MAY, 2015

MOUNT DORA

• Lots of folks inquiring about what is being built next to Chipotle on US 441.   Drum roll please....it's ABC Liquors. Meanwhile, Mount Dora's Ross Dress for Less has met with significant delays, so The Buzz will keep you posted when there is an opening date.  Residents anxious for Trader Joe's, Panera Bread or Fresh Market will have to wait a little longer.  The construction of the Wekiva Parkway in a few years will bring better chains to US 441 to accommodate the growth and changing demographics. 

• Mount Dora's hot issue, the replacement of downtown's shade trees, will be discussed at the May 19th city council meeting.  Residents interested in the issue can attend and speak to their elected officials as to whether the city's downtown core is the right place for more palms or shade trees.  The meeting will be held at the community building at 6pm following the water conservation poster contest presentation.  For more info on the issue visithttp://www.mountdorabuzz.com/editorial

• A wayward, manatee is visiting Lake Dora.  It was spotted again earlier this week near the inlet to Lake Beauclaire lumbering in close proximity to smaller gators. Although a rare occurrence, manatees have been known to travel far inland through small tributaries.  Wildlife officials said a biologist determined it's a healthy male and for now they are leaving it alone.   Speculation is the mature male wouldn't stop to ask for directions.  Catch a glimpse of him athttp://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/mount-doras-wayward-visitor

• Mount Dora's new city manager, Vince Pastue, comes from Farmington Michigan, a historic suburb of Detroit.  Pastue brings with him extensive experience as a city manager and is expected to be a tremendous benefit to the city.   Learn more about him athttp://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/meet-the-citys-new-leader

• Burkhardt Construction is making steady progress on 4th Avenue between Donnelly & Alexander.  Both lanes have been repaved and one lane is scheduled to be open to through traffic next week.  If you're downtown on Monday, remember it's  "Hug a Construction Worker Day" so give one those hard workers a squeeze!

• A new vintage store, Vintage Goods & Chattel, is opening this weekend on Highland Street and Liberty in uptown Mount Dora.  

• Karen's Gift Store on 4th Avenue closed in April, but the space has been leased to an experienced downtown retailer.  Look for the new store to open in  the coming months.  

• Meanwhile, Sterling Treasures on Donnelly Street will be closing for retirement next month.  This makes five prime downtown locations available, so now is an opportune time for suitable small businesses to scout locations. A link for downtown landlords with space available iswww.MountDoraBuzz.com/real-estate

• Travel writers often miss the continued vibrant evolution of Mount Dora. However, residents now have a story with a fresh look at the town to share with friends and family to lure them for a visit.http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/mount-dora-the-awakening-of-a-sleepy-antique-town

• Mount Dora's newest residential subdivision is currently in the site preparation stages. The 12.21 acre, gated community will have Lake Dora access and is on Clayton Street at the Orange County line.  The developed is zoned for 6 single family units per acre. http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/citys-newest-subdivision-breaks-ground

• Lake County schools finish for summer break on June 4.  A special summer camp issue of Mount Dora Buzz will be in June, as well as a comprehensive article on local camps on  www.MountDoraBuzz.com later this month.

EUSTIS BUZZ:  

• Phase one of waterfront Ferran Park enhancements began and will include replacing sidewalks, installing new irrigation, new landscaping and a new playground. The work is located between the heron water fountain and the south end of the park and will continue through June with a July 4th Playground Dedication. The Park will remain open throughout the improvements

TAVARES BUZZ:

• This Saturday residents can pack a picnic and pull up a piece of the lakefront at Wooton Park to watch the Seaplane Fly-in Tavares. 

• A new pizza place will be opening soon on Main Street.  The concept is a build your own pie, popular in other areas.

• The  City of Tavares is currently hiring a few positions.  If you're interested in their employment opportunities visit  http://www.tavares.org/Jobs.aspx for details about the positions.  

Get more local news at www.MountDoraBuzz.com and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MountDoraBuzz

FABULOUS MOTHER'S DAY FINDS !

• A basket of gourmet delectables from Julianne's Coastal Coattage is always a hit.  Fill it up with favorites from Robert Rothschild Farm, The Gourmet Spot and Stonewall Kitchen. (4th Ave. downtown Mount Dora)

• Keep mom out of the kitchen with the homemade "Dinners To Go" fromCody's  on 4th.  Freeze them so she can  enjoy nights away the kitchen long after Mother's Day is over.  For dessert grab one of her favorite cupcakes from Cupcake Delights.  And yes, grab yourself one, too!   (4th Avenue downtown)

• For the active mom, Painting Outside the Lines gallery has bicycling jerseys featuring local paintings from local artist, Bev Neal. (Donnelly Street, down the hall from One Flight Up)

• For the moms that love bling....take advantage of the  40% off jewelry sale at Sterling Treasures on Donnelly Street or Gold In Art's beautiful gold stunners next door (Donnelly St., Downtown Mount Dora)

• Succulents are so easy to grow that even a busy mom can make them flourish.  Papilio has an assortment of these hardy plants and thoughtful Mother's Day cards as well.

Take advantage of the Shop Mount Dora resource page atwww.Facebook.com/ShopMountDora for big sales and great finds throughout the month. Discover a list of stores at www.MountDoraBuzz.com/shopping 

THIS MONTH'S SHOUT OUT
This month's shout-out goes to all the women and  businesses that participated in the Dora Drawdy fashion show to provide mammograms for those women that couldn't afford them.   It's a great cause that saves local lives.