JUNE 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. Next up are Eustis and Tavares celebrations on July 4. All of these events are free and feature live music, fireworks and more. Once the full schedules are available, you can find them on Mount Dora Buzz's local entertainment calendar and its Facebook page.

Mount Dora celebrates Juneteenth on June 20
Mount Dora will join other communities across the country by hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 20. Once again, the annual family-friendly festival will be held at Cauley Lott Park. Learn more

Sunset stroll through Mount Dora's sculpture garden
The meandering sculpture garden along the Lake Dora lakefront in Mount Dora has transitioned from concept to beautiful fruition. Now, the grassy lakefront along Simpson Cove is dotted with impressive sculptures that are intermixed with the greenspace's other landmarks. Learn more

Just a couple of hours away is one of Florida's most beautiful beaches
We're continuing to dig through Mount Dora Buzz's archives to share fun places for day trips this summer. This month, we're featuring a lesser-known beach escape that's been rated one of Florida's best beaches and is an easy road trip. Read more

Mount Dora reviewing effects of new Florida law regarding events
Some Mount Dora events may face some changes after Florida Senate Bill 1134 was signed into law in April. The law prohibits local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. City-organized or promoted events, including the Scottish Highland Festival, Juneteenth, and its St. Patrick's Day Celebration, as well as proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, and Pride Month could be affected. Once the city attorney has reviewed the events on a case-by-case basis, an update will be provided.

Donnelly Street reopened in May
Nearly seven months after a portion of Donnelly Street was washed out near U.S. Highway 44, the roadway is fully reopened with improved drainage infrastructure. The roadway's grade is now less steep and a paved sidewalk, metal railing, and shelters have been added.

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.

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Decades-long downtown merchants sell popular store.
What a ride! Carla and Edson Pereira, owners of Piglet’s Pantry dog bakery in downtown Mount Dora for 29 years, started a new chapter in their lives. The landmark store, located on the corner of 4th Avenue and Donnelly Street, was sold to new local owners last month. Read more

What's driving attention to North Lake County real estate?
As families begin planning for the next busy school year, North Lake County’s growing reputation for high-performing schools is becoming an increasingly important part of the local conversation. Read more

New cookie bakery gets closer to opening.
The dessert-bakery chain, Crumbl, will soon open its new Mount Dora location on U.S. Highway 441 next to Einstein Bros. Bagels. The Utah-based company features large, decadent cookies and rotating monthly flavors, and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing specialty cookie brands in the country. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for an opening date.
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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Mount Dora receives statewide preservation award.
The City of Mount Dora was awarded a Florida Preservation Award for its Historic Design Standards update project. The recognition was given by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. The annual award recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation throughout Florida. The City’s award-winning project modernized the Historic Preservation Standards that guide development within Mount Dora’s historic district. 

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

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