JANUARY EDITION: News & events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Happy New Year! Mount Dora Buzz wishes you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2022.

This month brings the exciting return of Central Florida Film Festival to Mount Dora. The annual international festival will screen over 150 films of all different types of genres. The three-day event takes place January 21 through 23. Read more

At the end of the month, the Florida Storytelling Festival returns to downtown Mount Dora with a bevy of events at the historic Lakeside Inn. You can find many of their events on the local entertainment calendar here.

A new 224-acre residential development has been proposed in Mount Dora which would span both sides of U.S. 441 between Loch Leven Landing shopping center and Limit Avenue. The developers of the proposed Simpson Grove development will have an information session on the project at Mount Dora Community Building on January 10 at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend to learn more. The development is expected to be voted on at the January 18th Mount Dora City Council meeting.

Time to show off your cooking and bartending skills. Mount Dora is going to have its own new cookbook, and residents and businesses owners are encouraged to submit their favorite recipe from apps, entrees, sides, cocktails and desserts to help support a great local cause. Read more

Tavares Public Library's new 2,594-square-foot expansion will have its ribbon cutting on January 6. The multipurpose space includes a section for teens, accommodations for individual and group gatherings, and a programming and meeting area with interactive technology for collaboration. The library is located at 314 N New Hampshire Avenue.

Scroll down for new local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, the Best of Mount Dora winners, and more.

Soon downtown Mount Dora will no longer be void of a pizza place. A new eatery featuring pizza made from scratch will open this month next to Pisces Rising. Back Porch Pizza Bar will also be concocting craft cocktails. Learn more about its other offerings and see some of its gourmet pizza menu here.

A new store, Regal Shops, offering all types of essential merchandise, recently opened in the Grandview Business District. In January, the store expects to serve burgers and wings from their commercial kitchen. Read more

Panda Express fans will be happy to hear that the Mount Dora location is planning to open soon. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram for an opening date.

Scroll down for Government Buzz, the annual Best of Mount Dora winners, and more.

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Habitat for Humanity raised $90,000 to match the same amount from the Mount Dora's Northeast Community Redevelopment Agency (NECRA) to renovate and upgrade six homes in the neighborhood.

At its January 18 regular meeting, Mount Dora City Council will be voting on a large proposed development, Simpson Groves, that would significantly increase the city's population and tax base. The developer will host an information session on January 10th at the Mount Dora Community Building on 6th Avenue and Baker Street. The public is encouraged to attend. The session will start at 6 p.m.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall.

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