

Reese was inducted into the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame in late 2018. "She was a trailblazer. She devoted her life to doing what was right at such a great cost to her, and it is right she be commended,” said King, author of “Devil in the Grove.”

Now the author and others in the community have set up the Mabel Norris Reese Tribute Fund for the public's assistance to pay for the creation of a bust of Reese. The sculpture will be on public display in Mount Dora to honor the courage of a woman who couldn't be intimidated, and to remind the observer that the written word, conveyed to the public by a free press, can bring justice to unjust situations.

Anyone wishing to donate to the memorial fund can do so here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

MOUNT DORA POLICE PROVIDE CHRISTMAS CHEER TO DISTRESSED FAMILY

12/19/2018

It’s an emotional story of immense loss and thoughtful generosity.
Julio Martinez evacuated from Puerto Rico with his family after Hurricane Maria in October, 2017. With his pregnant wife, Viviana, and their young daughter, he came to stay with family in Mount Dora. After settling into their own small apartment with just clothes in a suitcase and a couch salvaged from the street, a caring apartment manager contacted Mount Dora Police Department’s (MDPD) Community Resource Officer, Ivy Severance, to inquire about assistance.

What came next was an avalanche of help. Severance assisted the Martinez family in finding essentials for their apartment and settling into their new life in Mount Dora. What seemed like a relatively happy ending, however, eventually took a tragic turn. Viviana became seriously ill and was hospitalized while visiting Puerto Rico. A bacterial infection landed her in two hospitals on the island before she passed away just two weeks after her son, Angel, was born.

ABOVE: Officer Ivy Severance and Assistant Police Chief Bell with the Martinez children.

Martinez returned to Mount Dora with his newborn son, but has been struggling to raise the children, so MDPD decided to help create a special Christmas for the family.

On Wednesday the Martinez family arrived at MDPD headquarters to find an abundance of gifts picked especially for them waiting under the tree. The eyes of the shy 7-year old girl lit up after unwrapping a doll, art supplies, Barbie, and of course, a Mr. Potato Head. Her baby brother received clothes, a large toy dump truck and a police car, which will no doubt keep him busy.

The Martinez family is just one of the families MDPD has helped this holiday season. During their recent Shop with a Cop event, officers took thirty pre-selected children on a $100 shopping spree at Target.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LOCAL CHURCH OPENS COLD-WEATHER SHELTER TONIGHT

12/11/2018

With temperatures expected to drop into the high 30's overnight, a Eustis church is opening its doors to those vulnerable to the cold weather.

LifePointe Church, located at 3551 E. Orange Avenue in Eustis will be providing shelter tonight (November 11) from 5:30 p.m. to Thursday, December 12 at 7 a.m.
Trinity Assembly of God, 200 Urick St., Fruitland Park will also be open during the same hours as LifePointe.

The Lake County Office of Emergency Management is assisting churches by providing sheltering supplies and the Lake County Community Services Department is providing food for families who will be staying overnight. Lake County Transit will offer assistance to those needing transport to shelters between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Citizens requesting transportation should call 352-742-2612.

During extreme cold-weather events, the Florida Division of Emergency Management reminds residents of the importance of the five P’s:

•    Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. Try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry.
•    Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
•    Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.
•    Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
•    Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.

Non-profit and faith-based organizations who wish to offer sheltering assistance in the future should contact Lake County Emergency Management at 352-343-9420.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LOCAL KIDS 'SHOP WITH A COP' TODAY

12/7/2018

ABOVE: Officer Mike Garcia takes a student shopping during a previous "Shop with A Cop."

Every year a group of lucky local kids get a free Christmas shopping spree. This year is no different. Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) and Target of Mount Dora will host the annual "Shop with a Cop" event on December 8.

Officers will accompany 30 pre-selected students from three Mount Dora schools to the local Target for a one-on-one shopping experience with a MDPD officer. Each child receives a $100 gift card they can use to buy the toys, clothing or shoes of their choice. The students and their families will also receive a large Christmas basket of food donated by Lake Cares Food Pantry.

"Shop with a Cop" is a program funded by the generosity of Target, Mount Dora citizens and businesses.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER TO MAKE SPECIAL DELIVERIES ON CHRISTMAS EVE

12/6/2018

Pets top the wish list for many animal lovers this holiday season. This year families can surprise loved ones with a gift that keeps on giving: a shelter cat or dog delivered by a jolly elf on Christmas Eve!.

The Lake County Animal Shelter is hosting “Operation Santa Paws” on December 17 through 21 to anyone that pays the adoption fee and schedules their pet's arrival. There is no extra charge for this special delivery, but space is limited due to time constraints.

The shelter is also offering “pawtificates,” gift certificates allowing the recipient to adopt either one dog or two cats. They are available for purchase for $10 for two cats or $20 dollars for a dog at the shelter, and include the price of the adoption, vaccinations, microchip and spay or neuter.

“Our hope through these promotions, is to find forever homes for our homeless pets this holiday season. We always have a variety of wonderful animals waiting to meet their new family,” said Shelter Director Whitney Boylston.

Pets are a lifelong commitment, so families are reminded to consider their lifestyle and choose responsibly.

The shelter is located at 28123 County Road 561 in Tavares.
For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LAKE COUNTY OFFERS FREE BIKES DURING ITS 'BICYCLE RE-CYCLE' PROGRAM

12/4/2018

For the 10th year in a row, the Lake County Landfill is making one man’s trash, another man’s treasure - or transportation. Whether it’s a coveted holiday gift for a child, or the only form of transportation for an adult, the Bicycle Re-Cycle program has given out more than 1,000 discarded bicycles since 2009.

It began 10 years ago when Lake County’s Solid Waste Program employees at the landfill noticed perfectly good bikes being thrown away simply because children had outgrown them.

In addition, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Clermont Police Department and Eustis Police Department also donated a large portion of unclaimed bikes from their lost and found.

To obtain a bike through the Bicycle Re-Cycle program, visit the Lake County landfill located at 13130 County Landfill Road, Tavares, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is a limit of one bicycle per household per month, and recipients must be residents of Lake County (proof of residency required). Supplies are limited and bicycles may also be donated to the landfill during the same hours of operation.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

MOUNT DORA POLICE HOST HURRICANE RELIEF DRIVE

10/16/2018

After seeing the devastation of Hurricane Michael, Mount Dora Police Department understood supplies are desperately needed for residents who have lost everything. On October 19 and 20, they will be accepting the following supply donations:

Pre-packaged bottled water
Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and wipes only)
Baby Items (wipes, baby formula, baby food, boys and girls pull-ups and diapers in all sizes)
Bagged Pet Food

These are the only supplies that can be accepted at this time. Cash or checks made out to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 147 will also be accepted to help relief efforts.

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

The drop-off location will be at the following:
Friday (only), October 19 at Mount Dora Police Department, 1300 North Donnelly Street
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday (only) October 20 at the public parking lot across from the First United Methodist Church, 439 5th Avenue..
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Officer Ivy Severance at 352-434-2135. Learn how our local fire departments are helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, click here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here.

HISTORIC BELL TOWER NEEDS COMMUNITY'S HELP

10/15/2018

Perched on a hill, partially obscured by shade trees, sits one of Mount Dora’s oldest churches. Mount Dora Congregational Church was built in four short months in 1886 with a price tag of $3,471.

Times have changed and so has the cost to repair the aging wooden church. Over a century of Florida weather has taken its toll on the church’s bell tower, which was completed in 1887. One of its large support beams is weather-damaged and requires a replacement. According to the church’s pastor, Gary A. Marshall, the estimated cost is approximately $40,000. Mount Dora Community Trust agreed to donate $20,000 if the congregation could raise the remaining funds. As a result, a gofundme account was established to accept community donations to help bridge the funding gap.

This isn’t the first time the community has pitched in the help the historic church. In 2014, a local business, PizzAmore, raised money to help the congregation repair the aging church’s spire, the pointed portion of the steeple.

The small church, located on the corner of Donnelly Street and Seventh Avenue, has a bit of a storied past. Reportedly, the small congregation’s guests at services included President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge and the notorious gangster Al Capone.

Anyone wishing to help can donate to their gofundme here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get the area's top stories in your inbox once a month, sign up for the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz here.

NEW LAKE COUNTY PROGRAM SEEKS COMMUNITY'S HELP WITH FERAL CATS

8/1/2018

The Lake County Animal Shelter is launching a new program to help decrease the feral cat population countywide. “Operation Community Caturday,” a partnership between the shelter and LEASH, Inc., will seek to sterilize up to 600 free-roaming cats per year.

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, or TNVR, improves the lives of cats, addresses community concerns, reduces complaints about cats, and stops the breeding cycle, according to leading cat advocacy group, Alley Cat Allies.

To further this cause, the shelter will sterilize and vaccinate up to 50 community cats on the last Saturday of each month.

“TNVR is the only humane and proactive approach to reducing the outdoor cat population,” said Shelter Director Whitney Boylston. “With the support of LEASH, Inc., we are able to offer this service at a very affordable rate, making sterilization of community cats more accessible to the public.”

Residents who are feeding outdoor cats are encouraged to register online for a TNVR appointment. The cost of the surgery will be $10 per cat, paid directly to the shelter by cash or card.

Appointments are limited to five cats per resident per month, and each cat must arrive at the shelter on Friday between 6 and 7 p.m., or Saturday between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. All cats must be in a humane trap, be healthy, and be a minimum of four pounds.

Trapping and returning the cats is the responsibility of the caregiver and not a service provided by the shelter.Residents are required to pick-up the cats after surgery on Saturday afternoon and return them to the location where the cat was trapped. Operation Community Caturday is limited to un-owned, free-roaming cats, and all cats will be ear-tipped.

Participants may sign up directly via Eventbrite at here. To find out more about the Lake County Animal Shelter, or to adopt or volunteer, stop by the shelter at 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, or call 352-343-9688.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. To get area's news in your inbox once a month, subscribe to the free month issue of Mount Dora Buzz here .