​This month, Mount Dora will once again host the Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO). This year the international event will feature a diverse lineup of 170 independent films. The festival will limit capacity, require masks, and observe other COVID-19 safety precautions for its daytime and evening screenings. The three-day festival takes place at Mount Dora's Epic Theatres on January 22-24. More info

Eustis is also hosting some unique entertainment this month. A drive-in laser light show will have six shows in January. Families can pack up their lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, and then pile in the car. Each vehicle will have its own tailgate area for spectators to spread out and enjoy the show. Read more

Make the holiday cheer last a little longer. Last month Mount Dora Buzz uncovered the best holiday cocktails in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. There's still time to indulge in the festive concoctions created by your favorite local bartenders. Read more

Winter in our neck of the woods means the long-awaited strawberry season is here. The local U-pick farm has ripe red berries on the vine available for picking or on the shelf for a convenient grab. There are tons of fun outdoor family activities. Read more

The first Antique Extravaganza of 2021 comes to Renningers Antique Center in Mount Dora this month. The event is one of the largest vintage shows in the southeastern U.S. with hundreds of vendors selling their rare treasures and bewildering oddities. Read more

Just in case your New Year's resolution involved squeezing in more exercise to work off those Christmas cookies, Mount Dora Buzz is sharing a way to scenically get your "steps" in. Check out the list of the Top 10 Walking Trails in Lake County we released in 2020. Read more. If you have favorites not on this list, please let us know.

Huge Shout-out goes to everyone that donated and helped during Mount Dora Buzz's annual Hoodie & Jacket Drive, as well as to those who donated new toys to the area toy drives. Both drives were big successes and you all rock! If you're able, please continue to extend that generosity by donating to Lake Cares Food Pantry, which has seen the number of families it feeds sharply increase.

As Covid-19 increases, so does the number of Lake County residents seeking testing. Mount Dora Buzz has put together some helpful information on free COVID-19 testing, when to get tested and the most accurate tests to take and where to find them. Read more

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area....

Tis the season for holiday events. For the complete guide to holiday parades and festivities in the area click here. Attendees are advised to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks and practice social distancing.

It's one of the best family events of the year. The Mount Dora Santa Tour comes early this year and starts on December 1. Santa will tour the city's neighborhoods for three evenings so be ready for lots of lights and sirens. Read more. Kids can also drop off their letters to Santa in his official mailbox in Mount Dora. Letters dropped off by December 20 will get a personal reply. Read more

Although the Santa Tour is coming early this year, snow may come a little later. Mount Dora's annual Snow in the Park has been indefinitely postponed due to increasing COVID-19 cases. However, city leaders are hoping it will happen later this winter if cases decrease to a safer level. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for any updates.

Now there's a perfect gift for every local family and board game lover on your list. Mount Dora-opoly is a new board game styled after the classic Monopoly. Players compete to purchase and trade real estate with the names of familiar local businesses and landmarks. Read more

Another great gift, especially for teachers, is the new novel penned by a very familiar local face in Mount Dora. "Tales Out of School" is a semi-autobiographical book that chronicles the experiences, pitfalls and humorous happenings of a rookie teacher. Read more

As Covid-19 increases, so does the number of Lake County residents seeking testing. Mount Dora Buzz has put together some helpful information on free COVID-19 testing, when to get tested and the most accurate tests to take and where to find them. Read more

There is a lot of new business buzz this month, including new stores and restaurants coming soon. Scroll down for the buzz about what's coming to the area.

Mark your calendars! One of Mount Dora's favorite outdoor events returns this month. Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair takes place downtown on November 14 and 15. Read more

Mount Dora's famous Christmas lights will be more impressive than ever this year. The City added more lights and the display will sprawl over more space. The lights will be turned on in mid November without the usual ceremony in order for residents and visitors to enjoy the festive holiday display without large crowds. Read more Meanwhile, Light Up Eustis is scheduled for November 27 in its historic downtown.

Last month, the City announced that Mount Dora Arts Festival will go on in February as scheduled. Guests and exhibiting artists will see some changes due to COVID-19 precautions, including requiring masks. Read more

The 2nd Annual Lake County VetFest Parade took place in downtown Eustis on November 1. To further celebrate local veterans this month, Hometown Heroes banners that feature honorably discharged veterans or active duty armed forces members were installed on the decorative streetlight poles in downtown Eustis and will be on display until November 12. Meanwhile, Lake County Animal Shelter will be offering free pet adoptions to veterans throughout the month of November.

This month's shout-out goes to Johnnie Coley, a Eustis resident and Mount Dora social worker. Four years ago she embarked on a brave journey to turn her secret burden into a dream of literacy. Her story of perseverance and honesty is inspiring. Read more

Cooler weather means Central Floridians can head to the parks again to enjoy the great outdoors without melting. Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis is now open later one day a week so visitors can enjoy walking the trails during its scenic sunsets. Read more

October ushers in the return of some of the area's popular events and brings in some new ones. Watch for Fall in the Field, the Steampunk industrial Show (read more) and a new event, Plaid in the Park. Read more. In Eustis, First Friday Street Fest and its Fall Festival returns in October.   Whenever you're searching for things to do this fall, just check out the area's entertainment calendar here.

Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice everywhere, but finding the perfect pumpkin can be a little more elusive. Mount Dora Buzz put together a list of the Best Local Pumpkin Patches that not only have a great selection of pumpkins, but also offer other seasonal activities as well. Read more

Pull up a piece of the sidewalk or set up a lawn chair on October 16 at 1 p.m. to watch the Mount Dora Homecoming Parade while enjoying the sounds of the impressive Hurricane marching band. The parade starts at the high school and travels down Fifth Avenue into downtown and then turns right onto Donnelly Street.

It's time to update the Doors of Mount Dora pictorial, so if you know of a unique door in Mount Dora, email Mount Dora Buzz a photo of it, along with the address, and it may be included among the City's most creative, beautiful and interesting doors. Please put Doors of Mount Dora in the subject line of your email. View the original Doors of Mount Dora here.

With any luck, the weather will cool for the season later this month making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're itching to be in nature and the water, you're in luck. This part of the State has plenty of both, so here's the Top 7 Springs in Central Florida to visit this fall. Read more      Discover more local things to do here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and local business owners, residents and artists are being encouraged to participate in a Pink Out by decorating their sidewalks and driveways with pink chalk. In normal years, AdventHealth Waterman holds a Pink Out 5k and other events, but due to COVID-19, they are promoting this idea as a fun and creative way to show support for the warriors and survivors of breast cancer.

Mount Dora will have some festive visitors during October. For years creative scarecrows ushered in the season in downtown Mount Dora. Once again, residents and businesses will create the stuffed figures to grace the historic area as part of the City's Mount Dora Scarecrow Stroll. Read more

October is the month to drag the bike out of the garage. CycleTober is expected to bring cyclists to Mount Dora with group rides and fun activities throughout the entire month.  Read more

​The votes are in! Last month, readers cast their votes for their favorite local businesses, places and more in the annual Best of Mount Dora awards. Drum roll, please. Here's the list of this year's winners. Big congrats to all! Up next are the annual Best of Tavares and Best of Eustis awards.

Last month a public presentation was given on the Innovation Trail, one of the proposed bicycle and pedestrian trails being studied for Mount Dora and the surrounding area. This trail is different from the possible Tav-Dora Trail, but would be a part of its connectivity. Read more

Mount Dora Buzz reported last month that the popular Mount Dora Craft Fair in October was cancelled by the organizers due to logistics and the lack of vendor participation due to COVID-19. Read more. The good news for craft lovers is that a different and smaller craft fair will be held in Mount Dora this fall at Renningers. Read more.

Mount Dora Buzz has exciting news for Eustis diners. A new waterfront restaurant is coming to the shores of Lake Eustis. Lake Eustis Waterfront Grill is now under construction and it's expected to open in the Spring of 2021. Read more

Another big annual event, Mount Dora Bicycle Festival, made some major adjustments in order to bring cyclists to Mount Dora this fall. The large organized rides during the festival's long weekend in October have been replaced with smaller rides and activities throughout the entire month. Read more

This year, event planning is more challenging than ever. Two of the area's non-profits that promote the arts have put their creativity to work to raise funds. Mount Dora Center for the Arts is hosting an online auction later this month (read more) and Lake County Museum of Art is hosting a "Bubbles & Brew" fundraiser in October. In the meantime, if you need an 'art fix', check out the beautiful new mural in downtown Mount Dora. Read more For pics of more of the planned murals as they begin to pop up, follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram.

Lake County registered voters interested in voting by mail in the General Election on November 3 can request a ballot now from Lake County Supervisor of Elections. Voters need to make sure their signature on the ballot matches the signature on file with the Elections Office. Read more

Art lovers will see a bit of normalcy this month, as Lake County Museum of Art opens its new art exhibit, "Spectral Evidence." The downtown Tavares museum will have a opening reception on September 3. Read more.

This month's "Shout-Out" goes to the unsung heroes at Lake County Schools. The District's teachers, principals, guidance counselors, support staff, and non-instructional employees have shown grace under pressure and set positive examples to students of how to react in difficult situations and care for their community. They are all rock stars and we wish them a safe and successful school year.

- Get ready Lake County!  Downtown Tavares is about to get a big attraction.  The beautiful Dora Queen, an 80-foot, New Orleans-style riverboat replica, is currently booking socially-distanced cruises for August & September. Read more

-  It's that time of year when readers get to share some love with their favorite local businesses.  The Best of Mount Dora voting starts now!   This year, small businesses need support and recognition more than ever, so please be sure to vote.  Click here for your ballot   Winners will be announced on Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page and the September issue.

-  Lake County Schools delayed reopening until August 24.   Parents of the County's public school students had four instructional options to choose from including attending traditional schools and virtual school.  Here is the result of the choices.   

-  Creativity is contagious in Mount Dora, a city with more than its share of talented artists and musicians.  That was the case in one neighborhood in its quaint historic district recently.  Creative Yard art popped up and is now giving passersby something smile about.  Read more

- As Floridians, we've all heard the typical list for hurricane preparations like stocking up on batteries, water and canned food.   So Mount Dora Buzz compiled its own list of much lesser-known, but ingenious and practical tips that you need to know.  Read more.   

-  In an effort to support local breweries during this time when bars can't serve alcohol to be consumed on premises, Wolf Branch Brewing is highlighted as our local hot spot this month.  The brewery has tap rooms in downtown Eustis and Mount Dora and has still found a way to serve up cold ones to beer lovers while staying compliant.   Read more

- From nature to street photography, there's no shortage of amazing local subjects for great photography.  If you've captured a great shot of Mount Dora, Tavares or Eustis, email it to us and we may use it as a Pic of the Day with your photo credit!   Get more info 

- Mount Dora's Art in the Alley has been postponed until sometime this fall.   Watch the entertainment calendar to see when it and other local events resume.
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- After 27 years with Mount Dora Police Department, Chief Robert Bell is retiring on August 7.   Career law enforcement professional Brett Meade was named as the City's Acting Chief and is currently conducting a thorough review of the department.  Read more    

- Now is the time to get involved in your community. Mount Dora will have three City Council seats up for grabs in this year's election and they frequently are unopposed.  The paperwork is available now and due back at City Hall on August 14 at noon. There are no experience or education requirements, but there are 10 helpful things to know when considering whether to throw your hat in the ring.  Read more

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info
Scroll down for all the restaurant and business news.
© Mount Dora Buzz 2020

​This year more people will celebrate July 4th with smaller barbecues with family and friends since Mount Dora and Tavares have postponed their fireworks and festivities until it's deemed safer in Florida for large public gatherings.  Leesburg also cancelled their show.  There will be fireworks over Lake Eustis on July 3 at 9:30.  

-  Lake County Farmers Market, the large hub for local fresh produce, just reopened.  The large venue in Eustis is open every Thursday and offers a wide variety of fresh produce at good prices. Read more

-  Good news for Lake Dora boaters.  The 4th Avenue docks in downtown Mount Dora have re-opened to the public after repairs were completed.  Even if you're not a boater, it's a great spot to enjoy Lake Dora's gorgeous sunsets. 

- By now, everyone is likely aware of the increase of local COVID-19 cases. As a result, alcohol can't be consumed on-site in bars in Florida and Orange County requires face masks to be worn in public.  That requirement includes face masks inside Stoneybrook Hills Publix, McDonalds and all the other business in that shopping center on Mount Dora's southern border.  The Publix at Loch Leven Landing does not have the same requirement due to its Lake County location. 

- Woohoo!  Mount Dora Buzz's updated mobile app now ready to download.  It's loaded with more useful features and local information than ever before and still has the area's full monthly entertainment calendar.  You can download the  complimentary app or its update here.   It you don't have The Buzz app on your phone, you don't know what you're missing!

- Now is the time to get involved in your community. Mount Dora will have three City Council seats up for grabs in this year's election and they frequently are unopposed.  The paperwork is available now and due back at City Hall on August 14 at noon. There are no experience or education requirements, but there are 10 helpful things to know when considering whether to throw your hat in the ring.  Read more

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info

- Different times call for different awards.  The first-ever Best of Mount Dora "Take-out" voting occurred last month.  The results are in and here are the winners.   Stay tuned for the annual "Best of Mount Dora" voting later this summer.
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- Film lovers that are missing their nights at the movies can gather a group and head to Epic Theatres' new drive-in movies in Mount Dora.  The multiplex began offering the retro-style entertainment last month.  Read more

- Great news for Mount Dora's impressive live music scene.  Downtown restaurants are once again featuring live performances of talent on their socially-distanced decks and patios.  Watch the areas entertainment calendar as events start to reschedule.  

- Mount Dora Buzz mobile app users, please hang in there.  Recent OS updates have caused a glitch, so our tech gurus are working on it.  It should be operating properly by June 20 and will be packed with added features. Users will need to download the app's update once it's ready.  As always, the app is free.  

The cities of Mount Dora, Tavares and Clermont have cancelled their annual Independence Day celebrations that include fireworks shows and parades.  Mount Dora will announce plans for a future fireworks show and Tavares has rescheduled their celebration to Labor Day weekend.  Read more
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- Mount Dora's public Lincoln Avenue pool opens June 1 through August 9.  Open swim is every weekday from 11:30am to 4pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 1pm to 5pm.  Eustis Aquatic Center has not set a reopening date yet.  

-  This is hardly a typical year for graduating high school seniors, but Lake County Schools revised their plans and are allowing all of the county's public high schools to have traditional ceremonies later this month.  View details.   Meanwhile, the cities in Lake County have recently hung donated banners in honor of their graduates.  Read more 

- Mount Dora once again has its choice of farmers markets.  Mount Dora's weekly 2-day Farmers Market reopened at Renningers Twin Market on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.  Mount Dora Village Market resumes on June 7.  Lake County Farmers Market in Eustis will be closed through June.  

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info

Scroll down for all the restaurant and business news.
© Mount Dora Buzz 2020

- A new store opened in downtown Mount Dora last month.  The Salty Mare is a small shop full of all things for the Florida lifestyle and the young at heart.  Read more

- Watch for a friendly new shop to open this month inside the Renaissance Building.  My Peaceful Treasures, formerly located inside the Marketplace, will soon open on the ground floor nearest the alley in the back of the building.

-  A piece of Old World Europe has arrived in Mount Dora.  The Backhaus Bakery & Deli specializes in authentic German and European breads and pastries, as well as a variety of deli meats.  Read more  

-  Watch for some new businesses to come into downtown Mount Dora in the coming months. Prime space  has been made available by the departure of some downtown retailers like Naples Soap Company, Soft Step Shoes, Cappadocia Arts and We're Nuts.  

Mount Dora Brewing, a local favorite bar and eatery, has decided to take the summer off until at least August  We'll keep you posted when their well-earned vacation is over.  

Sadly, The Loft Bistro, the popular vegan restaurant in the Renaissance Building. has also closed its doors.  They are currently considering some down-sized options to continue serving their loyal customers. Stay tuned.  
 
- 1815 Mac and a juice spot are expected to open in Mount Dora Marketplace to fill some of the vacancies.  Crave Bakehouse, Soft Step Shoes, My Peaceful Treasures and Cava Wine Bar are some of the businesses that have recently left the downtown retail and food venue. 

Scroll down for more 'Buzz' including cool local finds and news from City Hall.

© Mount Dora Buzz 2020

​- Eustis will undergo some changes as construction begins on new downtown housing.  Grove Park Tower, a five-story building with one-bedroom apartments, is expected to open in 2021 across from the library.  Read more

- Mount Dora's newest development, Donnelly Woods, received approval at its final public hearing.  The project located on Donnelly Street will be a mix of apartments and professional office space.  Read more  

For more local real estate articles, click here. 
Scroll down for more 'Buzz' including cool local finds, news from City Hall, and a shout-out to a deserving local resident or business.

- Mount Dora will be scheduling a fireworks show later this summer, in light of the cancellation on the July 4 fireworks.   The City of Tavares rescheduled their celebration to Labor Day weekend.  

- The deadline for voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot to be mailed to them for the August 18 primary is 5 p.m. on August 8.   Vote-by-mail refers to casting a ballot received by mail or picked up at the elections office. In Lake County, a request for a ballot can be made online or via email, phone, mail, fax or in-person at the Lake County Supervisor of Elections office in Tavares.   The completed ballot must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on August 18.

- One of Mount Dora's leaders and business owners, Crissy Stile, announced her run for the Florida House of Representatives.  Stile currently serves on the Mount Dora City Council and owns a downtown Mount Dora bookstore.  Read more

Want to know what's happening at City Hall?  Stay in the loop all month on Mount Dora Buzz' government page here

​- Hot summer temps are here and so are the cravings for fresh salads.  The gyro Mediterranean salad at The Olive Branch in downtown Mount Dora  is a summer go-to and won't disappoint.  If George is your waiter it's a bonus!  

-  Here's a find for the times.   Emz on Fifth, the downtown Mount Dora women's apparel boutique, is now selling a popular new accessory.  The corner shop on 5th Avenue now stocks the most comfortable face masks around and they're available in a variety of bold prints.

- In an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor DeSantis' issued a mandatory "Stay-at-Home" order that affects everyone within the state, but some people differently depending on their workplace.  Here's what you need to know.  Read more

-There are some unique places to practice safe social distancing if you must leave the house for essential businesses.  For healthy shopping without the crowds, Mount Dora Buzz is republishing its list of organic farms in Lake County here.   If you go, please remember to keep a minimum of six feet between yourself and everyone else.   If you need outdoor exercise, try one of the county's remote walking trails.  There typically aren't many hikers on the various trail loops, so it can be easy to stay far away from others.  Get the list of trails here and check before heading out to make sure the park is still open.
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-  Mount Dora's latest new proposed development  wraps around Donnelly Street and Limit Avenue.  The 112-apartment and professional office project is expected to have a final public hearing and vote by Mount Dora City Council on Tuesday, April 7. Public comments and input will be allowed during the hearing prior to the vote.  Learn how to participate in the meeting and see diagrams of the project here.

-  Back in February the City of Mount Dora sought artists to create four downtown murals.  The response topped 100 and the selection process is underway.  Read more

- In an effort to brighten people's days during these trying times, Mount Dora Buzz is asking for photographers' submissions for Pic of the Day to be published on our Facebook page with credit to the photographer.  Images must have been taken in Lake County and can be anything ranging from nature and beauty to creative street photography or a captured funny moment.  More info 

- The cancellation of this month's Lake County Fair left some area students holding a heavy bag.  Many FFA and agriculture students raise livestock animals as part of school projects and recoup their sizeable investment at the market animal auctions at the fair.  Read more

-  Due to an increase of unemployed Lake County residents, Lake Cares Food Pantry is in need of non-perishable food donations.  Anyone that is able to help can drop-off donations here. 

Check out the local dining guide for excellent take-out options.  Most area restaurants are offering curbside pick-up and licensed eateries can sell you sealed alcoholic beverage to go with your meals. Diners can also see restaurants' take-menus and specials that they post on the Mount Dora Word of Mouth group on Facebook.  Customers are encouraged to use credit cards in lieu of cash and call ahead for current hours. 

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your source for graphic design and writing your press releases and digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.   Get more info

- Mount Dora Firefighters are seeking donations to lifesaving personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect first responders and local hospital workers.  Read more

- Lake County students that depend on the free or reduced-cost meals available at school, can now get free meals to go at area public schools during this time of school closures.  Read more

-   Residents and businesses who are looking for financial resources and up-to-date confirmed cases in Lake County can find all of the information in one place here.  
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-  To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as well as to keep patients and healthcare workers safe, AdventHealth Waterman Hospital currently does not have visiting hours for its patients.  The healthcare system does have a phone line that you can call for helpful information at 877-VIRUSHQ.

- Residents of unincorporated Mount Dora in Orange County fall under a curfew and mandatory stay-at-home order with exemptions for for essential businesses.  Read more

- This month gorgeous wooden boats of yesteryear will once again line the shoreline at Wooton Park in Tavares.  During the Sunnyland Antique Boat Show, hundreds of immaculate vessels will be available for drooling over throughout the three-day event.    It you've never been, it's a must-see.  Read more
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If you love sailboats, the Mount Dora Sailing Regatta is the following week on Lake Dora.  The best spots to view the fleet of sails are Lighthouse Point and Palm Island.  The 4th Avenue docks are closed for repair due to recent storm damage, so that vantage point is not available this year.  Read more

-  Mount Dora is about to get more artsy.  Muralists and artists are being sought for paint four large trash compactor enclosures throughout downtown.  The City is paying $1400 for each mural commissioned.  Interested artists must submit their resumes and proposals by March 6.  Read more

Eustis is calling on artists of a different kind.  This month the city will once again host its annual Busker Festival where street performers from across the U.S. compete for cash prizes.  Read more

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info
Scroll down for all the restaurant and business news.
© Mount Dora Buzz 2020