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

Happy New Year! The holidays are behind us, but Mount Dora is still feeling festive. Downtown's millions of twinkling lights are expected to remain up through the end of January, so there's still more time to walk among the lights in Donnelly Park and along the lakefront.

In the continued quest for even more festive lights, make the quick 25-minute trip to the impressive Asian Lantern Festival that continues through January 15. The family-friendly event has innovative displays spread across a 3/4-mile walking path. Read more

Last month Mount Dora City Council cleared the way for a new residential and commercial development on its eastern edge. Vista Hills development will consist of apartments, retail and office space. Read more

Last month Mount Dora Buzz announced its Person of the Year for 2022. The recognition goes to an altruistic resident who makes positive and selfless contributions to the community. The impressive 2022 recipient more than deserves the accolade. Read more

Central Florida cycling enthusiasts and local residents received a setback in November when CSX opted not to sell the railway corridor needed for the planned Tav-Dora Trail project. Other options are being pursued. Read more

This month Renningers' Antique Extravangza returns to the rolling hills of Mount Dora with eclectic vintage finds for everyone's taste. The sprawling event features hundreds of vendors from the southeast and takes place on January 20-23.

Last month former Mount Dora Police Chief Brett Meade filed a Whistleblower lawsuit against the City. You can read more and download a copy of the complaint here.

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 updates on local events, news and more.

Shoppers got a sneak peek at downtown's newest retailer in December. Mount Dora Jerky Company is closing for a few weeks this month to complete its buildout in the former location of Barrel of Books & Games. The store will feature a wide selection of fresh jerky flavors, plus other pre-packaged snacks. The Buzz tried several varieties of the jerky and all were moist and delicious! Mount Dora Jerky Company is the sister-store to downtown's Mount Dora Olive Oil Company.

Watch for the new location of Magic Tea Market to open on U.S. Highway 441 near Office Depot sometime later this month. In addition to its popular crafted boba teas, this location across from Walmart will feature house-made mochi donuts in various flavors and prepackaged Asian snacks.

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.

The greatly-needed traffic signal at the intersection of State Road 44 and Lakes of Mount Dora Boulevard went live last month after years of talks between City Staff and Florida Department of Transportation. The much-needed traffic light at the intersection of State Road 44 and Britt Road is expected to be installed in the near future.  

Construction of Mount Dora's newest fire station is expected to be completed by March. The new station will provide improved service for the western portion of the city.

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

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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 on Instagram for more local info.