JANUARY 2016

- Epic Theatres received the required variance from the City of Mount Dora in December and is now on track to finalize the purchase of the property and begin the permitting process. Read more.

-  Mount Dora just added another outdoor activity to its least of recreational amenities.   Penguin Paddling of Mount Dora is now offering kayak and paddle board rentals at Simpson Cove near the lighthouse and boat ramp.  Read more...

The new Mediterranean-Italian restaurant, The Olive Branch, opened downtown on New Year's Eve in the renovated space of the former Merrill's Market.  The owner brings with him classic Italian dishes and many years of restaurant experience. Read more

- 'Tis the season for fresh strawberries and Oak Haven Farms once again has hours available to pick your own.  If you don't want to walk the fields, the short drive down Wolf Branch Road is definitely worth their fresh strawberry milkshakes and shortcake.  You'll  thank us for that little tip later!

-  Kabobs anyone?  Aladdin's Mediterranean Grill & Oyster Bar opened in the former location of Mr. Cerbiche on 19A near Eudora Road.  In addition to ethnic fare like falafel, gyros kabobs and kibbeeh, the restaurant also serves casual American fare like burgers, steaks, ribs and fresh oysters.  (3301 N. 19A)

-  Local resident and former NFL player, Sammie Smith opened an athletic training, facility, KIS, in Mount Dora with the goal of encouraging and empowering local youth. The KIS also offers boot camps for adults and batting cage rentals.  Read more

​-  Las Palmas, a new Cuban restaurant and bar, is now open in the former home of The Palm Tree Grill on Donnelly Street. The casual, downtown restaurant will primarily offer traditional Cuban dishes, as well as a full bar. Read more  

-  After four and a half years, Mount Dora is sad to lose Bowersock Gallery.  The 4th Avenue location will close so the artist can focus on his art and growing Provincetown Gallery.  Read more.

-  It's never been easier to be a tree hugger.  There will be a free Tree Give-Away this week in advance of Arbor Day, celebrated in Florida on the 3rd Friday in January.  Residents can get free, tree seedlings on Jan. 7.  Read more.

- An interesting new history book, A Brief History of Mount Dora, was written by local authors and provides a fresh look at the city's past.  The book will be available at Barrel of Books and Games on January 11. The store will also host a book signing on January 15.  Read more.   For a timeline of Mount Dora's history,  click here

- The Chef's Pantry, a downtown restaurant, closed last month.  However, was reported in December, Shiva, a new Indian restaurant, is in the build-out process for a 5th Avenue location. Can't wait!  Stay tuned for an opening date.

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- A new Planet Fitness opened at 2830 S. Bay Street.  The fitness center is open 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday.  The location is open shorter hours on weekends.

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-  Lakeside Stone Grill opened off US 441 and offers seafood, as well as favorites for landlubbers.  If you go, let us know about your experience.  901 Lakeshore Blvd.  ​

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- We found the perfect, savory afternoon snack.  Ivory's lemon pepper wings! Their burgers and curry chicken had us coming back, too!. Read more...  1325 Grandview Street, Mount Dora

-   The cooler weather is perfect time to take a walk along the nature boardwalks and Palm Island and atTrimble Park in Tangerine.  There are plenty of picnic tables, so pack a lunch.

-  Love the homemade soups at Cody's on 4th during the cooler weather.  We love the mushroom bisque or Pete's hamburger soup. (4th Ave., downtown Mount Dora)

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- Kudos to Mount Dora Police Department for their many community events during the holiday season.  The department was busy with their festive neighborhood Santa Tour, the Shop with a Cop event at Target, as well as the surprise party for a local toddler on the liver transplant list and his family.  Thank you, MDPD!

- This year's Mount Dora Half Marathon and 5k had approximately 1200 participants.  A big shout out goes to race director Vicki Blate and the 200 volunteers for getting so many hearts pumping and plenty of feet on the streets that contributed to the local economy.  Runners were so impressed, there are already 650 registrants for the 2016 event.  Well done and thanks for all you do!

-  Another shout-out goes to local singer/songwriter David Oliver Willis for organizing the festive Tipsy Elf Bar Crawl that raised over $5,000 for Lake Cares Food Pantry families while bringing over 900 elves to town!

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