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

Florida is now in the peak of its festival season and this month kicks off with the 47th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival throughout the streets of downtown.  Read more

February is African American History Month and Tavares was to host an African American Heritage Festival in Wooton Park on February 5, but it was cancelled by the organizer (not the City of Tavares).   However, Lake County Museum of Art (LCMA) will celebrate the month with a special exhibit from February 4 to February 26.  There will be an opening reception on February 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, Eustis is also gearing up for its big annual GeorgeFest this month. The event is spread across multiple days and features a popular carnival, a parade and other family-friendly activities. Get the schedule of events here

W.T. Bland has some Jurassic visitors again this year. Grab the kids and hustle over to the library's lobby to see their awesome dinosaur exhibit before it leaves at the end of the month. Read more

February marks the last Mount Dora Antique Extravaganza of the season. The sprawling outdoor event at Renningers Antique Center occurs every November, January and February. Read more

The developer and property owner of the proposed Mount Dora Groves pulled their request to increase residential density for an expansive residential and commercial development that would have spanned both sides of U.S. 441 between Loch Leven Landing shopping center and the Country Club of Mount Dora. That means there is no longer an application with the city to develop that property.

Just a reminder....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

Mount Dora High School tapped a new head football coach last month, just as construction kicked off on its multi-phase stadium improvement project. Read more

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

Watch for My Peaceful Treasures, downtown Mount Dora's unique metaphysical boutique, to relocate to 5th Avenue in the former home of Papilio. The bigger space will allow more beautiful jewelry, clothing and gemstones.

Mount Dora's popular Olive Branch Mediterranean Restaurant changed hands last month. Although the community will miss former owners Jerry and Karen Vejseli, the new owner, Jeff Riesland, plans to keep a lot the same. Read more

Indie Markets are big throughout the country and until recently North Lake County residents would have to travel to DeLand or St. Petersburg to find one. Now a monthly indie market has taken root near Eustis and is hoping to grow during the season. Read more

Watch for a new Haystax Restaurant to open in Mount Dora on Old Highway 441 just east of Eudora Road in the same shopping center as the Post Office. The diner-style eatery will serve breakfast all day, every day starting at 6:30 a.m. They also have a lunch and dinner menu with American diner standards and a few Mexican options.

Scroll down for Government Buzz, this month's local history column and the annual Best of Mount Dora winners, and more.

© Mount Dora Buzz 2021

Lake County will be holding its local Household Hazardous Waste pickup on March 17 at Mount Dora's Walmart parking lot. Lake County residents can drop of their leftover paint, pesticides, fluorescent lamps, and other items. Commercial drop off is not permitted at this event.

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

In celebration of African American History Month, learn more about the history of Mount Dora's first Black settlers. Read more

Mount Dora has a rich history. Discover things you never knew about this beautiful area of Central Florida by checking out the history timeline and articles here​.

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