News for the active lifestyle in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Parachutes to dot the skies over Lake Dora on May 10

5/1/2025

It’s an impressive sight over Lake Dora and a tradition that began a few years ago. A vintage military plane roars overhead as dozens of veteran Army Ranger “jumpers'' parachute into Lake Dora leaving onlookers in awe. The event returns on May 10 with veterans jumping from the plane during several passes over the lake.

The jumps, organized by Phantom Airborne Brigade, feature former military Airborne members parachuting from the Tico Belle, a vintage Douglas C-47 that dropped troops on D-Day in Normandy and is now based in Titusville.

The recreational brigade, based in Zephyrhills, will have multiple airlifts with several jumpers per flight. The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to last until 2 p.m., but times vary. After each lift, there is typically a 20-minute break for the plane to return to Leesburg airport to pick up the next group of jumpers. The drops will start near the west end of Lake Dora near Tavares and continue east toward the center of the Tavares side of the lake. The event typically isn't visible from Mount Dora.

The jumpers will slowly descend over Lake Dora and be plucked from the water by volunteer boaters that will have attended a safety briefing prior to participating. The group selected Lake Dora due to the good public viewing. The drop area is a safe distance from observers and is closest to Wooton Park and Kalua Beach Bar.

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Discover Florida’s natural paradise: Kelly Park and Rock Springs Run

5/1/2025

Above: Kelly Park at Rock Springs.

Hidden just a short drive from the southern edge of Mount Dora, Kelly Park and the adjacent Rock Springs Run State Reserve offer a refreshing escape into Old Florida tranquility. These neighboring parks provide a blend of leisurely recreation and adventurous exploration, making them ideal destinations for families, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike.

Kelly Park: A Natural Lazy River Experience
At the core of Kelly Park’s 325 acres sits the meandering Rock Springs, a crystal-clear spring that maintains a year-round temperature of 68 degrees. The spring releases approximately 26,000 gallons of water every minute, creating a gentle current that meanders through a lushly shaded and forested landscape.

Activities and Amenities
Water enthusiasts can leisurely tube along the three-quarters of a mile spring run. Visitors can bring their own tubes and floats or rent from one of the vendors just outside the park's entrance. Floats cannot exceed five feet.
Beyond tubing, Kelly Park features a concession stand for nibbles, reserved picnic pavilions, a playground, and seven miles of natural hiking trails. The park also offers 26 hard-packed campsites equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring, water, and electricity.

Visitor Information
During peak seasons, especially summer weekends, Kelly Park fills to its 280-car capacity quickly, so it’s best to arrive prior to opening to secure entry. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the swimming area closing one hour prior to park closing. Admission fees are $3 per vehicle for one to two people and $5 per vehicle for three to eight people.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve: Wilderness Exploration
Adjacent to Kelly Park and equally scenic, Rock Springs Run State Reserve encompasses over 14,000 acres of diverse ecosystems, including pine flatwoods, swamps, and hardwood hammocks. This expansive reserve offers a more rugged outdoor experience than Kelly Park and is ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure.

Activities and Amenities
The reserve boasts 17 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Equestrian camping is available, with primitive sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter Florida black bears, scrub-jays, and gopher tortoises among the diverse fauna inhabiting the area.
For paddlers, Rock Springs Run offers a scenic 9-mile journey starting from Kings Landing, winding through the reserve, and eventually merging with the Wekiva River. While the reserve itself does not have a canoe or kayak launch, nearby facilities provide access to the waterway and kayak rentals with a reservation.

Visitor Information
Rock Springs Run State Reserve is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The terrain and elements can be challenging and signage limited, so visitors should carry water, maps, and a compass when exploring the trails. During hunting season, from October through January, certain areas of the reserve may be closed and should be clearly posted.

Plan Your Visit
When planning a trip to Kelly Park and Rock Springs Run State Reserve, it's essential to consider the distinct experiences each offers. Kelly Park provides a family-friendly environment with amenities suited for a relaxing day by the water, while Rock Springs Run caters to those seeking a more immersive nature experience.
For the most up-to-date information on park conditions, closures, and reservations, visitors should contact the respective park offices or visit their official websites.

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Lake County's guide to local upick blueberry farms

4/1/2025

It’s short, but sweet. Lake County’s blueberry season is rapidly becoming a favorite time of the year. Although typically only lasting six weeks that span from April to May, the harvest is often bountiful.

The state's history of growing blueberries began in the late 1800s and was one of Florida's tastiest secrets. It wasn't until the 1970s that the current hybrid cultivar blueberry was introduced, and by the mid 1980s mass plantings took root in north-central and northwestern Florida as hundreds of small blueberry farms sprouted up. Today, Florida produces just a fraction of what Michigan's prolific blueberry plants yield, but since the season hits at a different time of year, it presents a viable opportunity for farmers. Local u-pick blueberry prices start around $6 per pound, but vary by farm. Most farms also have pre-picked blueberries available for purchase for slightly more than their u-pick prices.

One local farm, Far Reach Ranch, was established in the 1940s for cattle and citrus. Now the farm harvests approximately 43 acres of blueberries. Another local farm, King Grove, started in 1874 and is now a USDA certified organic farm with 20 acres of blueberry fields and 20 acres of orange groves.

Many of the local farms also offer family-friendly events on weekends ranging from spring festivals and live music, to hayrides, special events, and a market.

Here's a list of local u-pick blueberry farms to visit on weekends:

Amber Brooke Farm
36111 N CR 44A, Eustis
(352) 973-1963

Blueberry Hill Farm
5000 Berry Groves Rd, Clermont
(352) 574-6215

Far Reach Ranch
1255 South Dora Blvd., Tavares
(352) 343-7389

Green Acres Blueberry Farm
17500 Eldridge Avenue, Spring Hill
(352) 683-3480

Pickers should wear closed-toe shoes and pack drinking water. Due to variable conditions in weather, fields, and berries, u-pick hours can change, so it's recommended that pickers call the farm prior to visiting.

For more events and news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Find out what's happening locally with just a tap on your phone by downloading the area's free mobile app. Free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

Discover Lake County's scenic wildflower roads

4/1/2025

ABOVE: Phlox and lantana along rural Clayton Street in a previous year. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

Every spring, as if to celebrate the season, local fields are awash in purple, yellow and orange blooms. The season is brief because many of the roadside fields get mowed and the temperatures quickly heat up, but the flowers are beautiful to take in while they last.

Whether hiking through wooded trails, paddling along scenic waterways, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through a local park, there's no shortage of opportunities to experience the beauty of our local wildflowers in bloom.

The most common local wildflowers are the purple phlox and the yellow coreopsis, Florida’s official wildflower which looks similar to a small daisy dotting rural landscapes. You can also spot wild petunias, and wild lantana shrubs sprinkled among many fields and roadways.

One of the most iconic wildflowers to grace Central Florida in spring is the Florida azalea. With its delicate, pinkish-white blossoms, this native shrub creates a stunning contrast against the backdrop of wooded hammocks and stream banks.

Venturing into the local wetlands, kayakers may encounter the vibrant blooms of the pickerelweed. Characterized by its spikes of purple flowers rising above glossy green foliage, this aquatic plant provides important habitat for pollinators and serves as a food source for various wildlife species.

One of the best ways to enjoy the blooms is by taking a leisurely drive down some of the area's scenic country roads. Here’s a list of some of the stretches that often have some of the best blooming wildflowers, so check them out before the fields are mowed:

State Road 46 between Road Lake Road and Mount Plymouth

Dora Drive, just south of the end of Clayton Street and Beauclaire Road (Tangerine)

State Road 44A between Estes Road and Lake May Preserve (Eustis)
Thrill Hill Road north of State Road 44
Sadler Road between U.S. 441 and Round Lake Road

If you now another local scenic spot for wildflowers, email us here.

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72nd Mount Dora Sailing Regatta sets sail on March 29 and 30

3/1/2025

ABOVE: The shore of Lake Dora before a prior year's race. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora near the end of March. The 72nd annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event spanning March 29 and 30.

The Regatta is open to competitors of all ages and all classes of boats, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas. Three courses will be spread across a portion of Lake Dora to take advantage of the wind and provide ample space for competition. The race course for young competitors is closer to Lighthouse Point, while the two courses in the middle of the lake feature boats ranging from twenty-two-foot Catalinas to Hobie Waves.

Regatta activity picks up at the Simpson Cove launch area on March 28 as sailors begin launching their boats and settling up for competition. Weather and wind permitting, the first race is expected to kick off Saturday in the early afternoon and the last race usually finishes close to 4 p.m. Typically, three to four races will be sailed that afternoon, depending on the weather. The 4th Avenue docks, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Island Boardwalk provide excellent vantage points for spectators. Sunday's first race usually starts at 9:30 a.m., and no races typically begin after 12 p.m.

The regatta, organized by Mount Dora Yacht Club (MDYC) is the longest running annual event in the city. MDYC, the oldest inland yacht club in Florida, held its first regatta in 1913. At that time the event featured powerboats, and then in 1953, the regatta transitioned to sailboats to alleviate a noise issue.

Originally, all club members were required to be boat owners. That requirement changed during World War II when gasoline rationing made boat ownership impractical and the population of the city was a mere 4000 residents. During the war, the club was used as a USO facility and reportedly hosted over 17,000 servicemen and women while residents watched for enemy planes from a downtown hotel.

During the 1950s and early 1960s the yacht club was used to give sailing instruction to the area's youth. In 1966, the club's original building was destroyed by fire. A new modern clubhouse was built in its place and stands today at 4th Avenue and Lake Dora's edge. In the 1990's a private dock was built to accommodate members and club activities. In recent years, the club added a deck overlooking Lake Dora and did some updates to the exterior in 2024.

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Donnelly Park’s pickleball improvements to be unveiled in February 3

1/28/2025

As part of ongoing beautification efforts, Donnelly Park is undergoing enhancements to give it more of a "Central Park" feel. The addition of three pickleball courts provides more space for players and offers additional flexibility as a festival and event venue. The park already had three heavily-used pickleball courts which are now undergoing resurfacing.

A ribbon cutting for the new courts followed by the first play is scheduled for Monday, February 3.

A future phase is planned to address stormwater and erosion issues within the park. This phase will include hardscaping, landscaping, and improvements to the hillside, creating an open gathering space for the community and a venue for events utilizing the Donnelly deck. Improvements to the existing building will also be considered as part of this phase.

Engineering and design for these future improvements have been budgeted for the current fiscal year and will begin following the completion of the current project. These updates aim to support both recreational and community activities in the park, according to Misty Sommer, Mount Dora’s Public Information Officer.

In 2024, the southwest corner of the park had new terraced areas constructed and new landscaping along the steps that lead to the Donnelly Building at the intersection of Donnelly Street and Fifth Avenue.

Additional pickleball courts in the area can be found at the public Summerview Park and the private Country Club of Mount Dora.

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 Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

Update on the Wekiva Rail-to-Trail extension

1/1/2025

In what has been a long and winding start to a much anticipated project, CSX Railroad is now willing to sell the railroad property for a trail extension. The previous time it committed to sell the property it reneged, so hopefully this time is different.

Lake County, the City of Mount Dora, and the City of Tavares have again agreed to partner and proceed with negotiations to acquire the land. The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a California-based nonprofit organization which has significant experience with similar endeavors, has committed its support for this rails-to-trails project. If it comes to fruition, the trail would connect the two cities to each other, as well as other areas in Lake County.

The proposed Wekiva Rail-Trail Extension (Tav-Dora Trail) was planned to connect Mount Dora and Tavares along the railway corridor that currently connects the downtowns of the two cities.  If the project’s outcome was anything like the success of West Orange Trail’s effect on Winter Garden, residents could see improvement in both quality of life and property values, as well as a boon to the local economy.

In the spring of 2020, the two cities, Lake County, Florida Central Railroad Company and CSX Transportation (CSX) were all supportive of the trail concept. Florida Central Railroad owned the actual railroad tracks and CSX owns the property the tracks are on. In April 2020, both companies expressed their support of the project in letters to Lake County and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

CSX had not attempted to set forth all of the essential terms of a potential sale and purchase of the corridor, but the minimum price at that time would have been $15,000,000. The correspondence also stipulated that the letter of support wasn’t binding, but rather a basis for the parties to negotiate a definitive agreement in the future.

With all stakeholders on the same page, Lake County, Mount Dora, and Tavares spent considerable time and money to advance the project and seek a Federal BUILD grant to help fund the acquisition of the property from CSX.

Fast forward to November, 2022, and CSX abruptly announced it was no longer going to sell the rail corridor. “CSX is committed to serving our customers and positioning the company for future growth. As such, we are working to preserve our regulated corridors to support the company’s long-term business needs,” said the company’s spokesperson.

Now that CSX is back on board, negotiations can begin again in earnest once TPL does the due diligence, including surveys, an appraisal and an assessment.

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 on Instagram for more local info.

Gilbert Park renovation is a big hit with young residents

1/1/2025

Tucked back from the serene shores of Lake Dora and Mount Dora’s small, yet iconic lighthouse, sits Gilbert Park, a magical destination for kids. Recently the expansive playground became even more impressive after a redesign of the north side of the play area was completed.

The old structure for the younger children was replaced with a large climbing apparatus with shaded slides, fun obstacles, and unlimited climbing opportunities. There are also numerous other new amenities to keep kids busy and challenged, including a climbing sphere, a modern teeter-totter, a merry-go-round, an interactive playhouse with a farmer’s market theme, and of course, swings. The park’s engaging and wheelchair-accessible play structures are designed separately for 2- to 5-year-olds and 5-to 12-year-olds.

The southern portion of the playground was redesigned in 2018 and reopened in 2019 with the installation of a modern, two-tier pirate ship that replaced the iconic wooden castle. A large rope climbing web and new swings created from large, rustic timbers were also added during that renovation

Originally established in the early 20th century, Gilbert Park has evolved into one of the City’s recreational gems that blends the state-of-the-art playground, shaded picnic pavilions, and grassy expanses.

For adventurers, Gilbert Park also provides access to Mount Dora’s walking trails. The nearby Palm Island Boardwalk offers an immersive experience through a natural wetland habitat, showcasing Florida’s diverse ecosystem.

Gilbert Park is located at the intersection of Tremain Street and Liberty Avenue and is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free and children should be accompanied by an adult. Picnic pavilions must be rented in advance from Mount Dora’s Recreation Department. The City’s free parking shuttles can pick up and drop off passengers at the park on weekends.

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.

Roadtrippin' to Black Bear Wilderness Area

1/1/2025

Just a 20-minute drive from Mount Dora and nestled on the western outskirts of Sanford, the Black Bear Wilderness Area offers nature enthusiasts a stunning escape into Old Florida’s untamed beauty. Spanning over 1,600 acres, this ecological gem features a diverse array of habitats, including marshes, wet prairies, hardwood swamps, and pine flatwoods, making it a haven for wildlife and day-trippers alike.

The crown jewel of the Black Bear Wilderness Area is its lengthy 7.1-mile loop trail, a challenging yet rewarding journey for hikers seeking an immersive experience in the heart of Central Florida’s dense wilderness. The trail meanders through a rich mosaic of landscapes, offering hikers a chance to spot an array of native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wading birds, alligators, wild turkeys, otters, birds of prey, and, of course, black bears.

The moderately strenuous trails are well-maintained but require some preparation. Hikers should expect to navigate a lot of tree roots and uneven terrain, boardwalks crossing swampy areas, and potential encounters with muddy patches, so proper hiking footwear and ample water are crucial. True to Florida, the trails can get buggy, so insect repellent is a good idea. The wilderness area’s scenic rewards make every step worthwhile, with sweeping views of a bald cypress swamp and the St. Johns River floodplain, and abundant opportunities to connect with nature.

For those not up for the three to five-hour hike of the full loop trail, shorter out-and-back hikes can be tailored to individual preferences. Most of the hike to the river from the trailhead is on an elevated berm with water on both sides. There are several access points along the trail that allow visitors to explore at their own pace and comfort level.

The Black Bear Wilderness Area is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with a small parking area serving as the starting point for most excursions. Visitors should note that there is only a porta-potty at the parking lot and there are no drinking water facilities on-site, underscoring the importance of arriving well-prepared.

Managed by Seminole County’s Natural Lands Program, the wilderness area emphasizes conservation and responsible recreation. Visitors are urged to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring this slice of wild Florida remains unspoiled for generations to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just seeking a little adventure, the Black Bear Wilderness Area offers a glimpse into Florida’s wild side, far removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby urban centers and theme parks. It’s a place where time slows down, and the natural world takes center stage. The entrance is located at 5298 Michigan Avenue in Sanford.

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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Tavares Splash Pad now open 7 days a week

7/1/2024

Looking for some outdoor fun for the kids, but staying in due to hot temps? Relief is here! The Splash Pad in lakefront Wooton Park in downtown Tavares is now open for refreshing play time every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including holidays during the summer season.

There are just a few rules to take note of before heading for a day of fun at the Splash Pad.

Swimsuits are required for anyone entering Splash Pad’s wet zone (including anyone there to supervise a child).
Swim diapers are required for all children under 4.
Street Clothes are not permitted.

Admission is $2 (cash only) for anyone entering the Splash Pad’s fenced areas, Entry is first come, first serve with a maximum capacity of 59 people, so plan to arrive early. Weather conditions, like thunderstorms, may result in the park’s closure without advance notice.

The Tavares Splash Pad is located at 306 E. Ruby Street in Wooton Park. For Splash Pad Operations, please call 352.742.6267.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit Mount Dora Buzz's website, its Instagram and Facebook page. Download the area's free mobile app for info on the go. For local food recommendations, follow Mount Dora Foodie's Facebook and its official Instagram account.

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