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

Get ready! October kicks off event season in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis and this year's full schedule of diverse activities and festivals doesn't disappoint.

The first weekend in October is a busy one. Friday, October 1, Mount Dora High's festive Hurricane Homecoming Parade will proceed through downtown at 1:30 p.m. followed by tailgating starting at 5 p.m. and kick-off to the annual big game at 7pm. Then the sprawling Fall in the Field two-day event returns to Mount Dora and offers up everything you need to get you in the spirit of the upcoming season. Read more

The first weekend also sees the return of one of the favorite local fall activities. The towering corn maze at Long & Scott Farm opens to visitors on the night of October 1 with the theme of dinosaurs. In addition to its daylight hours, this year the farm will also offer some creepier nighttime maze events. Read more

To help our readers keep up with all the upcoming events, Mount Dora Buzz compiled the Best Fall Events in Lake County. The list of top activities ranges from family-friendly events, big festivals and even opportunities for seasoned athletes. Read more

In case you missed the awe-inspiring event last May, once again the Phantom Airborne Brigade will be parachuting into Lake Dora. The event will take place on October 9. The best vantage point to watch the impressive sight is Wooton Park in downtown Tavares or by boat nearby. Read more

The best people-watching event in Lake County will take place in Mount Dora later in the month. The Steampunk and Industrial Show returns to Renningers with fire dancers, creative costumes, live music, unique events and dozens of Steampunk and vintage vendors set up outdoors among the oaks. Read more

The City of Mount Dora's upcoming elections for mayor and city council are on November 2 and mail-voting has already begun. This year there are two candidates for mayor and two for Mount Dora City Council District 1. All registered voters in the city can vote in the mayoral race and only registered voters that reside in District 1 can vote in that election. These are the only races on the ballot. Read more

Near the end of the month, be sure to take in the Mount Dora Craft Fair. The two-day event along the streets of historic downtown is among the top-ranked craft fairs in the country and features hundreds of talented craft vendors. Read more

Pinktober is back! Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings opportunities to support the cause with local events like Bra-Vo, Paddleboat Pink and the virtual PinkOut 5k. Learn more about these events and others on the calendar here.

Scroll down for new local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, the Best of Mount Dora winners, and more.

Watch for a new Mexican Restaurant, El Mezcal, to open in Mount Dora. The restaurant will be located in the former space of Rosati's in the Fitness CF shopping Center on U.S. 441. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for an opening date.

Donut lovers will soon have a new spot to get their fix. King Donuts (unaffiliated with Donut King in Clermont) is currently in its build-out stage on Old 441 just west of Eudora Road in Mount Dora. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for an update.

A new gift shop just opened in downtown Eustis. Lemonade Lifestyle Boutique is located on 113 Bay Street and features home decor accessories and gifts.

Downtown bargain hunters are over the moon now that Hope Hospice Thrift Store, located on the corner of Donnelly and 3rd Avenue, has reopened.

Scroll down for Government Buzz, the Best of Mount Dora winners, and more.

© Mount Dora Buzz 2021

The City of Eustis City Manager Ron Neibert resigned in September as part of a mutual agreement. The separation agreement included a severance package of 20 weeks’ pay, accrued sick/vacation leave and insurance. The total cost of the agreement was approximately $125,400.00. The City Commission appointed Bill Howe, Human Resources Director, as Acting City Manager through October 15, 2021.

Meanwhile, the City of Mount Dora is in the final stages of selecting its new city manager after the public meet-and-greet event with the top candidates in late September.

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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