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

​This month is all about the arts, not only in Mount Dora, but throughout Lake County. It kicks off with the nationally ranked Mount Dora Arts Festival featuring hundreds of the nation's best artists exhibiting and selling their work the streets of downtown. Read more. Then comes the annual "Off the Beaten Path" Art Tour in Lake County. The self-guided driving tour takes visitors into the working studios of some of the area's best artists. Read more

In honor of Black History Month, Lake County Museum of Art in downtown Tavares is hosting an impressive exhibit of Florida Highwaymen paintings. "Florida Highwaymen" is the collective name given to a group of African-American artists from Fort Pierce who began painting Florida landscapes in the late 1950s. The Highwaymen were prohibited from traditional art shows and exhibits, so they sold their paintings from the trunks of their cars and along Florida's main highways. The exhibit will feature works from some of the most notable Highwaymen. More info

In January, the first large development proposal in Mount Dora's long-planned Wolf Branch innovation District came before the city council for the first of two required public hearings and council votes. The proposal includes high-rise buildings ranging from 12 to 21 stories.  The final public hearing and vote is tentatively scheduled for February 21. Here are 11 things to know about the project and the Innovation District.

Eustis' annual GeorgeFest kicks off with a Chili Cook Off on February 4, followed by a month of fun events, including a fishing tournament, Dog Jog, parade, carnival, and concerts later in the month. Read more

Once again dinosaurs have descended into Mount Dora. The impressive exhibit is on display at W.T. Bland Library. Read more

It's scholarship application season and 2023 graduates of Mount Dora High can apply for the One Human Family Scholarship made possible with generous donations by members of the community and a partnership between the Triangle Connection and Mount Dora Buzz. Get application information here or from Mount Dora High School guidance counselors.

The Jane Austen Fest returns to Mount Dora on February 10 through 12 to celebrate the 18th-century author with various events in downtown Mount Dora that include speakers, plus crafts and activities of the period.  

The last epic treasure hunting of the season happens this month. Renningers' Antique Extravangza's eclectic vintage finds from vendors throughout the southeast will be on full display from February 17 to 19.

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 more local content.

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Last month a sprawling new sports bar and grill opened in Eustis, providing local fans with the perfect spot to watch the Super Bowl and other big games. Read more

At the end of December, the landmark WIndsor Rose Tea Room closed its doors due to the well-deserved retirement of its long-time owners, Paul and Marsha Goodale. Now a new French restaurant is preparing to open in its cozy downtown location. Read more

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.

Differing itself from other municipalities in Lake County, the City of Mount Dora recently announced it would no longer allow public comments on any of its social media accounts, including those of its police and fire departments, as well as its main government page. Read more.  Readers' comments are still welcome on Mount Dora Buzz's social media and other accounts not affiliated to the city's government.

The second required public hearing and City Council vote are expected in the coming weeks for the proposed high-rise development in the Mount Dora Innovation District on the eastern edge of the city. Read more. The date will be posted on Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page once it becomes available.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's ​government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  ​​Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram  and Facebook page for more local info.

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