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

TOP 7 NATURAL SPRINGS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

10/2/2020

Nestled in Central Florida’s oaks and pines, scenic freshwater springs provide refreshing outdoor activities all year. Whether you’re interested in dipping your toes in the water, enjoying nature or partaking in a kayaking adventure, here’s what you need to know about the top seven scenic springs in Central Florida: Read more

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MOUNT DORA BICYCLE FESTIVAL GETS CREATIVE WITH “CYCLETOBER”

9/1/2020

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There’s no denying that event planning during COVID-19 is uncharted territory. At the same time, events are the lifeblood of many small tourist towns and Mount Dora is no exception.

RELATED:  October's events for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis can be found on the area's Entertainment Calendar.

After large bicycle festivals across the state cancelled, Mount Dora Bicycle Festival decided to switch it up. This October, instead of the big annual four-day event, festival organizers will kick off Cycletober on October 1. The month-long event will feature groups of smaller, pop-up rides organized by community riders in contrast to the large-scale rides organized by Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce (MDACC) during previous festivals. In addition to road rides, this year’s event will include trail rides for mountain bikes, as well as gravel rides. Cyclists will be recognized for the completion of various rides.

Also new this year, Cycletober will feature a QR Code scavenger hunt at downtown businesses throughout the month to help bring cyclists and visitors into the city’s unique shops.

RELATED: Mount Dora offers a unique shopping experience

MDACC President, Rachel O’Ryan, expects October 8 through 11 to be the busiest weekend of Cycletober judging by lodging reservations that have already been made. Interested cyclists can contact MDACC for more information about specific rides and events during the month.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here and for the area's free mobile app, click here.

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OUTDOOR SUMMER NOSTALGIA IS JUST UP THE ROAD

7/1/2020

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Even the best kept secrets eventually get spilled. The Leesburg Lightning is no exception.

Among the power hitters, double plays and curve balls, the Lightning experience delivers a big dose of summer nostalgia. During the home games, played at Buddy Lowe Field, a few bars of classic songs blare from old scratchy speakers to provide commentary to particular plays. "Free Ride" roars when a batter is walked. "The Streak" blares every time a runner steals a base, leaving fans wondering about the last time they heard that song.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the game must go on, but there are plenty of safety precautions in place. Masks are required and to allow for social distancing, only 200 spectators are allowed in the stadium. As an added precaution, everyone’s temperature is taken prior to entry.

The Lightning, a Florida Collegiate Summer League baseball team, consists of talented players from colleges throughout the country that compete in their off-season. Commonly referred to as the Florida League, the Lightning is as close to a minor league team as Lake County claims.

In keeping with America's favorite pastime, there are plenty of hot dogs, peanuts and eager kids vying for foul balls. After one inning, the run of the Lightning Bugs ensues, which gives the team's youngest fans the opportunity to run the bases. The traditional seventh inning stretch is welcomed after sitting on the aluminum benches, but seasoned fans come prepared with their own stadium seats.

The whole experience is priceless Americana and well worth the short drive up US 441. There is no admission fee. Seating is limited due to COVID-19. The complete schedule can be viewed here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.   For local things to do, click here. For the area's entertainment calendar, click here.

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THEY'RE BACK! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THESE CREATURES

4/23/2020

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It’s up for debate. Are they creepy creatures or the stunning work of nature? One thing is for sure, if you love your garden, Eastern Lubber grasshoppers aren’t your friends.

Here’s everything you need to know about these oversized, lumbering grasshoppers that invade Florida yards in the spring and summer:

These giants are unable to fly and are clumsy jumpers, so they take to climbing plants and trees to forage on new growth at the tips of branches.
The colors of Eastern Lubbers vary drastically as they age. The immature insects, called nymphs, look like a different species from the adults. When the young ones first emerge on plants, they are solid black with a red stripe and only about half an inch long.
The nymphs tend to congregate in groups on plants, so where there is one, there are typically several.
As these grasshoppers age and molt several times, they become black with a yellow stripe before their final yellow and brown coloring with red under their wings. Adults measure two to three inches long and have a thick body.
As much as gardeners despise them, lizards and birds don’t care for them either. When alarmed, lubbers spread their wings, hiss, and can expel a fine toxic spray that makes them unappetizing.
Shortly after the brown and yellow adults emerge, the mature females begin laying clusters of pods with 30 to 80 eggs in each. The busy females can lay egg pods every two weeks.
Eggs take about 200 days to develop and hatch from the ground in early spring.
The highest number of adult Eastern Lubbers in Florida is typically found in July and August

How the heck do you get rid of them?
Gardeners that come across these robust pests know that managing them is a difficult challenge. The smaller black nymphs can be controlled by spraying an insecticide like Raid directly on them. However, as these Lubbers grow, their exterior becomes harder and more resistant to sprays. The yellowish adults are incredibly hardy, so gardeners are left with the unenviable task of removing them from plants manually and putting a shoe to them or placing them in a resealable plastic bag with a cotton ball soaked in acetone (nail polish remover) to be discarded.
Gardeners can also use bran bait containing corn oil and insecticide to attract and kill lubbers. However, these big grasshoppers are less likely to eat bait if there’s attractive vegetation in the area.

Another option is to spray a pyrethroid insecticide directly on the mature lubbers. Other insecticides used on lubber grasshoppers with varying results include spinosad, carbaryl, permethrin, bifenthrin, and cyhalothrin.

Here’s some useless facts on Eastern Lubbers:

Lubbers bright color pattern is believed to be a warning to predators that they aren’t palatable.
These large insects are widely used in biology classes for dissection.
Male and female lubbers make noise by rubbing their wings together.
“Lubber” is derived from an old English word “lobre” which means lazy or clumsy.
Eastern lubbers are found from North Carolina to Florida, and west to central Texas.

There are two different names for the same species, a Romalea microptera (Palisot de Beauvois) and Romalea guttata (Houttuyn).

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA HOSTS 'VIRTUAL' 5K RACE

4/13/2020

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During these times of social distancing, one of the activities that is deemed essential is exercise that follows the CDC’s guidelines. In an effort to help people be creative with social distancing and get healthy exercise, the City of Mount Dora is hosting a three-day Virtual 5K Race.

May 1 through May 3, participants can choose their own course, which can be in their neighborhood, down a trail, or even on their bedroom treadmill. After the 3.106 miles has been run, walked or jogged, the time can be recorded on social media with the hashtags: #WeRunThisCity and #MountDoraVirtual5K. Anyone who logs their time will receive a participation medal in the mail from the City.

“Leisure Services staff are excited to host our first virtual race when it is needed most due to social distancing requirements,” said Mount Dora Leisure Services Director Amy Jewell. “We hope the race motivates and inspires people to set a new personal goal, challenge a friend, enjoy nature, or exercise with family members.”

The $22 race registration is open to anyone that signs up remotely at www.cityofmountdorarecreation.com. For more information, email davism@cityofmountdora.com.
For more news in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here or download the area's free mobile app.

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PICKLEBALL COURTS IN MOUNT DORA TO BE REDUCED IN SIZE

4/1/2020

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In order to comply with a mandate issued in January 2020, all pickleball courts in Mount Dora, as well as all of Lake County, will be reduced in court size by fifty percent by the May 1 deadline. The number of courts will remain the same.

The impetus for the requirement to cut the size of the courts was to provide recreational spaces for less strenuous exercise for seniors, as well as low-impact recreation like shuffleboard and lawn bowling. Mini pickleball has quickly grown in popularity because it requires significantly less effort and exertion by its players. In doubles matches, the most common form of the game, only an abbreviated swing is required to reach a ball on the smaller courts. The racquet, rules, balls and net height remain unchanged in the updated version of the game.

The mandate follows the successful implementation of the change in other states like Oregon, North Dakota, Arizona, Alabama, Idaho, Montana and West Virginia that resulted in more seniors on the courts.

“Mini pickleball is on the rise, faster than the original game,” said April Primis, president of the Pickleball Association of North America (PANA). “It opens the game up to more players because there isn’t much movement required.”

Pickleball instructors are also on board with the smaller-sized courts. “We’ll definitely see an uptick in the number of people that want to learn the updated game because the lessened physicality provides a way for even couch potatoes to enjoy it,” said Ima Joquin, an avid Lake County pickleball player and instructor.

Mount Dora currently has several pickleball courts in its parks and neighborhoods that will meet next month’s required size modifications or close until they are able to do so. The number of courts will not be affected. Click here for additional important details.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA REGATTA SETS SAIL ON MARCH 28

3/1/2020

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ABOVE: Mount Dora Sailing Regatta (Photo by Ingrid Zagers, Z.ePhotography)

Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora this weekend. The 67th Annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event beginning March 28.

The races are spread over three courses across a portion of Lake Dora to take advantage of the wind and provide ample space for competitive races. All ages are invited to participate.

The Regatta is open to all classes, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas. For boats without the four needed to form a class, Portsmouth races will be run.

The first race typically kicks off Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and the last race typically finishes close to 4 p.m. Typically, three to four races will be sailed that afternoon, depending on the weather. Simpson Cove, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Island Boardwalk provide excellent vantage points for spectators. Sunday's first race starts at 9:30 a.m. and no races begin after noon.

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 was reportedly such an exciting event that local businesses closed so everyone could attend. In 1953, the regatta transitioned to sailboats to alleviate a noise issue.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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BIKE TRAIL UPDATE FOR MOUNT DORA & TAVARES

2/1/2020

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It’s always one of the hottest local topics in Mount Dora and Tavares -- the Tav-Dora trail, a bike trail that would connect the two communities to each other and to Florida’s Coast-to-Coast Trail. Recently, the railroad was sold, so it’s an opportune time for Mount Dora Buzz to provide an update with current information from the trail’s long-time advocate and spearhead, Tavares City Administrator, John Drury.

Who purchased the railroad from Pinsley and how does that affect the status of the trail?
The new owner of the railroad tracks is Regional Rail, LLC, which operates short-line railroads in Florida, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania. The company has reportedly shown interest in selling the portions of track needed to create the Tav-Dora Trail.

The feasibility study will be completed this spring. What will it include?
The FDOT study will evaluate the feasibility and cost of developing a paved non- motorized trail (bicycles, rollerblading and walking) to connect downtown Tavares to downtown Mount Dora with a connection to the Golden Triangle YMCA along the Old 441 corridor in one of the following three (3) locations:

In the railroad bed (“Rail-to-Trail” project).
In the railroad right-of-way next to the railroad (“Rail-and-Trail”)
In the Old 441 right-of-way

How are Tavares, Mount Dora and Lake County working together to move the trail forward?
The cities are jointly meeting with Regional Rail to negotiate the next steps and its anticipated this could lead to an interlocal governmental agreement in the near future.

What would the interlocal agreement address?
The trail needs to be owned and maintained by a local government. The interlocal governmental agreement would outline what local governmental entity or entities would own the trail and maintain it. For example, the agreement could provide that Lake County owns the trail and Mount Dora, Tavares and Lake County share in the annual maintenance of the trail.

What is the current best-case timeline?
Approximately four years. Here is the breakdown: one year to secure funding, six months for the acquisition process, one year to design, engineer and permit, followed by a year and a half to construct.

What does the community need to do to help ensure the bike trail proceeds?
In order to secure funding for the trail, the local business community and residents need to let their city, county, state and federal representatives know of their support for the trail that connects Tavares and Mount Dora.

Will the joint effort between Lake County, Mount Dora and Tavares include funding the leg of the trail from Mount Dora to East Lake Community Park in Sorrento, which would be needed to connect to the 200-mile Coast to Coast Trail?
According to Drury, that section goes hand-in-hand with the Mount Dora to Tavares section so it will be included.

What will a bike trail do economically for Tavares and Mount Dora?
A 2011 Orange County study found that the West Orange Trail, connecting Apopka, downtown Winter Garden and Clermont, had 1.7 million annual trail visitors that spend an average of $20 per trail visit at local businesses. Trail visitors’ total annual spending was $32.6 million. A Pinellas Trail study cited 1 million annual trail users. The numbers would be less for the Tav-Dora Trail due to the lower regional population, but it would still be significant.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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MOUNT DORA'S CHALLENGING CORN MAZE RETURNS OCT. 5

10/2/2019

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ABOVE: A previous year's' maze. (Photo via Long & Scott Farm Corn Maze Adventure)

Get lost! And have a blast doing it!

The 17th annual Corn Maze Adventure at Long & Scott Farm opens on October 5. The popular seasonal attraction reportedly brings in an estimated 1500-2000 weekend visitors.

This year’s theme of the giant 6.5-acre corn maze is “Feel Whole” and features various healthy outdoor activities carved into the rows of corn. Visitors that dare can enter the maze, sponsored by AdventHealth, and attempt to find their way out of the tall and twisting corn field. No need to panic. It's a friendly day of fun, and before an anxiety attack kicks in, participants can raise a flag to surrender and be promptly rescued. There is also a half-acre mini-maze for smaller guests.

The two mazes have lots of paths and plenty of room. Employees inside the maze and on a bridge monitor and help guests navigate the rows of corn. Guests are asked to divide into groups of four to six people, with an adult in each group, and then enter the maze with a flag and a game sheet.

The popular weekend attraction also includes a lot of fun outdoor activities for kids, including an oversized jumping pillow, 60' super slide, kids' zip line, mist maze and hayrides. Food vendors are onsite, as well as a country market and cafe.

Scott's Maze Adventure is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. between October 5 and December 8. Visitors should get there early to avoid long lines. Latest entry is 3 p.m. The farm is located at 26216 County Road 448A, Mount Dora. Admission is $12; children 3 and under are free.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.

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TOP 10 WALKING TRAILS IN LAKE COUNTY

8/28/2019

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ABOVE: Palm Island Boardwalk in Mount Dora.

The kids are back in school and now you can take some time back for yourself in the great outdoors. Here’s the top ten walking trails in Lake County to take in some nature and exercise. Who knows, you may enjoy them so much, you bring the kids on your next visit.

ABOVE: Hidden Waters Preserve (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Hidden Waters Preserve, Eustis
Arguably some of the best trails in Lake County, this preserve offers various well-marked paths with small rolling hills, a hidden flowing creek, a large pond and plenty of gopher tortoises, water birds and butterflies. The blue markings keep you on the Lake Alfred Trail, which loops the lake and the red markings are for the Ravine Trail. Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Located at 2010 Abrams Road in Eustis.

ABOVE: Trout Lake Nature Center (TLNC photo)

Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis
The 230 acres include not only a nature center, swinging bridge, picnic area and educational exhibits, but also a network of short, wide trails that meander through a variety of upland and wetland habitats with lots of opportunities for spotting wildlife. A boardwalk leads to a covered dock on Trout Lake. Open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on most days. Located at 520 East County Road 44 in Eustis.

Lake Gertrude Walking Path, Mount Dora
This short and shady 3.51-mile path around residential Lake Gertrude is surrounded by lush landscaping and beautiful Mount Dora homes along the lakefront. Dusk and dawn walkers will see plenty of small rabbits nibbling along the western shore. Located at North Morningside Drive from U.S. Highway 441 or from the south on Old Highway 441. Dawn to dusk

ABOVE: Lake May Reserve trail, (Lake County photo)

Lake May Reserve
Oak hammocks, upland scrub, hardwood forested areas and old citrus groves fill this 136-acre reserve that also encompasses a 20-acre lake and wetlands. There are multiple trail loops where hikers might stumble upon interesting reindeer moss in shady areas or gopher tortoises in the scrub habitats. Located at 36300 County Road 44A in Eustis. Open dawn to dusk.

Pine Meadow Conservation Area, Eustis
Opened in 2018, this 770-acre conservation area, complete with more than six miles of passive recreational trails, offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The area has become popular with birders due to its nearly 120 species, including bald eagles, blue-winged warblers, Henslow’s sparrows, swallow-tailed kites and others. Visitors will find public restrooms, picnic tables, a canoe and kayak launch area and a dog-friendly trail. Located at 2280 Pine Meadows Golf Course Road in Eustis. Open dawn to dusk.

ABOVE: Palm Island Boardwalk, Mount Dora (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

Palm Island Boardwalk, Mount Dora
Enjoy this recently refurbished eight-acre preservation area that offers walking trails through wooded areas where hikers can view scenery and wildlife, such as birds and alligators, from an elevated boardwalk. There are covered areas, benches and picnic tables along the way. Located at 411 South Tremain Street in Mount Dora. Trail hours are daily from dawn to sunset.

Sawgrass Island Preserve, Umatilla
Located at the north end of Lake Yale, this isolated 1178-acre watershed preserve boasts an impressive 600-acre sawgrass marsh and offers six multi-loop grassy trails that wind through forest, marsh, hardwood hammocks and lakeside habitats. This vast preserve, known for its great bird-watching, is home to Florida sandhill cranes, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, herons and other birds. Located at 11931 Sawgrass Island Road in Umatilla. Trail hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset.

ABOVE: Tavares Nature Park (City of Tavares photo)

Tavares Nature Park, Tavares
This 101-acre park is just minutes from downtown Tavares, but you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the Ocala forest. Benches provide resting opportunities in some spots and there is a picnic table and pavilion next to a small pond at the park’s center. A small fishing dock on Lake Dora provides the perfect vantage point for sunrises over the lake. The perimeter trail is approximately a two-mile loop with other trails in between. Located at 1551 Milwaukee Avenue in Tavares. Trail hours are daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Bourlay Historic Nature Park, Leesburg
This 88-acre wooded park on the southern shore of Lake Griffin has historical sites along Settlers Bend Trail. The “Cracker House” near the parking lot provides helpful information before hikers start off on the trails. There are 10 exercise stations along the Buddy’s Bounty Trail, a .48-mile loop. The short Nature Way Trail features a gazebo for a shaded place to rest. Located at 851 North Canal Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. Trail hours are daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ABOVE: Lake Louisa State Park (Florida Parks photo)

Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont
This State Park features 20 miles of unpaved, multi-use trails for hikers and cyclists. Three major lakes, Louisa, Hammond and Dixie, are ideal for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors should keep on the lookout for wildlife including deer, bobcat, gopher tortoises, fox squirrel and flighted creatures like bald eagles and osprey. Located at 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. Hours are 8:00 a.m. until sundown.

Not only do Lake County’s trails provide beautiful places to unwind in Florida's natural environment, the hikes can also provide good exercise with substantial health benefits.

“Regular walking cuts the risk of heart attack in half and increases HDL cholesterol levels and also lowers blood fat levels and triglycerides.”,” said Candace Huber, Director of CREATION Health at AdventHealth Waterman in Tavares.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here. Also download the area's free mobile app.