AUGUST, 2015

MOUNT DORA

• Mount Dora's newest neighborhood is making steady progress, The 22-acre development on Clayton Street, Dora Parc (yes, with a 'c'), will have Lake Dora access and 38 homes.  Read more...

• Providing a series of hurdles are cleared and funding is secured, eastern Mount Dora will be the location of the fourth Lake Sumter State College campus. The lengthy process has a ways to go, so stay tuned.

• The 'Pay It Forward' program that began in Tavares, has now expanded its kindness into Mount Dora and Eustis. Two tickets for free restaurant times are currently hidden in downtown businesses.  Read more...

• New dining choices are opening in the area in the coming months.  A casual steak and rib restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, will open a new location on US 441 in Mount Dora.  The closest locations are currently in Ocoee and Clermont.  Another new restaurant is coming to the former space of Merrill's Patio Bar & Bistro.  


• Three years ago Mount Dora residents embraced baby Joss Dempsey, the warrior princess, facing unimaginable brain surgery.  Today she is a wonderous four-year old with plenty of triumphs and challenges. Read more...


• Two new stores will be opening in downtown Mount Dora.  A beach-themed store, Blue Sky Blue Water will be opening in August, next toCupcake Delights....Local potters are returning to Mount Dora with a new store Double Creek Pottery, on Alexander Street next to Maggie's Attic & Gianni's restaurant.....Alleyway Comics is expected to open in September in the former Mount Dora Coffee House location in the alley and will have the same owner as Barrel of Books & Games. To read more about these new businesses and others, click here...  


• Meanwhile, Aldi, Panera Bread, Tijuana Flats and more retailers will be opening in Eustis on the Mount Dora border if all goes according to plan.  Read more....


• When school starts later this month, Mount Dora Middle School will welcome a new principal, Jacob Stein.  Parents can get acquainted with him by reading an interview he did for Mount Dora Buzz.  Read  more...


• In early July the city council voted on a compromise to plant four additional shade trees to line streets in lieu of four parking spaces in the current phase of construction and vowed in the near future to examine replacing palms with additional shade trees where feasible on Third Avenue and on Donnelly Street.  


• Now there's a new place to host a party.  The Historic Train Depotcompleted its much-anticipated renovations in July created a beautiful small venue for rental. See photos and read more... 


• First it was the historic train, the trolley, and the horse-drawn carriage.  Soon downtown Mount Dora will be home to an entertaining and fun bus tour of the area. Love it when something really extraordinary comes to town!


• One of the most curious neighborhoods of Mount Dora is also its most eclectic. Downtown's Boathouse Row on Lake Dora has an interesting and ambiguous history.  Read more...


• Some people exude talent. Others have authentic humility and razor sharp wit. Others, like local artist Lauren Graham Cunningham, have all three.  Read more...


• Residents can inform the community of important family milestoneslike engagements, weddings, births and passings in Mount Dora Buzz'Announcements page. There is no charge, and feel free to brag! Businesses preparing to open in the area can also post a free announcement.

EUSTIS BUZZ:  

• As soon as final submissions are approved, a new shopping center will be built in Eustis with a Aldi's, Panera Bread, Vitamin Shoppe and more.  Read more...

• Two Eustis commercial plant growers and one Mount Dora grower are among eight applicants in Central Florida that applied for the area's license to grow, process and sell medical marijuana products.  Presently, only one grower from each of four Florida regions will be granted a license.

TAVARES BUZZ: 

• Downtown Tavares has successfully launched a 'Pay it Forward'campaign with participating stores and restaurants.  It recently expanded to downtown Mount Dora and Eustis.  Read more...

• Due to an electrical fire, Zac's Pressed for Time is temporarily closed. Stay tuned for a re-opening date.  Read more local articles here...

FABULOUS LOCAL FINDS...

• Although Sterling Treasures owners retired after 17 years wonderful years, their popular clothing line is now available just a few doors down on Donnelly at Noni.  Similar sterling silver jewelry can be found a Papilio, Gold In Art, and other stores downtown.  We wish Sheila and Dick a very happy retirement!


• We discovered a secret to cooling off this summer.  Try the seasonalhomemade popsicles from Cupcake Delights.  Yum! (4th Avenue, downtown Mount Dora).  


• Here is something criminal we discovered.  The fresh baked croissantsat Le Petit Sweet are as close as many folks will get to Paris, Book your trip to 5th Avenue know.  (5th Ave, downtown Mount Dora).


• Trendy crocheted tops in neutral colors and perfect for layering were found at Emz on 5th.  (5th Avenue downtown, Mount Dora)


• Great sales and fabulous finds in Mount Dora at the Shop Mount Dora page.  For a list of some of the areas unique specialty stores click here.  

AUGUST SHOUT OUT

• This month's shout-out goes the gentleman and good Samaritan in the white van that stopped two lanes of traffic on 19A in Mount Dora to help an young autistic girl last week.  Kudos also go to the others that stopped what they were doing to help and the very impressive Lake County Sheriff's deputies that responded so compassionately and professionally.  You all make this community amazing.