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

The local event season is officially underway and later this month the holiday events kick off with Light Up Eustis. Tavares will host its on the first weekend in December. Mount Dora didn't respond to multiple requests for information about its traditional Light Up event. The unofficial word is the event is cancelled again this year. Meanwhile, you can find the local Holiday Event Guide for Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis here and get updates on Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page.

Drivers on the north end of Donnelly Street in Mount Dora can't help but notice the increased construction activity. A new pedestrian bridge and entrance feature is currently being built near the existing entrance signage. Read more and see the initial rendering here

The favorite annual event for landscapers and plant enthusiasts returns on November 13 and 14. Mount Dora Plant and Garden Fair features much more than hundreds of native and exotic plants. Read more

This year Mount Dora voters have been inundated with campaign materials which can make it hard to distinguish the candidates' positions. Mount Dora Buzz has an updated article on the 10 key similarities and differences between Mount Dora's candidates to make it a bit easier to differentiate them. Read more. Remember, Election Day is November 2 and polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vintage and antique lovers will descend on Mount Dora on November 19 through 21 as the sprawling Antique Extravanganza returns to Renningers Antique Center. It's the perfect chance to find unique holiday gifts. Read more

November kicks of Mount Dora Buzz's annual Hoodie and Jacket Drive. This year we'll be collecting new and "like-new" items for local school kids ages 4 to 18 years old. If you're able, please go through your kids' closets for hoodies or jackets that they may have outgrown or shop the clearance racks to help the less fortunate kids in our community stay warm this winter. Our goal is always to give them warm clothing that they can take pride in wearing to school. Donations can be dropped off again at Barrel of Books & Games, located at 128 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora, from November 3 to November 20. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Last month Segway of Central Florida, located in downtown Mount Dora, had a fire as a result of a lithium ion battery. Luckily, no one was injured. The retailer and service business has set up temporary digs across the street at 133 W. 5th Avenue while the original location is being restored.

Mount Dora is celebrating a big birthday this month! Mount Dora High School is having its Centennial Celebration on November 20. The event will feature favorite local musicians, food, silent auction and more. The party will benefit the school's stadium improvement project. Read more

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

Last month Plaza Guadalajara moved from its location on US 441 in Mount Dora to a nearby space near Fitness CF. The restaurant also changed its name to El Mezcal, which is the same as its Ocala location. Read more

Donut lovers have a new spot to get their fix. King Donuts (unaffiliated with Donut King in Clermont) opened on Old 441 just west of Eudora Road in Mount Dora. Read more

Mount Dora has a new location to donate items for resale that will benefit many local charities. Fifth Avenue Thrift Shoppe, part of First Methodist Church of Mount Dora, opened in October and will begin accepting more donations later this month. Among the charities to benefit from the sales of merchandise are Lake Cares Food Pantry, Carpenter's House and the Methodist Children's Home.

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

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CITY HALL NEWS

In October, Mount Dora City Council approved the employment contract of Patrick Comiskey, who was hired as the new City Manager. Comiskey is in the process of moving to Mount Dora with his family and will begin on November 15th with an annual salary of $170,000.

Groundbreaking for the City's new Fire Station #35 took place on October 27. The station will be located on the north side of County Road 19A west of Eudora Rd.

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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