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

Here comes spring! This month there's a lot on the calendar including the entertaining Planes, Tunes and BBQ in downtown Tavares that also features the annual Seaplane-A-Palooza events. Read more

It's also the last chance of Florida's festival season to take in a large craft festival. Mount Dora's Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts will feature approximately 250 crafters on the streets of its historic downtown. Read more

Take in beautiful afternoons on the Lake Dora waterfront watching the 70th annual Mount Dora Sailing Regatta. The scenic two-day event features over seventy boats in a myriad of classes. Read more

Tavares will also see some gorgeous boats on its lakefront during the annual Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival on March 23 through 26. The festival features hundreds of gorgeous antique wooden boats, nautical vendors and more. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for more details and its Instagram for photos.

There is still time to register for Mount Dora's "Live It" ride on March 11 for bicyclists from novice to more advanced. The event consists of three rides for all levels. The easier ride also has a photo-scavenger hunt. Read more

March is a great time for a day trip to Blue Springs. The pristine State Park, beautiful on its own, is also the winter refuge to hundreds of West Indian manatees on chilly winter days. Cooler weather may soon be behind us, so if you've been meaning to go, now is the time. Read more

After a lengthy final public hearing and significant public opposition, the largest proposed development in Mount Dora and Lake County was voted down by Mount Dora City Council last month. The proposed development was located within Mount Dora's long-planned Wolf Branch innovation District. AMCO Development submitted a rezoning application that included a 350-foot tall building and then lowered it to 310 feet, then to 250 and lastly held firm at 197 feet. The current zoning allows up to 100 feet. The proposal also deviated from land uses currently allowed on the property.

This is the last month for graduating Mount Dora High School seniors to apply for the One Human Family Scholarship made possible with generous donations by members of the community and a partnership between the Triangle Connection and Mount Dora Buzz. Get application information here or from Mount Dora High School guidance counselors.

Scroll down for buzz on local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, and the Best of Mount Dora winners. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram for more local content.

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Hot sauce and jerky lovers now have a new hot spot. Mount Dora Jerky Company opened its doors at 128 W. 4th Avenue downtown and will continue to grow its inventory of premium jerky and related pre-packaged food items.

Watch for the Mellow Mushroom on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora to open late this month or next month after several months of closure.

Scroll down for this month's featured events, hot topics at City Hall, stellar local businesses, new development buzz and the Best of Mount Dora.

The renewal of Cauley Lott Park in Mount Dora's Northeast Community was just completed. The impressive renovations include a new pavilion, shelters for the stage and one of the two basketball courts, a Ninja-style play area, a walking trail, increased green space, new restrooms, plus improved lighting and electricity for special events.

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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