News & entertainment for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

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

7/30/2023

After an extensive restoration effort that spanned several years and cost a few million dollars, the historic Sydonie Mansion near Mount Dora is now offering public tours of its impressive interior and sprawling lakefront grounds. The tours will help raise money for the estate's maintenance and further restoration. Read more

It's that time of year again! Voting is now underway for the Best of Mount Dora awards for everything from restaurants, shopping, events and more. Show your local favorites some love for all of their hard work! Cast your ballot here now through August 15.

Although it's no surprise to many residents, Mount Dora was recently distinguished as one the 10 Great Places to live in the Orlando area in 2023 by Orlando Magazine. Learn what the publication said and about the other neighborhoods included in the honor here.

August marks the height of Florida's hurricane season. Now is the time to check your supplies and make your preparations. Here is the list of the 16 best hurricane tips. Read more

Heads up, drivers! The first day of school for Lake County's public schools is August 10. Please watch for kids walking to their bus stops and plan ahead for delays travelling through school zones.

Last month, Alexander Springs' recreation area closed twice due to alligators, including one instance resulting in an attack by a seven-and-a-half-foot gator. It serves as a timely reminder that August is hatching season in Florida and female alligators are very protective of their young, so as aways, use caution while in their habitat.

Enjoying Lake Dora just got easier with the opening of the new kayak launch at the entrance to Palm Island Park just south of Mount Dora's lighthouse. If you're unsure where to start, try paddling south along the shoreline into Lake Beauclaire for calm waters and beautiful scenery.

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

You can never have too many sushi options! Saga Sushi recently opened on the southern edge of Mount Dora. In addition to fresh sushi, it also offers other Japanese fare. Read more

French bakery lovers are in for a huge treat. A Wish or Two Ago bakery opened in July in downtown Eustis to rave customer reviews. If the name sounds familiar, it's because the bakery, which offers various pastries, treats, cakes and fresh baked breads, had a previous location in the area. Read more

Mount Dora Buzz has a new editorial feature called "Hidden Gems" to share lesser-known, small local businesses that are worth a visit. Los Compadres, a Mexican market and restaurant in Mount Dora, is the first Hidden Gem with tasty offerings worth checking out. Read more

A new cigar shop, Legacy Cigars, recently opened in downtown Mount Dora across from Donnelly Park. In addition to its cigar assortment, the store also sells accessories like lighters, cutters, and more.

Scroll down for this month's featured events, hot local government topics, stellar local businesses, new development buzz, and local resources.

Local Dining Guide

It's budget season and at a public hearing on July 18 the Mount Dora City Council capped the 2023-2024 maximum tax rate millage at 6.1 mills. This is a maximum rate and the council may opt to reduce it before the budget is finalized next month. The City's current tax rate is 5.9603 mills.

Mount Dora's City attorney, Sherry Sutphen, resigned in July, so the City Council is expected to vote on an Interim City Attorney at its August 1st meeting.

Mount Dora installed a new stop sign on 11th Avenue at Crestview, so be prepared to stop near the top of the hill close to the entrance to Cottages on 11th.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall. Scroll down for the 'Buzz' about new development.

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

7/1/2023

American Independence festivities start early and span multiple days in the Golden Triangle area, so residents can celebrate in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. It also means celebrants can enjoy impressive fireworks shows on three different nights. Please remember to bring your pets inside prior to local fireworks.

Eustis kicks off the celebrations with their Independence events on July 1 with a water ski show, plus live music and food trucks in Ferran Park. The evening ends with fireworks over Lake Eustis. Get the event schedule here. Next up is Mount Dora's Freedom on the Waterfront event starting at 5pm on July 3 with live music in Evans Park and Simpson Cove. At 9pm enjoy a fireworks show over Lake Dora.

Tavares will host a big downtown celebration on the 4th of July with its annual parade followed by a party with live music, lots of family entertainment, fireworks and more. Get the Tavares schedule of events here.

Last month, Mount Dora officially became golf cart friendly after a new city ordinance allowed specially-equipped carts on select Mount Dora streets. Licensed drivers must first get a permit for their golf cart from the City. Read more

W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora has a couple of fun animal events for kids this month. First up is "Ferrell Outdoors: Who Left These Footprints?" on July 7. Later in the month another show "Central Florida Zoo: Creatures of the Night" will take place on July 21 at 2pm. No registration is needed for either event. The library is located at 1995 N. Donnelly Street.

Get your paddles ready! A new kayak launch and washing station is just about complete at Mount Dora's Palm Island Park on the shore of Lake Dora.

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.

Spanish Tapas lovers need to look no further than Tavares now. Ole Spanish Tapas Restaurant recently opened its doors and features a large menu full of traditional tapas and paellas. Read more

A new plant boutique is expected to open this month in downtown Mount Dora. Forage & Cultivate will be located on Royellou Alley and feature a variety of indoor plants and accessories.

Painting with a Twist, Mount Dora's "sip and paint" venue relocated from the shopping center at Eudora Road and U.S. Highway 44. Its new location is a free-standing building located at 4001 County Road 19A.

Watch for a new take-out chicken spot to open in the Fitness CF shopping center in Mount Dora. It's still in the early build-out stage, so we'll keep you updated.

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

Local Dining Guide

Discover fun and helpful area information on social media by following these local resources:
Mount Dora Events
Mount Dora Foodie
Explore Mount Dora
Mount Dora Word of Mouth

The Florida Department of Health issued a statewide malaria advisory following four confirmed cases of the disease in Sarasota County. Florida residents are encouraged to take precautions to help prevent the spread of the disease that is transmitted by mosquito bites. Read more

After an odd and messy month, Mount Dora City Council voted to bring in a conflict resolution professional to help improve communication and other issues uncovered in the results of a recent anonymous survey of the city's department heads about their boss, the city manager. Prior to the survey results, the mayor repeatedly sought the city manager's termination, but she lacked the support of the six other council members and some residents who consistently voiced their concerns about the way the matter was handled and the absence of due process. Read more or download the survey report here.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall. Scroll down for the 'Buzz' about new development.

he approval process for new developments depends on the type of project proposed. Check out the current list of local commercial and residential development projects here. As projects advance through the multi-step approval process, watch Mount Dora Buzz's website for more in-depth articles on some of the newsworthy developments.

Monthly Edition

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

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

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