NOVEMBER NEWS & EVENTS for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Mark your calendars! One of Mount Dora's favorite outdoor events returns this month. Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair takes place downtown on November 14 and 15. Read more

Mount Dora's famous Christmas lights will be more impressive than ever this year. The City added more lights and the display will sprawl over more space. The lights will be turned on in mid November without the usual ceremony in order for residents and visitors to enjoy the festive holiday display without large crowds. Read more Meanwhile, Light Up Eustis is scheduled for November 27 in its historic downtown.

Last month, the City announced that Mount Dora Arts Festival will go on in February as scheduled. Guests and exhibiting artists will see some changes due to COVID-19 precautions, including requiring masks. Read more

The 2nd Annual Lake County VetFest Parade took place in downtown Eustis on November 1. To further celebrate local veterans this month, Hometown Heroes banners that feature honorably discharged veterans or active duty armed forces members were installed on the decorative streetlight poles in downtown Eustis and will be on display until November 12. Meanwhile, Lake County Animal Shelter will be offering free pet adoptions to veterans throughout the month of November.

This month's shout-out goes to Johnnie Coley, a Eustis resident and Mount Dora social worker. Four years ago she embarked on a brave journey to turn her secret burden into a dream of literacy. Her story of perseverance and honesty is inspiring. Read more

Cooler weather means Central Floridians can head to the parks again to enjoy the great outdoors without melting. Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis is now open later one day a week so visitors can enjoy walking the trails during its scenic sunsets. Read more

A new breakfast and lunch option is headed to Mount Dora. Peach Valley Cafe will open on U.S. 441 near Donnelly Street and offer a large variety of menu options and catering. Read more

A new healthy smoothie and juice spot opened in downtown Mount Dora next to a familiar landmark. Juize Box is located next to the Donnelly House and whips up fresh organic smoothies, as well as juices, acai bowls and other light bites. Read more

Every year, the usual attrition of businesses downtown sets off a domino effect: A newly vacant space is filled by a neighboring business, whose old space is in turn filled by another relocating enterprise. This year is no exception. Stitch and Gather, a custom embroidery business, is moving from the Marketplace into its own storefront on 4th Avenue. Malena & Magda's Boutique recently moved from 4th Avenue into prime Donnelly Street space next to Piglets Pantry. In the Renaissance Building, Rafiki Exchange, a shop featuring African-made goods, moved into the space recently vacated by the souvenir shop. Watch for a new business to be opening where Secret Garden was previously.

Mount Dora may see a new townhouse development near Gilbert Park. The Bungalows, 32 units that are similar to row houses, could be built on the two wooded lots that straddle the railroad tracks on Liberty Avenue between Grandview and Clayton Streets. Read more.

Just in case you haven't heard the cheers, Aldi finally re-opened in late October after an expansion. The bigger store now has wider aisles and more of everyone's favorites.

Scroll down for local government buzz, Best of Mount Dora winners and links to more local entertainment.

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The City of Mount Dora and Lake County Schools are joining together to construct a new playground to serve Triangle Elementary School students during school days and neighborhood kids after school hours and on weekends. There are currently no City parks in that area, so the addition is a big benefit to the western part of Mount Dora. The school district will provide the land for the project and the City will build the playground that includes areas and activities specifically for younger children and other areas for older kids. The school district will maintain the new playground which is slated for completion by late August 2021. 

Want to know more about what's happening or coming up at City Hall? Check out Mount Dora Buzz's government page.

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