FEBRUARY ISSUE: News & Events For Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

-  February is a big month for area festivals.  Mount Dora Arts Festival hits the streets of downtown Mount Dora on February 2nd and 3rd with over 298 top artists from across the  country.  Read more  

This month also has a bevy of events in downtown Eustis to celebrate George Washington's birthday.  February 2nd brings the the Running of the Georges 5k and George's Chili Cook-off.  The annual GeorgeFest runs February 22 to 24.  Read more

- Good news!  The last thirty days in Mount Dora were prolific in terms of new businessesopening downtown.  One major property owner now has 100% retail occupancy and a waiting list for space. Stay tuned for two more openings expected in the next 30 days.  For more details, scroll down to read the Dining and Retail sections.    

-  Smiles were spread across children's faces as Gilbert Park's new playground opened at the end of January.  After comments from residents regarding the safety of the large gray slide, that component was closed while an alternative is explored.  The remainder of the park is open.

The sacrifices and dedication of the city's civil rights trailblazer, Mabel Norris Reese, have led to an effort to memorialize her by current residents of Mount Dora. Reese bravely exposed racial injustices in Lake County during the reign of its brutal sheriff Willis McCall. Read more

- The City of Mount Dora continues to examine the best way to stream video during city council meetings.  Options include YouTube, as well as social media providing they develop a policy that complies with all regulations.  If you want to know more what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall and our local schools, check the Mount Dora Buzz "Government" page for updates.  

-  Need more local info?  Check the local bulletin board on Facebook when looking for recommendations, lost and found pets, employment opportunities, yard sales and more.  
Scroll down for all the restaurant and store news.

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-  It's a big loss for the community. After more than a decade,  Ivory's, Mount Dora's favorite soul food restaurant, closed its doors in Mount Dora's Grandview Business District.  We wish Maria the very best.  Read more  

-  Watch for local resident to open another casual restaurant soon in downtown Mount Dora. The owner brings restaurant experience, plus a history of downtown business ownership.  The new eatery is opening in the former location of Rockin' Cafe on Donnelly Street.  Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for more information.  
- NOLA On Da Geaux (translation:  New Orleans on The Go),  the popular Creole food truck, will now be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of Limit Avenue and U.S. 441 across from the RaceTrack at Wolfbranch Road.   Try the Jambalaya or Etoufee.  Yum!
-  Streat Corner, the corner burger joint in uptown Mount Dora, announced its permanent closure.  There's no word yet on another business filling that space, but anyone craving a stellar burger can get their fix at Magical Meat, Mount Dora Brewing,or the Goblin Market and
Las Palmas among other local spots.
Scroll down for news about new stores...
Copyright Mount Dora Buzz 2018

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- Downtown Mount Dora just became a little more international. A new store, Cappadocia Arts,  features all handmade Turkish textiles and pottery to blend with just about every style of decor.  Read more

- Recently two landlords have worked hard and succeeded in bringing a flurry of new retail businesses to downtown Mount Dora.  The Creators Corner, the building on 3rd and Donnell, recently signed three new tenants to occupy the spaces around the Jane Slivka Art Gallery.  Meanwhile another property manager welcomed new tenants and achieved 100% retail occupancy and a waiting list for their downtown Mount Dora retail properties.  Read more

-  Now this is exciting.  Botanica by Papilio will be opening downtown later this week.  The new shop will feature plants and garden items previously not available downtown.  As you would expect from the boys of Papilio, the shop is a must-see. Read more  

Copyright Mount Dora Buzz 2018

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-  Big thanks to one of Mount Dora's national retailers, Ross Dress For Less.  Beginning February 2 the local store, located at 16900  U.S. 441, will be raising money for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County.  Every three dollars raised results in one hour of  after-school programs for the area's youth.  All donations stay within the community.   The fundraising campaign continues through February 24.

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In a shot to the heart of local strawberry lovers, Oak Haven Farms stopped whipping up their amazing fresh strawberry milkshakes.  Sigh.  Let us know if you find a tasty replacement.  On the bright side, the local strawberry season typically continues into March.  Enjoy!

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