JULY, 2015

MOUNT DORA

• Shoppers rejoiced after the much anticipated Ross Dress for Less in Mount Dora opened on US 441 earlier this month.  Read previous article...

 

• As the issue of replacing shade trees on downtown streets continues, some residents are cautiously optimistic a compromise will be reached.  The current proposal calls for the removal of four parking spaces to accommodate four shade trees.  Meanwhile, the city is considering ways to improve the overall parking in the area.  The council is expected to discuss and vote on the shade issue during its July 7th regular meeting at City Hall at 6pm.  The public is encouraged to attend.  Update since publication:  Compromise was reached to allow for additional Live Oaks downtown in lieu of four parking spaces.

• The wait is longer than movie lovers would like, however Epic Theaters is on track to be built on US 441 in Mount Dora behind Target and Walmart.  Look for the 14-screen cinema to break ground in early 2016 and open later that year.  Meanwhile, the new ABC Liquors is going up fast next to Chipotle on 441 and Donnelly Street.
• Three new businesses will be opening in downtown  Mount Dora in the next few months.  Read more...

• The community is grieving one of its talented hometown boys after an accident took David De Hoog far too soon.  Besides a being a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, fiance and friend, David was admired for his vast musical talent, as well as his kind and genuine spirit.  A Mount Dora High School graduate, David had a wide circle of friends in the community, including his band mates in the Brewery Boys, a local house band in which he played the saxophone.  Our hearts go out to his family, his fiancee and his many friends.  He will be greatly missed.

• With hurricane season upon us, Lake County has made allemergency shelters pet friendly.  Pets are required to be crated and have their updated vaccination records.  For more information and a list of shelters click here.

• One of downtown's favorite stores has a new location.  Zen Cowgirlmoved from its Renaissance Building location to join Papilio at 120 W. 5th Avenue location.  It will still feature all the unique vintage finds, handcrafted jewelry and wonderful re-purposed items that made the store a favorite


• A newly built, custom dream home in Mount Dora won the grand prize award during this spring's Parade of Homes which featured the best in custom home building in Orange, Seminole and Lake counties.  Take a peek inside this lakefront retreat featuring a gorgeous pool and incredible wine room by clicking here. 

• Looking to try somewhere new to eat? Area residents have an increasing number of options to choose from ranging from ethnic restaurants to barbecue joints.   Discerning diners can read local restaurant reviews as they become available.  Read more...

• W.T. Bland Library in Mount Dora has a plethora of free summer programs for kids of all ages, including live performances at the community building, as well as reading programs.  Click here for more details and to read the complete article.

• Watch for a new barber shop to be opening soon in the ground floor of the Renaissance Building in the former space occupied by Lilly's boutique.  Watch for a new restaurant to open in the former home of Merrill's Market on Alexander Street.  
• For additional local articles click here.  
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EUSTIS BUZZ:  

• In June the Eustis City Commission formally elected Acting Mayor Michael Holland as mayor and Commissioner Karen LeHeup-Smith as vice mayor for the City of Eustis.  Holland and LeHeup will serve through January 2016. Read more...

• A new boutique, The Salty Mare, opened recently at 113 N. Bay Street.  The shop features clothing and accessories for Florida's beach-loving country girls.  

• Ferran Park's new playground had its ribbon cutting.  The park improvements are just part of the master plan for the downtown park. 

TAVARES BUZZ:

•  Tavares' Pay It Forward campaign kicked off this month featuring many downtown shops and restaurants.  Read more...

STAY INFORMED:
To get local news, reviews and events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, get your free subscription to Mount Dora Buzz'  online news magazine by clicking here.  'Like' Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.

FABULOUS LOCAL FINDS...
Wonderful things can be discovered locally.  Here are just a few we found for summer:

• Cool off with an ice cream cone as you stroll downtown or sip a frozen lemonade from Cody's on 4th or a frozen coffee drink from Cupcake Delights.  Both businesses are on 4th Avenue between Donnelly & Baker Street.

• The hot weather is the perfect time to entertain with frozen wine smoothies from Julianne's Coastal Cottage.  The best part is you can sample for yourself before you buy to help select a favorite flavor.  (135 E. 4th Ave, downtown Mount Dora)

• The Cuban shrimp cocktail is a refreshing start to a meal at Copacabana Cuban Cafe this summer.  Read the review of the downtown Mount Dora  restaurant here.  

• It's fun to hunt through summer's designer apparel and accessories at Sassy Seconds', for a lucky find.  Call ahead for their summer hours. (930 Donnelly St. Mount Dora,)

• Summer salads get a gourmet touch with the citrus balsamic vinegarsand infused olive oils available at Mount Dora Olive Oil Company (Donnelly Street, Mount Dora).

• Discover current deals and fabulous finds in Mount Dora at the Shop Mount Dora page.  For a list of some of the areas unique specialty storesclick here.

JULY'S SHOUT OUT

• This month's shout-out goes to the donors and 140 active Lake Cares Food Pantry volunteers for their tireless efforts making it possible to feed 800 local needy families a month. In June, the non-profit was able to feed an additional 815 local children in need. Thank you for an important job very well done.
• For additional local articles click here.  
•  Get a free subscription to the Mount Dora Buzz online news.