JULY SCOOP: News & events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

Save July 3rd and 4th for local Independence Day celebrations.
Always early to celebrate our country's birthday, Mount Dora will kick off area festivities on July 3 with its annual Freedom on the Waterfront event. Eustis' Hometown Celebration is also on July 3 this year. Next up is Tavares' celebration on July 4. All of these events are free and feature live music, fireworks, and more. Find the full schedules here.

A good time for a great cause -- Empty Bowls is back!
Get creative, Lake County! Mount Dora's annual Empty Bowls event, which benefits Lake Cares Food Pantry and is organized by Yada Yada Pottery, is asking residents and visitors to stop by the pottery studio to paint ceramic bowls for use during the community fundraising event. Learn more

Discover the 10 best spots to watch fireworks.
Locals and visitors can enjoy two nights of lit-up skies to celebrate the nation's independence. Mount Dora and Eustis will have fireworks on July 3, while Tavares will celebrate July 4th with a lakefront fireworks show. Discover the 10 best vantage points here.

Wild monkey sightings in Mount Dora spark interest.
From the Gilbert Park area and downtown, to Dogwood Mountain, last month's sightings of rhesus monkeys in Mount Dora had locals talking. Reported sightings have slowed on social media, but the monkeys (or monkey) may have been part of a small local troop. Learn more

Three candidates vie for seat on Mount Dora City Council.
Two of the three seats up for grabs on the Mount Dora City Council this year are already settled due to a lack of challengers. However, one seat has drawn three non-incumbent candidates new to local politics. Read more

Technology tool helps Lake County homes stand out in today's market
The local housing market remains active, and buyers have more choices than they've had in recent years. According to Stellar MLS SmartCharts, new listings increased in May 2026 compared to the previous year, giving buyers a wider range of options. That makes effective marketing more important than ever for sellers. Learn more

Local TV Pilot Screened in Downtown Mount Dora
Set against the backdrop of Mount Dora's small-town charm, a locally and independently produced television pilot, "Here's Hope," was screened last month in downtown Mount Dora and featured a bevy of area talent. The inspiring project's next step is to gain interest from a streaming platform or television network.

Urban art exhibit open in Mount Dora through August 1
"Sprayground" is a wide-ranging show of visual art currently in the gallery at Mount Dora Center for the Arts. The exhibit features several artists with differing styles of compelling urban art. The gallery is located at 847 E. Fifth Avenue. Gallery hours vary depending on volunteer schedules, so it's recommended to call in advance.

Watch the Mount Dora Buzz website and Facebook page for updates on more stories.
Scroll down for new business Buzz, featured events, and more.

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Distinctive cocktail bar closes in Tavares​
The Argonaut Bar and Lounge in downtown Tavares, which immersed guests in a vintage submarine adventure, closed its doors last month. The owners stated on Facebook that they opted to close to focus on their other Tavares businesses: Ironworks Steakhouse, Nautilus Coffee, The Citrus Hotel, and Poppy’s Ice Cream. The Argonaut opened in the summer of 2022 with the vibe of a speakeasy and steampunk submarine lounge

Vintage and collectible store opens in Mount Dora
A new retail store, Magic City Antiques and Jewelry, has opened in downtown Mount Dora's Renaissance Building in the former space of the smoothie business. The small ground-floor shop is currently open by appointment and offers a curated selection of jewelry, pipes, watches, and figurines.

Popular sweet shop reduces hours for summer
Florida's summer heat prompted Waffles & Cream, the frozen dessert shop in Mount Dora Marketplace, to temporarily reduce its hours. Soaring temperatures and the lack of air conditioning made it harder for employees and ice cream coolers to stay cool, so the business will operate on a shortened schedule until the peak of hot temperatures passes.
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The local area has so many dining options with such diverse cuisines and experiences. When you're looking for something different and delicious, get some inside scoop with the 'Foodie Finds' on the Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page.

Scroll down for more local Buzz and local events

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Status update for Lake County's repair of Britt Road
The bidding process for the project closed on June 25, and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners is expected to award a contract at its July 14 meeting after reviewing qualified bids. Because the Florida Department of Transportation is providing partial funding, FDOT must also approve the contract terms. Construction cannot begin until the contract is awarded and FDOT gives final authorization to proceed.

Scroll down for this month's featured events, the Best of Mount Dora, or find more local government news here.

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