APRIL EDITION: News & Events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

​There's good news for outdoor enthusiasts. Scenic Kelly Park at Rock Springs re-opened in March at reduced capacity. Visitors can now enjoy activities like tubing, swimming, paddling and hiking just 15 minutes from downtown Mount Dora. Read more

Getting a bike trail in Mount Dora continues to be a lengthy process, but the City, in partnership with the City of Tavares and Lake County, are continuing their quest to see the Tav-Dora Trail become a reality. With input from Tavares City Administrator, John Drury, Mount Dora Buzz gathered ten things to know in 2021 about that much-anticipated trail project. Read more

Lake County Fair reaches a big milestone when it kicks off this month. The fair celebrates its 100 year anniversary during its nine-day run April 8 through the 17th. We've got what you need to know before heading to Lake County Fairgrounds. Read more

Parking has been an ongoing issue in Mount Dora since what seems like the Dark Ages. Now the City is hoping to attract developers to help solve the problem. A current RFP (Request for Proposals) is asking developers to submit their ideas for developing a parking structure that may include retail and other uses in addition to the parking garage. Read more

Spring has sprung and that means Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show is just around the corner. The two-day event will take place outdoors under the oaks at Renningers Antique Center. Read more

This month's Day Trippin' feature is a locale guaranteed to please anyone that appreciates art, architecture and a beautiful venue. This fun road trip from Mount Dora is an easy 2-hour drive away. Read more

April is the season for sweet ripe blueberries from local farms and it also brings the 7th annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival to celebrate all things blueberry including wine, plants and pies, plus crafters and food vendors.

The eligible age for Covid-19 vaccinations in Florida is currently 40 years and older. On April 5, the eligible age drops to 16 years and older. Check out Mount Dora Buzz's local Covid-19 resources page to stay in the loop about updates on vaccine sites, processes, and contact information. Visit the resource page here.

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area and more....

Boba tea lovers have something to celebrate. Magic Tea Market plans to open early this month on 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora. The shop will feature all kinds of bubble tea, slushes, savory snacks and treats from the Far East. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram for grand opening details in the coming weeks.

Smoothie and ice cream lovers have two new local sweet spots in Loch Leven Landing to check out. Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a popular chain eatery, whips up dozens of fruit smoothies, plus breakfast and lunch items like sandwiches, salads, wraps and more. Right next door is Jeremiah's Italian Ice, a friendly franchise which serves up over 40 flavors of Italian ice, soft-serve ice cream plus its signature Gelati treat which layers ice cream with Italian ice in a myriad of combinations. Be sure to take in Jeremiah's version of the Starry Night mural when you're there!

At long last, Mount Dora's new Peach Valley Cafe, located in the former Bob Evans space on U.S. 441, has set an opening date. The new eatery is open for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of menu items. Read more

Construction of Lake County's new Wawa location in Mount Dora on U.S. 441 is now progressing quickly and the company has finally targeted an opening month. Soon the chain's loyal fans can begin filling up on Wawa's popular 24-hour take-out food. Read more

A new sports bar opened in downtown Tavares near the downtown lakefront. Tavares Dawg House is located in the ground floor of Key West Resort next to the pool on Ruby Street.

Scroll down for local government buzz, Best of Mount Dora winners, links to more local entertainment and useless local facts.

© Mount Dora Buzz 2021

LOCAL DINING GUIDE

​At its April meeting, Mount Dora Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) will discuss a potential new ordinance that includes increasing downtown's building height limit from the current 35 feet to 55 feet for future commercial and residential development.

The City of Eustis hired Craig A. Capri as its new police chief. Capri served the City of Daytona Beach as the Deputy Chief of Police from 2014 to 2017, and as the Chief of Police/Deputy City Manager from 2017 to 2021. In January, Eustis Police Chief, Gary Calhoun, hired in 2015, resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall. For Lake County Covid-19 information go to the resource page here.

Check out this Month's Events