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

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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Kings Landing: Apopka's outdoor oasis for kayaking enthusiasts

6/1/2024

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Located just 15 minutes from Mount Dora and hidden from the rooftops and sprawling developments in Apopka, King’s Landing stands out as a stunning haven for nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventure and serenity alike. The natural attraction is located on the tranquil waters of Rocks Springs Run, one of three main tributaries that feed into the scenic Wekiva River Basin.
Offering an abundance of activities, from kayaking along the pristine waterways to exploring lush landscapes, King’s Landing remains an adventurous destination for locals and visitors.

Kayaking & Paddleboard Heaven:
At the heart of King's Landing's allure is its exceptionally scenic kayaking opportunities. There are a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, ranging from self-guided rentals and eco and adventure tours to two-hour nighttime escapes under the stars.
Paddlers can opt to paddle against the current to discover the beautiful clear waters of the two-mile Emerald Cut, or they can relax with the easier 8.5-mile Shuttle Run downstream that starts with clear water and then becomes more tannic downstream, creating the perfect environment for Florida wildlife, including aquatic turtles, various fish, water fowl, and of course, alligators. Return transportation is provided back to King's Landing, but requires a reservation. The Shuttle Run takes on average 4 and a half hours to complete and requires paddling experience.
Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks onsite by reserving them online, or they can opt to bring their own and just pay a launch fee. Coast Guard approved life vests are required and can also be rented onsite.

Wekiva Island:
Paddlers who opt for the Shuttle Run excursion will end their trip at a designated dock located at Wekiva Island, where return transportation is prearranged. Located on the banks of the run, the island’s rustic eatery, The Tooting Otter, features daily drink specials, craft beer and wine bar, while the Without A Paddle Café has basic lunch offerings. Visitors can also relax on the boardwalk that overlooks the river. The King's Landing wristband gets guests into Wekiva Island with no additional charge.

Primitive Camping:
Nearby King’s Landing launch area, visitors can pitch a tent under the stars and cypress trees at the Eagle Scout Campground or they may travel four miles downstream to the Big Buck Camp on the banks of the scenic Rock Springs Run. Campsites must be booked through Wekiva State Park in advance. For reservations call 407-884-2008.

Plan ahead:
Remember to pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. Water shoes are essential due to the rugged bottom of parts of shallows. Traffic entering Kelly Park backs up early, so plan to get a head start in the morning. If you opt to rent a kayak, make your reservation in advance online at www.kingslandingfl.com. Visitors should note that children ages 2 or less and pets are not permitted at King's Landing.

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 Forest Preserve trail re-opens after addition of new features

6/1/2024

Improvements to one of Mount Dora’s hidden gems, Forest Reserve, a 14-acre tract of wooded land behind W.T. Bland Library are now complete, and the amenity has re-opened to visitors. The slice of natural Florida nestled in the heart of the city now has a 375-foot boardwalk providing an entry point into the urban forest and connecting to a one-mile dirt trail loop that extends further into the shady hardwood hammock.

RELATED: Top 10 walking trails in Lake County

Two new trailhead-entry structures were added, along with seven parking spaces, benches, and signage. Additionally, a new sidewalk leading from the western edge of the Nunan Butterfly Garden, provides children easy access to a new 20-sign storybook walk adjacent to the boardwalk. Library staff will select nature-based children’s books to feature on the walk and stories will be changed every month. There is other signage on the dirt trail for art, poetry and more.

Restoration efforts to the urban forest have been underway for over two years with the help of volunteers who have been removing invasive species in accordance with recommendations made by the Florida Forest Service.

The multi-faceted outdoor space is dedicated to preserving and restoring the urban forest for future generations. The preserve features family activities and is intended to be a hub for environmental education and community engagement. Naturalists and other experts will offer free programs for all ages designed to get people into the woods.

Forest Preserve is located at 325 W. 20th Avenue and is open 365 days a year.

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.

Over 150 parachutes return to the skies over Lake Dora on May 4

5/1/2024

They’re back! The skies above Tavares will once again be dotted by veteran paratroopers as they descend into Lake Dora. On Saturday, May 4, approximately 160 veteran jumpers from the Phantom Airborne Brigade will awe onlookers during a training jump beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Members of the brigade will jump from the Tico Belle, a World War II C-47 Skytrain flown by Valiant Air Command in Titusville. The vintage aircraft’s history includes dropping paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne into Normandy on D-Day, participating in Operation Market Garden in Holland, and providing support for the Berlin airlift. Since the Tico Belle can only transport 22 combat-ready paratroopers at a time, the plane will make multiple passes over Lake Dora with groups of jumpers.
The first group of paratroopers is scheduled to jump over Lake Dora at 9:30 a.m. Additional flights with more groups of jumpers will pass over the lake approximately every 20 minutes.
The ideal vantage point is by boat in the area allowed during the event and the shoreline of Wooton Park located at 100 E. Ruby Street in downtown Tavares. Free parking is available in the nearby parking garage located at 100 N. Sinclair Avenue.
Phantom Airborne Brigade is a veterans' organization giving military-trained Airborne veterans the opportunity to participate in military static-line jumps after leaving active duty. Disabled and combat-wounded paratroopers also participate in the group’s organized jumps. The veterans include members of the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, 173rd Airborne, LRRP, Special Forces, 1Para, Rangers, and others.

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 and Twitter for more local info.

Enjoy wildflower season on local scenic roads

4/1/2024

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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 Mount Dora 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

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The annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta sets sail on March 23 & 24

3/18/2024

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Once again, colorful sails will gracefully litter Lake Dora. The 70th Annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is expected to draw dozens of boats over the two-day event on March 23 and 24.

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.

RELATED: Antique Boat Festival returns to Tavares on March 23 & 24, 2024

The Regatta is open to all classes, including Optis, Lasers, 420s, Flying Scots, Hunters, Open Bics, Sunfish, Hobies, Wayfarers, and Catalinas.

The first race typically kicks 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 around 9:30 a.m. and no races start 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 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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Mount Dora’s Forest Reserve trail improvements to be completed in April

3/1/2024

Work is well underway on improvements to one of Mount Dora’s hidden gems. Forest Reserve, a 14-acre slice of natural Florida nestled in the heart of the city, has a 375-foot boardwalk under construction behind W.T. Bland Library. The short, elevated boardwalk is designed as an entry point into the urban forest and will connect to a one-mile dirt trail loop that extends further into the shady hardwood hammock.

RELATED: Top 10 walking trails in Lake County

Two trailhead entry structures will also be built and seven permeable parking spaces will be added, along with benches and signage. A new sidewalk leading from the western edge of the Nunan Butterfly Garden will be included, so kids will have easy access to a new 20-sign storybook walk that will be adjacent to the boardwalk. Library staff will select nature-based children’s books to feature on the walk and stories will be changed every month. Additional signage for adults will be installed on the dirt trail and contain art, poetry and more.

Restoration efforts to the urban forest have been underway for over two years with the help of volunteers who have been removing invasive species in accordance with recommendations made by the Florida Forest Service.

Once the trail improvements are complete in April, the library will offer a variety of public programs, as well as volunteer opportunities for forest-based learning and enjoyment. Naturalists and other experts will offer free programs for all ages designed to get people into the woods.

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.

Alexander Springs "Swim Area” closed due to alligator bite

7/18/2023

ABOVE: Alexander Springs Recreation Area. (Adventure Ocala / USDA Forest Service photo)

In response to an aggressive alligator incident yesterday, National Forests in Florida (NFF) has temporarily closed the Alexander Springs swim area.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. yesterday, a man was snorkeling within the springs’ designated swim area, where he reported being bitten by an adult alligator. The victim suffered puncture wounds and lacerations. A nearby concessioner responded quickly and rendered aid to the victim, clearing all guests from the swim area, and closing it for public safety. The victim chose to transport himself to seek medical care. The 7 ½ foot-long alligator believed to be involved in the incident was removed this afternoon and the swim area is expected to reopen in the near future.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating the incident. and USFS will reopen the Alexander Springs swim area once FWC completes its investigation of the area and recommends next steps for public safety.

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Best Springs in Central Florida

Alexander Springs Recreation Area had just reopened four days ago after Florida wildlife officials safely captured and removed a nuisance alligator from the area. No prior alligator incidents this year in the Ocala National Forest involved any injuries to the public. The USFS and FWC will continue to monitor conditions and remove alligators as necessary.

July is alligator nesting season in Florida and alligator mothers are very alert and protective of their eggs and young. All reptiles are more active and need to eat more during this hot season. Visitors should use caution in and around water (including on the shoreline) and follow all posted and prescribed safety guidance. Alligators are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into their natural environment. They are not easily detected underwater, no matter how clear the water may appear, and are very territorial, particularly during this time of year.

Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is a broad and gently sloped spring pool that is a 300-foot-wide. This extraordinarily clear, freshwater spring gushes approximately 70 million gallons of water daily that maintains a refreshing 72-degree temperature.

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.

Parachutes return to the skies over Lake Dora this weekend

5/1/2023

ABOVE: Phantom Air Brigade over Lake Dora. (Mount Dora Buzz file photo)

It’s an impressive sight over Lake Dora that began a few years ago. A vintage military plane roars overhead as dozens of Airborne “jumpers'' parachute into Lake Dora leaving onlookers in awe. On May 6 the event returns with approximately 140 veteran paratroopers who will jump during multiple 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 approximately 20 jumpers per flight. The first jump is expected at approximately 9:30 a.m. After each lift, there will be a 20-minute break for the plane to return to Leesburg airport to pick up the next lift 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 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.

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