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

Another local farm may transition to new development
A favorite Tavares destination may become a residential and commercial development. Far Reach Ranch landowners have a potential plan in the works for their over-600-acre farm. Read more

New development considered on Old 441 in Mount Dora
On the southern border of Mount Dora, Evergreen Development's application was reviewed by Orange County Development Review Committee. The proposal is for a small development on vacant land on Old Highway 441 just south of the Orange County line and north of Chesterhill. The proposal seeks to double the allowable dwelling units from one dwelling unit per acre to one dwelling unit per half acre.

2025 hurricane season predictions are out
The first day of the Atlantic hurricane season was June 1 and officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have predicted a 60% chance of an "above-normal" hurricane season, with between 13 and 19 named storms. Six to 10 of those are expected to strengthen into hurricanes, and three to five could become major hurricanes, according to the forecasters. Of those storms it remains unknown how many will make landfall. NOAA estimated there's a 30% chance of a "near-normal" season and a 10% chance of a "below-normal" season.

Lake Cares Food Pantry opens new location
The area's local food pantry moved into its larger new digs on S.R. 19. The brand new building is centrally located between Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis to better serve those in need. Read more

Lake County's public schools beef up security
In an effort to "harden" security at all of its elementary schools, Lake County Schools will begin installing new locks on all classroom doors now that school is out for summer. The locks will automatically engage upon the door closing and require a key to open from the outside. The effort hopes to mitigate human error and effects approximately 1,000 doors spread across Lake County's 20 public elementary schools. 
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Scroll down for more local Buzz, featured events and most recent Best of Mount Dora winners.

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Donnelly Street gift store closes in Mount Dora
At the end of April, the owners of downtown Mount Dora's White Orchid Market decided to close the Donnelly Street store which offered prepacked foods, houseplants, gifts and wine for the last few years. We wish them big success on the next chapter. 

New women's boutique opens in June in downtown Mount Dora
A new shop, Denim & Pearls Plus Size Women’s Boutique, is expected to open in downtown Mount Dora early this month. The store will have a bougie vibe and be the only downtown retailer to exclusively feature women's plus-size apparel. The beautiful boutique will be located at 252 N. Donnelly in the former space of The White Orchid. Watch their Facebook page for an opening date.

New chicken chain preps to open in Tavares
A new Zaxby's is nearing completion in Tavares next to Golden Corral on U.S. Highway 441. The national chain is known for their fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and tangy dipping sauce. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for an opening date.

Change provided great opportunities for two local retailers and shoppers
The ball started rolling when the owner of The Wow Factory decided to retire and close his popular store in downtown Mount Dora. That prompted Jewelry by TFC to move from a small space inside downtown's Papilio, to the larger spot The Wow Factory vacated. The result is a glittering and magical space at 117 E. 4th Avenue overflowing with sparkly baubles and bling. The jewelry store's move gave Papilio, a beautiful nature-inspired store, more space to expand its vast selection of exotic house plants and garden accessories. Papilio is located at 439 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora.

New cigar lounge opens in uptown Mount Dora
Stogie afficionados are happy to have another place to call home. The Cigar Lounge at Whiskey Kitchen opened last weekend in a new dedicated patio that doesn't interfere with other guests. In addition to the availability of a full bar and premium whiskeys, a variety of cigars are sold, plus humidor lockers are available to rent. The Cigar Lounge at Whiskey Kitchen is located at 315 N. Highland Street.

Progress made on Britt Road restoration
It's been months in the making to restore Britt Road after Hurricane Milton washed out a large section of the rural road. Lake County has entered into a purchase agreement with the owner of the land needed to reconstruct the road and improve drainage. The next step is for the County to do its due diligence on the property, and once that's completed, likely within 60 days, the information will be presented to Lake County Board of Commissioners for a final vote to complete the purchase of the property.

Mount Dora City Councilman earns statewide recognition
The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Mount Dora Councilmember Cal Rolfson with a 2025 Home Rule Hero Award for his hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2025 Legislative Session. Rolfson worked throughout the session to promote 'local voices making local choices' by sharing insights, data, and real-world examples that helped inform State lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities.

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

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