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

It's summer in Florida and the temps are sweltering, but our local area has just what you need to cool off. Make time to take a refreshing dip in the waters of the many nearby natural springs. Here's a list of the seven best.

It's that time of year again! Mount Dora residents interested in giving back to their community can now throw their hats into the ring to serve on the City Council. In recent years, many council seats have gone unopposed, so now is a great time to get involved and give back. Here's list of ten quick things to know to when considering a run for Mount Dora City Council and a link to the paperwork to file. Read more

Bring on the parties! Independence Day celebrations are this weekend. As is the local tradition, the cities of Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis spread the festivities over 3 days so residents can enjoy all of the celebrations and fireworks. First up is Eustis with its celebration in Ferran Park on July 1. Get the complete schedule of events here. Next is Freedom on the Waterfront in Mount Dora and you can get details on that event here. The holiday weekend's festivities wrap up with the July 4 activities in downtown Tavares with a parade, live music and fireworks. Get the schedule of events here.

Interested in downtown Mount Dora's parking situation? Scroll down for the monthly Buzz Poll results on that topic.

Mount Dora will be host to a Down the Hill Soap Box Derby at the end of July. You can take in a little old-school fun at Evans Park on July 30 from 10am to 4pm.

Scroll down for buzz on local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, this month's history article and the Best of Mount Dora winners. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Twitter for updates on local events and breaking news.

Tavares has a cool new watering hole The recent opening of The Argonaut Bar & Lounge has provided a fun new experience in the heart of downtown. Read more

Yada Yada Pottery is expected to move in August from its current second floor location on Donnelly Street to a larger and more accessible location at 133 E. 5th Avenue where it will continue to offer its popular ceramics classes, pottery painting, macrame classes, and artisan gift shop.

The Dona Vista Market, a community marketplace near Eustis, opened a new art gallery on weekends featuring local artists.

C.J. Seafood Company in downtown Eustis closed in June, according to its Facebook page. A "for rent" sign was placed in the large space, so stay tuned for what's next. Meanwhile, under new ownership, Magnolia Wine Bar, also in downtown Eustis, has updated its offerings and shortened its name to just Magnolia.

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

It's hardly a secret that downtown parking has long been a hot topic in Mount Dora. Last month's informal Buzz Poll of readers sought input about the area's parking. Find the poll results here

A traffic light at the intersection of Lakes of Mount Dora Blvd. and SR 44 has been approved by FDOT and design work has begun. The State agency is streamlining the multi-year process into 6 to 8 months due to safety concerns and hopes that the traffic signal will be installed shortly after the new signal at Britt Road and SR 44.

Last month, Mount Dora's popular Police Chief resigned and his official last day was June 10. Here is a timeline of events gleaned from public records that led up to the Chief's voluntary departure. Interim Police Chief Gibson now brings his extensive experience to run the department.

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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