JUNE, 2015

MOUNT DORA:

• At the well-attended May 19th city council meeting, the council listened to the voice of its citizenry and voted 7-0 to examine options for more shade trees downtown.  At the June 15 city council tree workshop a vote is expected whether to modify the landscape plan to use less palms and more shade trees to line downtown streets.  Concerned residents should attend this meeting at City Hall at 6pm.  More information on this issue is available at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/fact-checking-downtowns-tree-issue and http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/editorial/a-road-map-to-downtown-shade

• One of downtown's popular restaurants, Oudom Thai Sushi, has a new owner, but the menu and decor remain the same.  In other restaurant news, Merrill's Patio Bar and Bistro is planning to relocate to a new downtown location in a few months.  Meanwhile, its popular Alexander Street location closed in early April while they decide on their new location.

• Mount Dora lost a quiet icon with the passing of Diane Brewer, a New Jersey native and the welcoming face of Goblin Market for years. Her family and friends have the community's deepest sympathies. You can read more at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/mount-dora-loses-an-icon

• City Hall is getting ready to welcome its new top administrator, city manager Vince Pastue.  He recently held the same position in Farmington, Michigan, a northern suburb of Detroit.  Pastue brings with him an extensive city finance and economic development background that is expected to be of tremendous benefit to Mount Dora.

• Summer is a difficult time for local children in need.   Many depend on their school's discounted breakfast and lunch programs for their daily meals.  Summer break means those meals are gone.  Local families and businesses can help bridge the gap by taking The P.B. & J. Challenge.  It's easy, fun and helps local kids by supplying jars of peanut butter and jelly.  Find out more at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/p-b-and-j.html.

• Art lovers will be impressed by the abstract paintings by local artist Laura Varich that will be installed this week for the summer's  "Thrive" art exhibit.  The downtown storefront show, co-sponsored by Burkhardt Construction and Mount Dora Buzz, will feature her paintings in the windows on 4th & Donnelly Street for two months. 

• Lake County Schools are out for the summer on June 4th.   After the excitement wears off, boredom doesn't have to set in. Discover some fun, local summer camps at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/save-your-sanity-and-theirs-local-summer-camps

• Ross Dress for Less in Mount Dora is set to open in July.  Get the opening date and details in the article on http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles/an-opening-date-for-mount-dora-bargain-hunters

• Local journalism students in college and high school can apply for a summer reporting internship with Mount Dora Buzz.  The details are available at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/editorial/intern-reporters-wanted.

• Looking to try somewhere new to eat?  Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis have a lot of options to choose from.   Diners can check out arearestaurant reviews as they become available athttp://www.mountdorabuzz.com/dining.

• To celebrate summer, Lakeside Inn has opened its pool bar Friday through Sunday afternoons.  It's the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a waterfront view.
• More news get  your free  monthly subscription atwww.MountDoraBuzz.com/subscription

EUSTIS BUZZ:  

• Sprouts Fresh Market has changed their name to The Hometown Market and updated some of their displays and check-outs. The ownership and fresh produce remain the same.

• For the 18th year, Eustis received a Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The award honors cities with environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care.

TAVARES BUZZ:

• Just in time for summer, Tavares Splash Park at downtown's Wooton Park will now be open 7 days a week from 10am-6pm.

• Tavares' new restaurant, Tiki West Bar & Grill, was reviewed in April.  You can read it at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/dining/restaurant-review-tiki-west-raw-bar-grill.

FABULOUS LOCAL FINDS FOR DADS...
Father's Day is June 21 and lots of thoughtful gifts he'll love can be discovered locally.  Here are just a few:

• For Active Type:  Cool him off after a workout with refreshing "cooling towels" from Noni at the Olive Branch that will cool down dad quickly whether he's been at the gym or working in the yard.

• For "The Bookworm":  Cool men's reading glasses from Papilio (5th Avenue, downtown) along with a new bestseller from Barrel of Books & Games (4th  Avenue, downtown).

• For the "Beer Lover":  Create a custom craft beer sampling experience with small gift certificates from Mount Dora Brewing, Maggie's Attic, Mermaid Juice.. He'll love it!  

• For the "Grill Master":   Put together a good bag of gourmet barbecue sauces, rubs and more from Julianne's Coastal Cottage.  (4th Avenue, downtown, Mount Dora)

• For the "Sweet Tooth":  Grab a six pack of special manly cupcakes from Cupcake Delights (4th Avenue, downtown)

• For the "Sports Fan":  Find all types of vintage sports memorabilia from baseball to football at Hoity Toity Mercantile.  (Main Street, downtown Tavares)

JUNE'S SHOUT OUT

• This month's shout-out goes to all the teachers that have worked tirelessly  this school year.  You make a difference and your efforts are appreciated.  Enjoy a relaxing summer break.  Thank you for all you do!

Take advantage of the Shop Mount Dora resource page atwww.Facebook.com/ShopMountDora for big local sales plus great finds throughout the month.  Discover a directory of area specialty stores at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/gifts--specialties.html.

STAY INFORMED:
Get more local news at on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MountDoraBuzz or get caught up on local articles at http://www.mountdorabuzz.com/articles.