JUNE ISSUE - News for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

-  It's been a long time coming in Mount Dora, but the city council and staff are ironing out the details of establishing a downtown entertainment district that would allow the on-street consumption of alcoholic beverages. The drinks would have to be dispensed by a licensed establishment and served in a clear plastic cup.  Read more

-  Last month, an attorney for Main Street Leasing announced at Mount Dora's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that the company has future plans to build a 50-room, downtown hotel on the vacant lot on 5th Avenue and McDonald Street.  The lot falls within the 35-foot height-restricted area in downtown Mount Dora.  For reference, Lakeside Inn has a total of 90 rooms in its five historic buildings on property that is several times larger, but in the same height-restricted area.  The meeting was for an unrelated parking variance for the proposed restaurant on the commercial property at the entrance to Boat House Row and next to Mount Dora Yacht Club.   The variance was denied by the commission, but the property owners, who also own Las Palmas Cuban restaurant, are appealing the decision.

-  Once again, Mount Dora will host a Juneteenth Festival at the Grandview Street and Grand Street intersection.  The national celebration will feature live music, food and drink vendors.  Read more

-  Although the parking shuttle program provided by the City of Mount Dora is on hiatus until tourist season resumes, Mount Dora Transit is still providing its free shuttle service downtown and uptown.  Meanwhile, the city's valet service has been put on the back burner indefinitely due to cost and the downtown parking lots the valet company had proposed to use.  

-  A Eustis company, Steamroller Studios, announced it will be leaving its cool historic digs to move into a larger and more modern location in the heart of downtown Mount Dora.  The game development and animation studio employs roughly 50 people.  Read more

- In an effort to focus on other opportunities, Mount Dora's city council member and former mayor, Cathy Hoechst, announced she won't seek re-election this fall.  Hoechst, who also works part-time at Lake Receptions, will remain active in the community.  Two residents have announced their plans to run for the council seat she is vacating. Read more

-  Public schools are out for summer and many local, underprivileged kids that rely on free breakfast and lunch during the school year, now find themselves without two daily meals.  Residents, businesses and clubs can help bridge the hunger gap by participating in "The P B & J Challenge" for Lake Cares Food Pantry.  Get details and drop-off locations for peanut butter and jelly here.

-  A couple of local fitness spots are on the move.  SamaCore Yoga & Barre made a temporary move to 334 Donnelly Street in the former space of Malcolm Yawn Photography.   The yoga studio is waiting for their permanent space to be ready on Old 441 in the Mount Dora Pizza shopping Center.   Meanwhile, Wallace Fitness announced it's moving into digs across the street into the former space of On the Run Fitness at 301 Baker Street.

-  Scroll down for new restaurant and store news.  If you want to receive the free monthly issue  of Mount Dora Buzz with the monthly events and news in your inbox, click here. 

Find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall and our schools, you can scroll for updates on our "Government" page. 

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

Copyright Mount Dora Buzz 2018

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-  Looking for fresh Middle Eastern fare?  A new Turkish restaurant in downtown Eustis, Nulan Sultan, is the spot for you.  The downtown location serves up traditional favorites from the owner's own recipes. Read more 

-  PizzaAmore in Mount Dora is celebrating a big milestone.  June marks the eatery's 10th anniversary and they are celebrating  with a big community bash on June 30. Read more

-  Chef Alex Gandia, the creative and community-minded chef at Pisces Rising, ended his long run at the downtown Mount Dora restaurant.  We wish him much success as the chef on Vive Tu Dia, an Orlando television series that airs on Saturdays.
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-  In an effort to put greater focus on its Vietnamese cuisine and sushi menu, Saigon Fusion in Mount Dora announced it will no longer be offering its hibachi items.  No worries, there are plenty of hibachi options in the area, but only one spot for Vietnamese.

-   A second new restaurant recently opened in Eustis. The El Marie Pizzaria (yes, that's how they spell it) & Sub Shoppe.  At the counter, diners can order their choice of pizza. subs, calzones and salads. Read more

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-  At time of publication, Bravo Supermarket was scheduled to open May 31 to provide a diversified grocery shopping experience to the area. Previously, the closest location of the chain was in Apopka.  Read more
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-   A new store, Black Swan Mercantile, is scheduled to open in mid-June in downtown Mount Dora's Renaissance Building.  The Donnelly Street boutique will feature home decor and merchandise that shoppers could find in a French market. Read more

-  Donnelly Euro Footwear in downtown Mount Dora recently changed its name to Becker's Best Shoes and opened a second location in downtown DeLand.  

-  Recently, Wild Ibis Studios had their grand opening in downtown Eustis.  The work space and gallery features seven local artists with styles that range from abstract to impressionism.  

-  For stores that are closing, please scroll down.  If you want to receive the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz with events and news in your inbox, click here. 

Copyright Mount Dora Buzz, 2018

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We really don't like to bring you bad news, so please, please don't kill the messenger.  Here are this month's buzz-kills:
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- Fro-yo lovers lost their favorite (and only) game in town.  Mount Dora's High Five Frozen Yogurt closed last month.  We'll let you know if another spot opens to get your fix.

- The downtown Mount Dora store, Double Creek Pottery, announced it's closing its 4th Avenue store next to Maggie's Attic.

-  Melrose Home, the downtown Mount Dora home decor boutique in the Dora Drawdy alley next to Goblin Market, decided to close its retail business to focus on decorating services.  

Discover this month's events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, here.  If you want to receive the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz with events in your inbox, click here. 
 
Copyright Mount Dora Buzz 2018

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