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

Sails Up: Regatta Returns to Mount Dora in March

3/1/2026

ABOVE: Sailboats prior to racing at a past year's Mount Dora Sailing Regatta. (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora this spring. The 73rd annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event spanning March 21 and 22. Last year, over 100 boats entered the competition.

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.

Last year the races featured over 75 young competitors racing in their course close to Lighthouse Point, while the two courses in the middle of the lake feature boats ranging from twenty-two-foot Catalinas to Hobie Waves, and many in between.

Regatta activity picks up at the Simpson Cove launch area on March 20 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.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

10 things to know about golf carts in Mount Dora

3/1/2026

ABOVE: On the left is a common body style of an LSV cart parked downtown. On the right is a common golf cart body type.

Mount Dora has gone all-in on golf-cart culture. Not only is it a fun social ride, it also makes parking easier due to the smaller space required to park carts and the designated parking lot. Still, there are unique, and sometimes confusing, rules that pertain to driving a golf cart in the city. Here are 10 things locals should know before cruising Mount Dora in a cart:

What’s the difference between a golf cart and a LSV?
The first thing to understand is the legal difference between a golf cart and a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) cart. Golf carts are seen and driven primarily on a golf course and sometimes around a private neighborhood. Legally, their maximum speed capacity must not exceed 20 miles per hour. If a golf cart is modified to go faster than 20 miles per hour, it must register with the State of Florida as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV), which falls under different laws and requirements.

Many originally manufactured LSV’s can look like golf carts, but they have a maximum legal speed of more than 20 miles per hour, but not exceed 25 miles an hour, per Section 320.01(41), Florida Statutes. Although some are manufactured to go faster, they often have the speed restricted for compliance and safety. LSV carts are required to have safety equipment just like a car -- head and tail lights, a windshield, side mirrors, seat belts for all seats, parking brake, reflectors, and front and rear blinkers. LSVs often come with more optional bells and whistles than golf carts, including lift kits, larger rims, upgraded seats, and other eye candy. LSVs will also have a standard 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) mounted somewhere on the body of the vehicle.

How do the registration requirements differ between golf carts & LSV carts?
In Florida, LSV carts must be titled and registered with the State just like a car. That means, LSVs are legally required to have a Florida license plate and valid tag. The benefit is that they can legally drive on streets or roads that have a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less, including in Mount Dora.

Separately, a Florida law gives cities the ability to adopt ordinances with rules to allow golf carts on some of their streets. In Mount Dora, golf carts must be registered with the city after being insured and meeting the following equipment standards:

a windshield
a driver’s side exterior mirror
a rear-view mirror or a passenger’s side-exterior mirror
head and tail lights
brakes and parking brake
reflectors (rear and side)
front and rear blinkers
a horn
a safety grab bar for any rear-facing seats

What is the cost to register both types of vehicles?
Registration by the City of Mount Dora for golf carts is $25 for the first year and $10 for annual renewal. The required Florida registration for an LSV is $225 for a first-time registration and then annual renewals are approximately $40. Since the LSV carts are required to be registered with the State, they do not have to be registered with the city,

What streets can golf carts legally be driven on in Mount Dora?
Unlike LSVs, which can go on roads with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour (Section 316.2122, Florida Statutes), city registered golf carts are only allowed on slower streets in Mount Dora (see map below). For instance, they can travel to downtown via slower residential back streets, but not Highland, Fifth Avenue, Old 441, Eudora Road, or parts of Donnelly Street.

How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart or LSV in Mount Dora?
The rules for cars also apply to golf carts and LSVs in Mount Dora. Drivers must have a valid Florida driver’s license or have a valid Florida learner’s permit and be accompanied by an adult licensed driver of at least 21 years of age.

Do golf carts and LSVs on Mount Dora streets have to be insured?
Yes, both require insurance.

Can a golf cart be converted to an LSV?
Yes. Once retrofitted with all the required equipment and improved speed capacity, the DMV will inspect the vehicle. If it passes, it will be assigned a State-issued 17-digit VIN that will be affixed to the frame. The DMV will also issue a title classifying it as an LSV to provide for the required registration and plating once it's insured.

Do the electric vehicle charging stations in Mount Dora charge golf carts or LSVs?
No, the charging port, batteries and their battery chemistries are different. Those stations only charge cars.

What are the different types of batteries for electric LSVs and golf carts?
Both types of vehicles can have batteries that are either lead-acid batteries, traditional lithium ion, or lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄). The latter is the most up-to-date battery with less risk of fire. The amount of voltage of any battery type is key, due to the area’s hills. The more voltage, the better torque and acceleration for sustained hill-climbing in Mount Dora.

What are tips for buying a used LSV?
Just like any vehicle, make sure the LSV cart is titled. If it has a valid Florida license plate belonging to it then it has been titled, so just make sure the title is clear and in hand.

WIth so many LSV manufacturers popping up, make sure you know the closest place that can service it. Also, check reviews and Reddit forums on the reliability of the make, model and year that you’re considering.

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.

ABOVE: Map of streets where golf carts are allowed and prohibited. Green is allowed and red is prohibited. State-registered LSVs can travel on the red streets (zoom into map, as red isn't easily identifable on city map).

Public pools and splash pad hours in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

7/1/2025

Just in time for climbing temperatures, the area’s public pools and splash pads have opened for the season. Here’s what you need to know before slathering up the sunscreen in Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares.

MOUNT DORA’S LINCOLN AVENUE POOL
Pool guests can enjoy open swim sessions, take lessons or just swim laps. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in the pool. The adult must be actively participating with the child in the water.

Hours of daytime open swim*:
Monday - Thursday, plus Saturday: 12- 4 p.m. (closed Sunday)
Friday: 7-10 a.m. and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Hours of evening open swim:
Monday - Thursday: 5-7 p.m.

Admission:
Admission is $3 per person ages 3 and over. Monthly memberships are also available, and cost individuals $24 per month and families $ 50 per month. Admission includes access to the splash pad.

Weather protocols:
The pool closes when lightning moves in 10 miles or less from the pool, as well as when pool staff sees lightning, or hear thunder, or if it’s raining so hard that the bottom of the pool isn’t visible.

EUSTIS AQUATIC CENTER
Guests can play, float, sunbathe, read, swim laps or just lounge at the City’s complex at Ferran Park. Admission into the Eustis Aquatic Center also includes access to its splash pad, but it’s been closed for maintenance.
Location:
250 Ferran Park Drive, downtown Eustis

Hours of open swim:
Weekdays & Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

Admission (cash only):
$2 for 11 years old and younger
$3 for 12 years old and older

Weather protocols:
When lifeguards clear for thunder & lightning patrons must exit the pool, splash pad, & deck. Patrons may wait in the restrooms, hallway, or front entrance area. Showers are off limits at this time. Lifeguards will allow patrons back into the pool after waiting a minimum of 30 minutes from the last thunder or lightning strike.

TAVARES SPLASH PARK
The 2025 reopening of the Tavares seaplane-themed splash park located in Wooton Park has been delayed due to a maintenance project. Watch the City’s Facebook page for updates.
Details:
Tavares Splash Park has capacity for 59 people and fills up on a first come - first served basis. Proper swimsuit attire is required.

Admission:
$2 for anyone entering the splash park’s fenced area. Season passes are also available at The Prop Shop at the seaplane base.

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.

Eustis steps up its pickleball game with new courts

6/4/2025

It’s game on in Eustis with the addition of four pickleball courts to the Cardinal Cove Park.

The popular park is one of twelve city parks and already has an extensive list of functional features including covered picnic tables, a lake boardwalk and a paved walking trail. The addition of pickleball courts expands the park’s amenities and invites beginners and seasoned players to participate in the rising sport.

“There have been requests for pickleball courts in Eustis for months,” said City of Eustis Parks and Recreation Director Sam Brinson. “The sport has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years.”

The courts are open daily from sunup to sundown and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To preserve the quality and safety of the courts, visitors are asked to follow all posted rules and regulations. Proper athletic attire is required.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

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.

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.

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.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook and Instagram for more local info.

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.