JANUARY NEWS for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

​It arguably the most anticipated venture in north Lake County in years. The Dora Queen, a new riverboat-style, 84-foot boat, is finally moored at Wooton Park in Tavares. The locally-owned business will begin offering pleasure cruises on Lake Dora later this year. Watch the Mount Dora Buzz's website and Facebook page for updates when its maiden voyage is scheduled in 2020. See video.

In December a historic commercial building sold on the most coveted block of downtown Mount Dora. The building was home to Oliver's Twist Antiques for 23 years and now has a new owner and a new tenant. Read more

Although we are sad to report the closing of downtown Mount Dora's Whispering WInds store, we are excited for the owners' next chapter. Mom-and-pop retail takes a tremendous amount of time, so they made the tough decision to close the store in order to spend more time with their young children. Watch for downtown's popular Papilio and Botanica stores to transform that space and relocate into it.

Downtown Eustis is making more news by taking a cue from other Central Florida cities with the creation of a new community market. The privately-owned project is currently in the initial buildout and leasing stage. Read more

Just after AdventHealth opened its new pediatric ER at Waterman Hospital in December, its new medical plaza near Country Club of Mount Dora will open this month with doctors starting to see patients on January 6 and an open house on January 22.

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Tillie's sports bar and restaurant in Eustis is undergoing an ambitious expansion into the historic 1884 building. The bar on the ground floor has been expanded and partitioned from the large dining area. Tillie's menu will remain the same.

Downtown Mount Dora just got an affordable lunch option for downtown workers and anyone that loves a good dog. Duke's Dogs, named for the owners' labradoodle, opened at the end of December to rave reviews for their loaded hotdogs and fries.

Barbecue lovers have a new casual spot to try. Hungry Gator BBQ is now operating out of Mount Dora Golf Association and cooking up smoked pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, dogs and other casual classics.

Mount Dora's Planning & Zoning Board, composed of residents appointed by City Council members, voted in December to repeal the ordinance that regulated the city's bed and breakfasts. The measure is now expected to go before the City Council for consideration.

Anyone near the intersection of Highland and Lincoln Streets in northeast Mount Dora can't help but notice the City's dilapidated Public Works building was finally torn down. Now the CIty will expand the park's footprint and decide what park amenities they will build on the site. Read more

​The City Council gave final approval to the Cottages on 11th, the new 27-home development on 11th Avenue that will replace the orange groves. Read more

Local parents and children won't want to miss the impressive remodelling of the children's library at W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora. The $168,000 project was funded by donations. Its beautiful new design features a nature-inspired mural, a computer lab, a nature lab, interactive learning materials, 7,000 books and new furnishings to comfortably accommodate children.

This area is made special by its many amazing people. This month huge kudos go to:

• Joe Lewis, owner of Mount Dora Marina & Boating Center, for taking on the hard work and great expense to put on its annual holiday light display at the marina. His generosity is as impressive as his holiday display. Wow. Just Wow.
• All the wonderful local residents and businesses that generously donated hoodies & jackets during our annual drive last month. They eagerly helped their less fortunate neighbors stay warm this winter. Shout-out to Barrel of Books & Games for helping Mount Dora Buzz every year with this project.​
• The insanely talented Mount Dora High School Band for being accepted to perform at next year's Peach Bowl in Atlanta. If you heard them this year, you know this is very well-deserved invitation.
• Brandi Slater, a local and compassionate hair stylist, whose successful annual toy drive always shows that one person can make a big difference. You go, girl!

Mount Dora Buzz is always on the hunt for good stuff and when we find it, we share it.

This month's find will appeal to the more adventurous foodies and seafood lovers. Next time you're in downtown Mount Dora, order the fresh fish ceviche at Ceviche Mix's walk-up counter. It's fresh, light and flavorful. The take-out eatery also make shrimp ceviche, but the real test of the Latin dish is the fish version and this little doesn't disappoint.

​It's not cheap, but just consider it a delicious healthy indulgence and the perfect way to stick to your New Year's diet. For a few extra beans ($2), they'll add fresh octopus. You can find Ceviche Mix inside 100 E. 4th Avenue.

No worries, if you're more of a meat-and-potatoes eater. Just hop across the street and try the Vaca Frita entree at Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant (351 N. Donnelly Street). It's tender and flavorful shredded steak with sauteed onions that's grilled on a flat top. Make sure to add the garlic sauce!  While you're there, be sure to order the tostones as one of your side dishes. They are simply the best we've ever had.  Delish!

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