DECEMBER NEWS for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

It's that time!  You can enjoy downtown Mount Dora's impressive holiday lights display now until February.  The lights downtown and at Mount Dora Marina (see video) transform it into what we've dubbed the Best Little Christmas Town in Florida.   That's not all that makes the area so much fun for the holidays.  There are tons of annual holiday events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis that you don't want to miss.  Keep track on the local Holiday Event Guide.  

-  Our readers have been asking and now we've got an answer.  The good news is that Wawa is still opening on U.S. 441 in Mount Dora.  The bads news is that the company recently revised its construction schedule for the Mount Dora location, so more patience is needed.  Read more

Area residents shouldn't be concerned if they hear prolonged police and fire sirens on December 3 through 5.  That's likely just the annual Mount Dora Santa's Tour through the city's neighborhoods.  The festive motorcade of police and fire vehicles runs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on all three nights.  Read more 
We've got more good news from Santa.  Elves recently delivered a special red mailbox in Mount Dora for children to drop off their letters to Santa.  Mail dropped in the box by Dec. 22 will receive a personal note from Mrs. Claus. Read more

Next up on the holiday event schedule is downtown Mount Dora's Christmas Walk on December 6, followed by Tavares' Parade and Light Up celebration on December 7.   Both events are family-friendly and provide plenty of entertainment.  Find more details on the calendar here.

-  Healthcare for kids is getting a major boost in Lake County.  A new pediatric E.R. will be opening at AdventHealth Waterman on December 10 in Tavares.   This is part of the completion of the second phase of the hospital's expansion.  Read more 

- The forecast is in!  Every December it snows in Mount Dora and this year, Snow in the Park is December 14.  That's the day when kids put on their warm clothing to sled and ice skate in Donnelly Park downtown.  Read more  

-  It may not snow on other days, but Florida's version of cold weather is knocking at the door. That means it's time for Mount Dora Buzz's annual Hoodie & Jacket Drive to keep our less fortunate neighbors warm.  New or clean 'like-new'' hoodies and jackets for all ages can be dropped off at Barrel of Books and Games located at 128 W.  4th Avenue in downtown and Lake Cares Food Pantry at 2001 W. Old U.S. Hwy 441 now through December 18.   The goal is to keep our neighbors warm in clothing they can take pride in receiving and wearing.  

-  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 2019

MONTHLY ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

-  Big news for British pub fans.  Mount Dora's popular  pub, Magical Meat Boutique, is prepping to move into much bigger downtown digs.  The new location will provide much more seating and allow the restaurant to expand its offerings.  Read more
​
-  Fans of Lake Dora Sushi can soon come out of mourning.  In November the restaurant closed its Tavares location after eight years in business, but it will open its new venture Fun-Ko's Poke Bowls and Asian Snacks in Mount Dora Marketplace.  Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for an opening date.  

- The successful owners of Bru Tap House and BTW are at it again!  Their newest venture, Crafted Concoctions, will feature premium coffee drinks and craft cocktails in the space next to BTW soon. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for an opening date.
- Scroll down for local business news.
© Mount Dora Buzz 2019

- Watch for some big changes at the 301 Baker Building, one of downtown Mount Dora's largest commercial buildings and home to a rapidly growing company, Steamroller Studios.  In the first half of 2020,  Wave Asian Bistro will move into the entire ground floor space, currently occupied by the salon.  Then Steamroller will expand into Wave's current second floor spot.   The growing gaming design company currently leases the majority of the three-story building from G3 Development.   
​
- A new store, Reefs and Ranches, recently opened in November on Fourth Avenue in downtown Mount Dora.  The shop, just west of Baker Street, features country-inspired decor and fresh water pearl accessories.

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

Scroll down to find out what's happening at City Hall.

© Mount Dora Buzz 2019

- A proposed new residential development in Mount Dora, Cottages on 11th, is one step closer to final approval.  On November 20th the City's Planning & Zoning Board approved it and now the luxury development will have a public hearing at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 3 at 5:30 pm. The public is invited to attend and comment.  Read more

-  Mount Dora will be adding some artistic flair to its streetscape.  After a recent City-sponsored contest, three winning banner designs were selected and will be installed throughout the city.  See designs here. 

-  Mount Dora's new mayor, Cathy Hoechst, took her oath in November.  One of her stated priorities is adding a parking garage to alleviate a decades-old problem of not enough parking downtown. Hoechst also pledged more transparency and fiscal responsibility at City Hall. 

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

© Mount Dora Buzz 2019

Discover all the unique things the Mount Dora area has to offer residents and visitors.  Learn the best kept secrets and fun new finds by following  Explore Mount Dora on Facebook here.