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

​Guide to the best farmers markets in Central Florida
Mount Dora and other cities across the area boast excellent farmers markets that provide fresh local produce and a fun morning of retail therapy, browsing handmade items, plants, jewelry and more. Learn more about the best weekly Central Florida farmers markets here.

Save the date for Mount Dora Craft Fair
One of Florida's top-ranked craft fairs will return to the streets of downtown Mount Dora this fall. Save October 26 and 27 for the annual Mount Dora Craft Fair featuring hundreds of vendors offering their handmade creations.

Mount Dora Yacht Club refreshes exterior
If you've recently enjoyed the sunset from the deck at Pisces Rising, you may have noticed work being done at Mount Dora Yacht Club, the oldest inland yacht club in Florida. No, a rooftop bar isn't going in, the club is simply getting a little exterior refresh. Learn more about the club's history here.

Important questions and answers for Lake County voters
Election season is now in full swing and some policies for voting in Lake County in November have changed. So, if you're planning to vote, there are some key procedural items to be aware of early in the process. Here's the list of 10 important things to know.

Downtown Mount Dora adds new streetscape elements
Driving through the core of downtown Mount Dora, you may have noticed the addition of several new black railings lining areas of the streets, as well as other new features, and landscaping. Learn more about those projects here.

Pedestrian access closed on portion of Donnelly Street
Some pedestrians on Donnelly Street have been impacted by the closure of the wooden boardwalk between Limit Avenue and U.S. 441. Eventually, there will be new pedestrian access on that stretch, but the timing has not yet been determined. Read more

Discover this month's local entertainment calendar
The area is full of fun weekly, monthly and special events that you may not want to miss.  Check the local entertainment calendar regularly for updates.

Watch the Mount Dora Buzz website and Facebook page for updates on more stories.

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​Eustis welcomes new wine bar
After previously closing its doors on Magnolia Street in Eustis, The Wine Cellars Uncorked recently reopened as Uncorked in a new location in downtown Eustis. In addition to wine and beer, the cozy spot also offers a limited menu of apps, salads, sandwiches, soups and sweets. The new location is 120 E. Bay Street.

A new Mexican eatery to open in Mount Dora
Mount Dora will soon gain another spot for tacos, tequila and more. A new restaurant, Botanico Tacos & Tequila, is renovating the old Zellie's Pub location off of S.R. 19A and the outside already has a fresh new vibe. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook and Mount Dora Foodie for an opening date and more details.

New store for kids of all ages
Recently, kids and adults scored a new hot spot for Legos in Mount Dora. A franchise of Bricks & Minifigs opened, and in addition to offering all things Lego, the store is also a venue for Lego-themed birthday parties. The business is located in the T.J. Maxx shopping center at 16844 U.S. Highway 441.

New Mount Dora store features fun local gifts
A cheerful new store named "Around Mount Dora" just opened downtown and features city-themed memorabilia and gifts at its Fifth Avenue location, which was formerly home to Walk in the Woods. In addition to unique Mount Dora wares, the store also has helpful visitor information readily available.

Scroll down for more local Buzz, events and most recent Best of Mount Dora winners.

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"Mount Dora North" and "South" projects proposed in Lake County​
Mount Dora North and Mount Dora South are two new proposed developments in unincorporated Lake County. The combined projects are 593 acres and a total 3,746 residential units. Via its spokesperson, the City of Mount Dora opted not to answer whether the City supports the project as currently proposed, or if it has waste-water treatment capacity to accommodate it.  The City of Mount Dora also declined to answer if it would have a representative at the upcoming September 4th rezoning hearing at Lake County Planning & Zoning Board.  Learn more about the two proposed developments here.

Mount Dora considers School Zone speed cameras
Mount Dora City Council is considering the possible installation of School Zone speed cameras near the city's four public schools. Florida's legislature approved the use of school speed zone cameras last year. Locally, hundreds of motorists exceed the 20 mph speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more during the opening and closing hours of Mount Dora schools daily, creating a danger for students and school staff. The City Council authorized Police Chief Mike Gibson to look into an ordinance that would need City Council approval. There would be no cost to tax payers, as the cost would be covered by $100 school zone speeding tickets. Gibson expects this will result in significant decreases in school zone speed violations.

Tax notices may alarm local residents
Property tax TRIM notices were received just as cities across Florida are preparing to finalize their budgets in September for the upcoming fiscal year. The tax notices reflect the highest potential tax rates by taxing authorities, but the final millage rate could be lower. Read more.  Mount Dora City Council will vote on its final budget and tax rate at public meeting on September 17 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. 

Significant land use changes proposed for Lake County
Lake County will consider removing 1,424.27 acres from the Emeralda Marsh Rural Protection Area and rezoning them for a proposed development which includes 808 residential units, a golf course, marina and yacht club and 327 acres of open space. A public Lake County Zoning Board meeting will be held on September 4 at 9 a.m. There will also be a public Lake County Commission Meeting on October 1 at 9 a.m. Both meetings are held at 315 W. Main Street, Tavares. Learn more about the protected area here

Mount Dora government news
Find more local government news here.

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