​There's good news for outdoor enthusiasts. Scenic Kelly Park at Rock Springs re-opened in March at reduced capacity. Visitors can now enjoy activities like tubing, swimming, paddling and hiking just 15 minutes from downtown Mount Dora. Read more

Getting a bike trail in Mount Dora continues to be a lengthy process, but the City, in partnership with the City of Tavares and Lake County, are continuing their quest to see the Tav-Dora Trail become a reality. With input from Tavares City Administrator, John Drury, Mount Dora Buzz gathered ten things to know in 2021 about that much-anticipated trail project. Read more

Lake County Fair reaches a big milestone when it kicks off this month. The fair celebrates its 100 year anniversary during its nine-day run April 8 through the 17th. We've got what you need to know before heading to Lake County Fairgrounds. Read more

Parking has been an ongoing issue in Mount Dora since what seems like the Dark Ages. Now the City is hoping to attract developers to help solve the problem. A current RFP (Request for Proposals) is asking developers to submit their ideas for developing a parking structure that may include retail and other uses in addition to the parking garage. Read more

Spring has sprung and that means Mount Dora's Vintage Garden Show is just around the corner. The two-day event will take place outdoors under the oaks at Renningers Antique Center. Read more

This month's Day Trippin' feature is a locale guaranteed to please anyone that appreciates art, architecture and a beautiful venue. This fun road trip from Mount Dora is an easy 2-hour drive away. Read more

April is the season for sweet ripe blueberries from local farms and it also brings the 7th annual Mount Dora Blueberry Festival to celebrate all things blueberry including wine, plants and pies, plus crafters and food vendors.

The eligible age for Covid-19 vaccinations in Florida is currently 40 years and older. On April 5, the eligible age drops to 16 years and older. Check out Mount Dora Buzz's local Covid-19 resources page to stay in the loop about updates on vaccine sites, processes, and contact information. Visit the resource page here.

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area and more....

​Some things never change and shouldn't. Mount Dora Yacht Club's annual Sailing Regatta is March 27 & 28. It marks the 68th year sailboats will gracefully race across Lake Dora.

Spring is coming and Lake County will have a lot of fresh local produce ready for harvest. Mount Dora Buzz has come up with a list of some of the season's best local fruits and veggies, plus the top spots to find them. Read more

We asked and you answered. Readers cast their votes for the "Best Bloody Marys" in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. Drum roll, please.....and the big winner is Pisces RIsing in downtown Mount Dora. Not only did their cocktail take top praise, but the restaurant's outdoor deck with its view of Lake Dora is the perfect venue to imbibe a Bloody Mary on a Sunday afternoon. Other top finishers were Twisted Biscuit, Dora Queen and Magical Meat Boutique. Cheers to all!

In February, Mount Dora Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) asked city staff to prepare an ordinance that includes increasing downtown's building height limit from the current 35 feet to 55 feet, in order to accommodate future development. For reference, the three-story Renaissance Building (the tallest on Donnelly Street) is an estimated 35 feet, according to City officials and documents. Building heights do not have to be increased throughout downtown in order to construct a new parking garage. Read more

No worries if you notice something is missing from the downtown Tavares lakefront. The landmark Dora Queen isn't gone, it just moved from its dock next to the Tavares Pavilion to another nearby dock in front of Kalua Beach Club. The move is due to construction on the docks at Wooton Park.

Our new feature Day Trippin' showcases quick getaways, and March's locale is just 25 minutes away and offers something for everyone. It's perfect for an afternoon or the entire day When you're craving a change of scenery, but short on time, this one's for you. Read more

One of the area's most beautiful events of the festival season, Sunnyland Antique Boat Festival, takes place in Tavares every March. This year the popular event has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Watch for them to return to Lake Dora next year.

As mentioned last month, Mount Dora Buzz is collaborating on "Cottages of Mount Dora" to provide a snapshot of the city's past using the quaint and colorful exteriors of some of the city's historic cottages. Once flowers are in bloom and foliage returns, we'll be out taking pics. If you haven't already nominated a cottage that exudes the city's charm, please nominate your favorite by emailing us the address with "Mount Dora Cottage" in the subject line.

As Covid-19 vaccinations continue in Lake County, stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's local Covid-19 resources page to stay in the loop about updates on sites for first and second doses, processes, and contact information. Visit the resource page here.

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area and more....

​It's that time again! February brings a month-long list of festivities for GeorgeFest in downtown Eustis. The annual celebration includes a parade, carnival, 5k run, bass tournament, chili cook-off and more. The festivities kick off on February 6 and continue through the end of the month. Get the schedule and details here.

Is it the crispy bacon, the plump shrimp or the pickled asparagus? The Tabasco or the horseradish? Whatever the accoutrements, some folks are vocal about the place to indulge in the best Bloody Marys. Take the poll to share your favorite local spot to imbibe in this savory elixir and cast your vote here for the Best Bloody Marys in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis!

If you're itching for outdoor activities, Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis is hosting lots of events for nature lovers of all ages this month. Their Pack Walks, Thursday Sunset hours and other outings are worth the quick trek. Read more

Every month Mount Dora Buzz will be featuring a Day Trippin' column to highlight fun destinations that provide relatively quick escapes from the Golden Triangle area. Locations will range from a quick 30-minute drive to a couple of hours away. February's locale is remote, pristine and feels like a quick island get-away and it's a must for whomever hasn't been there. Read more

February is National African American History Month and the Lake County Museum of Art is observing it with an exhibit titled “Diaspora: Our Life Experiences as Black Women”. The art exhibition will be up through the end of the month in the museum’s downtown Tavares gallery from noon to 4pm on Thursdays through Saturdays until the end of the month.  

On February 27 a new, one-day event is coming to Mount Dora. Meet Me in Mount Dora will feature vendors selling handmade items, vintages wares and more in a festival-like atmosphere in Donnelly Park.

Mount Dora Buzz is collaborating on "Cottages of Mount Dora" to provide a fun snapshot of the city's past using the quaint and colorful exteriors of some of the city's historic cottages. If you know of a cottage that exudes curb appeal and adds personality to its neighborhood, please nominate it to be included by emailing us the address.

The last Antique Extravaganza of the season comes to Renninger's Antique Center in Mount Dora this month. The three-day event is one of the largest vintage shows in the southeastern U.S. with hundreds of vendors selling their rare treasures and bewildering oddities. Read more

Shout-out goes to St. Patrick's Catholic Church; the first responders of Mount Dora, Tavares, and Eustis; DOH-Lake; and the community volunteers that have made it possible to have a COVID-19 vaccination site in Mount Dora. Mount Dora Police Department has gone above and beyond by organizing volunteers, logistics, traffic flow and feeding the folks waiting to receive the vaccine. Big thanks also to Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant and the other eateries that are generously donating hot meals to feed the site's workers and volunteers.

As Covid-19 vaccinations continue in Lake County, stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's local Covid-19 resources page to stay in the loop about updates on sites for first and second dose vaccine schedules, processes, and contact information. Visit the resource page here.

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area and more....

​This month, Mount Dora will once again host the Central Florida Film Festival (CENFLO). This year the international event will feature a diverse lineup of 170 independent films. The festival will limit capacity, require masks, and observe other COVID-19 safety precautions for its daytime and evening screenings. The three-day festival takes place at Mount Dora's Epic Theatres on January 22-24. More info

Eustis is also hosting some unique entertainment this month. A drive-in laser light show will have six shows in January. Families can pack up their lawn chairs, blankets and snacks, and then pile in the car. Each vehicle will have its own tailgate area for spectators to spread out and enjoy the show. Read more

Make the holiday cheer last a little longer. Last month Mount Dora Buzz uncovered the best holiday cocktails in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis. There's still time to indulge in the festive concoctions created by your favorite local bartenders. Read more

Winter in our neck of the woods means the long-awaited strawberry season is here. The local U-pick farm has ripe red berries on the vine available for picking or on the shelf for a convenient grab. There are tons of fun outdoor family activities. Read more

The first Antique Extravaganza of 2021 comes to Renningers Antique Center in Mount Dora this month. The event is one of the largest vintage shows in the southeastern U.S. with hundreds of vendors selling their rare treasures and bewildering oddities. Read more

Just in case your New Year's resolution involved squeezing in more exercise to work off those Christmas cookies, Mount Dora Buzz is sharing a way to scenically get your "steps" in. Check out the list of the Top 10 Walking Trails in Lake County we released in 2020. Read more. If you have favorites not on this list, please let us know.

Huge Shout-out goes to everyone that donated and helped during Mount Dora Buzz's annual Hoodie & Jacket Drive, as well as to those who donated new toys to the area toy drives. Both drives were big successes and you all rock! If you're able, please continue to extend that generosity by donating to Lake Cares Food Pantry, which has seen the number of families it feeds sharply increase.

As Covid-19 increases, so does the number of Lake County residents seeking testing. Mount Dora Buzz has put together some helpful information on free COVID-19 testing, when to get tested and the most accurate tests to take and where to find them. Read more

Scroll down for the buzz about what new eateries are in the area....

Tis the season for holiday events. For the complete guide to holiday parades and festivities in the area click here. Attendees are advised to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks and practice social distancing.

It's one of the best family events of the year. The Mount Dora Santa Tour comes early this year and starts on December 1. Santa will tour the city's neighborhoods for three evenings so be ready for lots of lights and sirens. Read more. Kids can also drop off their letters to Santa in his official mailbox in Mount Dora. Letters dropped off by December 20 will get a personal reply. Read more

Although the Santa Tour is coming early this year, snow may come a little later. Mount Dora's annual Snow in the Park has been indefinitely postponed due to increasing COVID-19 cases. However, city leaders are hoping it will happen later this winter if cases decrease to a safer level. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for any updates.

Now there's a perfect gift for every local family and board game lover on your list. Mount Dora-opoly is a new board game styled after the classic Monopoly. Players compete to purchase and trade real estate with the names of familiar local businesses and landmarks. Read more

Another great gift, especially for teachers, is the new novel penned by a very familiar local face in Mount Dora. "Tales Out of School" is a semi-autobiographical book that chronicles the experiences, pitfalls and humorous happenings of a rookie teacher. Read more

As Covid-19 increases, so does the number of Lake County residents seeking testing. Mount Dora Buzz has put together some helpful information on free COVID-19 testing, when to get tested and the most accurate tests to take and where to find them. Read more

There is a lot of new business buzz this month, including new stores and restaurants coming soon. Scroll down for the buzz about what's coming to the area.

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

October ushers in the return of some of the area's popular events and brings in some new ones. Watch for Fall in the Field, the Steampunk industrial Show (read more) and a new event, Plaid in the Park. Read more. In Eustis, First Friday Street Fest and its Fall Festival returns in October.   Whenever you're searching for things to do this fall, just check out the area's entertainment calendar here.

Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice everywhere, but finding the perfect pumpkin can be a little more elusive. Mount Dora Buzz put together a list of the Best Local Pumpkin Patches that not only have a great selection of pumpkins, but also offer other seasonal activities as well. Read more

Pull up a piece of the sidewalk or set up a lawn chair on October 16 at 1 p.m. to watch the Mount Dora Homecoming Parade while enjoying the sounds of the impressive Hurricane marching band. The parade starts at the high school and travels down Fifth Avenue into downtown and then turns right onto Donnelly Street.

It's time to update the Doors of Mount Dora pictorial, so if you know of a unique door in Mount Dora, email Mount Dora Buzz a photo of it, along with the address, and it may be included among the City's most creative, beautiful and interesting doors. Please put Doors of Mount Dora in the subject line of your email. View the original Doors of Mount Dora here.

With any luck, the weather will cool for the season later this month making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're itching to be in nature and the water, you're in luck. This part of the State has plenty of both, so here's the Top 7 Springs in Central Florida to visit this fall. Read more      Discover more local things to do here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and local business owners, residents and artists are being encouraged to participate in a Pink Out by decorating their sidewalks and driveways with pink chalk. In normal years, AdventHealth Waterman holds a Pink Out 5k and other events, but due to COVID-19, they are promoting this idea as a fun and creative way to show support for the warriors and survivors of breast cancer.

Mount Dora will have some festive visitors during October. For years creative scarecrows ushered in the season in downtown Mount Dora. Once again, residents and businesses will create the stuffed figures to grace the historic area as part of the City's Mount Dora Scarecrow Stroll. Read more

October is the month to drag the bike out of the garage. CycleTober is expected to bring cyclists to Mount Dora with group rides and fun activities throughout the entire month.  Read more

​The votes are in! Last month, readers cast their votes for their favorite local businesses, places and more in the annual Best of Mount Dora awards. Drum roll, please. Here's the list of this year's winners. Big congrats to all! Up next are the annual Best of Tavares and Best of Eustis awards.

Last month a public presentation was given on the Innovation Trail, one of the proposed bicycle and pedestrian trails being studied for Mount Dora and the surrounding area. This trail is different from the possible Tav-Dora Trail, but would be a part of its connectivity. Read more

Mount Dora Buzz reported last month that the popular Mount Dora Craft Fair in October was cancelled by the organizers due to logistics and the lack of vendor participation due to COVID-19. Read more. The good news for craft lovers is that a different and smaller craft fair will be held in Mount Dora this fall at Renningers. Read more.

Mount Dora Buzz has exciting news for Eustis diners. A new waterfront restaurant is coming to the shores of Lake Eustis. Lake Eustis Waterfront Grill is now under construction and it's expected to open in the Spring of 2021. Read more

Another big annual event, Mount Dora Bicycle Festival, made some major adjustments in order to bring cyclists to Mount Dora this fall. The large organized rides during the festival's long weekend in October have been replaced with smaller rides and activities throughout the entire month. Read more

This year, event planning is more challenging than ever. Two of the area's non-profits that promote the arts have put their creativity to work to raise funds. Mount Dora Center for the Arts is hosting an online auction later this month (read more) and Lake County Museum of Art is hosting a "Bubbles & Brew" fundraiser in October. In the meantime, if you need an 'art fix', check out the beautiful new mural in downtown Mount Dora. Read more For pics of more of the planned murals as they begin to pop up, follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram.

Lake County registered voters interested in voting by mail in the General Election on November 3 can request a ballot now from Lake County Supervisor of Elections. Voters need to make sure their signature on the ballot matches the signature on file with the Elections Office. Read more

Art lovers will see a bit of normalcy this month, as Lake County Museum of Art opens its new art exhibit, "Spectral Evidence." The downtown Tavares museum will have a opening reception on September 3. Read more.

This month's "Shout-Out" goes to the unsung heroes at Lake County Schools. The District's teachers, principals, guidance counselors, support staff, and non-instructional employees have shown grace under pressure and set positive examples to students of how to react in difficult situations and care for their community. They are all rock stars and we wish them a safe and successful school year.

- Get ready Lake County!  Downtown Tavares is about to get a big attraction.  The beautiful Dora Queen, an 80-foot, New Orleans-style riverboat replica, is currently booking socially-distanced cruises for August & September. Read more

-  It's that time of year when readers get to share some love with their favorite local businesses.  The Best of Mount Dora voting starts now!   This year, small businesses need support and recognition more than ever, so please be sure to vote.  Click here for your ballot   Winners will be announced on Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page and the September issue.

-  Lake County Schools delayed reopening until August 24.   Parents of the County's public school students had four instructional options to choose from including attending traditional schools and virtual school.  Here is the result of the choices.   

-  Creativity is contagious in Mount Dora, a city with more than its share of talented artists and musicians.  That was the case in one neighborhood in its quaint historic district recently.  Creative Yard art popped up and is now giving passersby something smile about.  Read more

- As Floridians, we've all heard the typical list for hurricane preparations like stocking up on batteries, water and canned food.   So Mount Dora Buzz compiled its own list of much lesser-known, but ingenious and practical tips that you need to know.  Read more.   

-  In an effort to support local breweries during this time when bars can't serve alcohol to be consumed on premises, Wolf Branch Brewing is highlighted as our local hot spot this month.  The brewery has tap rooms in downtown Eustis and Mount Dora and has still found a way to serve up cold ones to beer lovers while staying compliant.   Read more

- From nature to street photography, there's no shortage of amazing local subjects for great photography.  If you've captured a great shot of Mount Dora, Tavares or Eustis, email it to us and we may use it as a Pic of the Day with your photo credit!   Get more info 

- Mount Dora's Art in the Alley has been postponed until sometime this fall.   Watch the entertainment calendar to see when it and other local events resume.
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- After 27 years with Mount Dora Police Department, Chief Robert Bell is retiring on August 7.   Career law enforcement professional Brett Meade was named as the City's Acting Chief and is currently conducting a thorough review of the department.  Read more    

- Now is the time to get involved in your community. Mount Dora will have three City Council seats up for grabs in this year's election and they frequently are unopposed.  The paperwork is available now and due back at City Hall on August 14 at noon. There are no experience or education requirements, but there are 10 helpful things to know when considering whether to throw your hat in the ring.  Read more

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info
Scroll down for all the restaurant and business news.
© Mount Dora Buzz 2020

​This year more people will celebrate July 4th with smaller barbecues with family and friends since Mount Dora and Tavares have postponed their fireworks and festivities until it's deemed safer in Florida for large public gatherings.  Leesburg also cancelled their show.  There will be fireworks over Lake Eustis on July 3 at 9:30.  

-  Lake County Farmers Market, the large hub for local fresh produce, just reopened.  The large venue in Eustis is open every Thursday and offers a wide variety of fresh produce at good prices. Read more

-  Good news for Lake Dora boaters.  The 4th Avenue docks in downtown Mount Dora have re-opened to the public after repairs were completed.  Even if you're not a boater, it's a great spot to enjoy Lake Dora's gorgeous sunsets. 

- By now, everyone is likely aware of the increase of local COVID-19 cases. As a result, alcohol can't be consumed on-site in bars in Florida and Orange County requires face masks to be worn in public.  That requirement includes face masks inside Stoneybrook Hills Publix, McDonalds and all the other business in that shopping center on Mount Dora's southern border.  The Publix at Loch Leven Landing does not have the same requirement due to its Lake County location. 

- Woohoo!  Mount Dora Buzz's updated mobile app now ready to download.  It's loaded with more useful features and local information than ever before and still has the area's full monthly entertainment calendar.  You can download the  complimentary app or its update here.   It you don't have The Buzz app on your phone, you don't know what you're missing!

- Now is the time to get involved in your community. Mount Dora will have three City Council seats up for grabs in this year's election and they frequently are unopposed.  The paperwork is available now and due back at City Hall on August 14 at noon. There are no experience or education requirements, but there are 10 helpful things to know when considering whether to throw your hat in the ring.  Read more

-  Do you need 'buzz' for your business?  Enlist Mount Dora Buzz as your strategic partner to write your digital content, including web pages, blogs, email newsletters, social media, and more.  Need graphic design?  No worries, we do that, too!   Get more info