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

From thousands of twinkling lights to parades and holiday festivities, December is the month that Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis really shine.
Downtown Eustis continues the holiday magic after its Light Up with 10 minutes of snowfall every hour on each Friday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. through the end of December.

Mount Dora, arguably the best little Christmas town in Florida, is once again covered in twinkling lights and holiday decorations, as its shops are overflowing with unique items for discerning holiday shoppers. On December 2 the shopping opportunities are endless as the city's Christmas Walk and Art in the Arbor converge that evening. Find the schedule of this year's local holiday events, here

Santa will once again tour Mount Dora neighborhoods on December 6-8. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for the route once it becomes available. December 10 will feature Grinch Fest and Snow in the Park in two different parks in Mount Dora, so families can plan a full day of festivities.

'Tis the season of giving and the community has stepped up to organize the Mount Dora Community Toy Drive to help bring smiles to local kids in need this holiday season. Anyone able to donate new and unwrapped toys can do so at these convenient locations. All toys will go directly to kids in need in our local community.

Save some party time for New Year's Eve in Mount Dora. The tradition continues with a street party at Sunset Park and fireworks at midnight. Reservations are available at many downtown restaurants for dinner ahead of the revelry.

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 updates on local events, news and more.

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After three years in the making, Lake Eustis Waterfront Grille finally opened last month. We paid a few visits to the new two-story restaurant and shared our experiences. Read more

There's no such thing as too much a good thing and that applies to craveworthy things, too. The destination eatery, Claire's Creperie, is expanding its footprint in downtown Mount Dora to offer more of its delicious savory and dessert crepes. Read more

A big shout-out goes to Maggie's Attic, downtown's landmark wine bar and meeting place, that just celebrated 20 years in Mount Dora. Kudos also go to Walk in the Woods, the outdoor apparel store, which celebrated its 17th anniversary on Fifth Avenue downtown. Cheers to both local businesses for many more prosperous years ahead!

Julianne's Coastal Cottage, a longtime Mount Dora store, changed hands last month. We wish Julie Pointer all the best in her new Midwestern home. If you're downtown, pop into the 4th Avenue store and stay "hi" to the new owner.

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

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Congratulations to Mount Dora's new City Council Member, Dennis Dawson. He will be representing District Three which includes neighborhoods around Lake Gertrude and Eudora Road.

On Election Day, Mount Dora voters overwhelmingly passed the building height charter amendment which reinforces the existing building height limit of 35 feet in the Historic District and 25 feet high within 100 feet of the lakefront. 68.7% of voters voted "yes."

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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