MARCH EDITION: News & Events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

From a kayakathon and vintage boat show, to a sailing regatta, this is the month that brings lots of fun on the water to Lake Dora.

Tavares kicks off the aquatic activities with the Vintage Boat Spring Regatta on March 19 and the drool-worthy Sunnyland Vintage Boat Festival on the last weekend of the month (read more). That same weekend, Mount Dora Sailing Regatta will take place with hundreds of sailboats gracing the water. Read more

At long last Mount Dora has officially selected a location for the overdue Northeast Community Resource Center. The recreation and resource facility will be located on the corner of Highland Street and Lincoln Avenue and will be walking distance for high school and middle school students.

Anyone looking for some high-energy retro entertainment will find it when Kashmir, a leading Led Zeppelin tribute band, takes the stage in downtown Mount Dora for a concert featuring the original band's classic rock hits and an electrifying show. More info

This month is a great time for a day trip to Blue Springs. The pristine State Park, beautiful on its own, is also the winter refuge to hundreds of West Indian manatees on chilly winter days. Read more

On March 19 & 20, Mount Dora will host its annual Spring Festival featuring hundreds of crafters and vendors lining the streets of historic downtown.

The occasional loud booms and rattling of local windows caused by blasts at the Navy's bombing range in the Ocala National Forest can catch Mount Dora residents off guard. Here are 10 things to know about the active Pinecastle Bombing Range.  Read more

Got shoes? Mount Dora has another drop-off location for Sole4Souls, the non-profit organization that puts unwanted shoes to good use, whether as disaster relief, or for homeless children or for those in need in the U.S. and developing countries.  Local folks can now also drop off shoes in the donation box at the register inside Barrel of Books and Games at 128 W. 4th Avenue open 12-4pm daily.

Scroll down for new local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, this month's history article and the Best of Mount Dora winners.

It's been a long time coming, but Shadrach's Fiery Furnace Pizza Company is making progress on its downtown Mount Dora location. Its outdoor eatery still isn't expected to open for a couple of months at the Donnelly Street site between 4th and 3rd Avenues. The pizza company is popular in Central Florida for its wood-fired pizzas and its new location will also offer appetizers, beer, wine, special events and more. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram for an opening date.

Speaking of pizza....downtown Eustis now has its own new Italian restaurant, Roma Pizza, which also dishes out pasta entrees, subs, wings and more. It's located at 1 N. Eustis Street behind City Hall and replaced Nalan Sultan, the delicious and authentic Turkish restaurant.

The Buzz is saddened to report the temporary closing of Edge Coffee downtown. The coffee house has become a popular hangout for locals due to its stellar cups of joe and welcoming atmosphere. The coffee-loving owners are expected to announce some big changes in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for updates.

On March 7, Mount Dora City Council will have a public work session that includes addressing the City's parking situation. It was scheduled to be held last month, but that meeting ran long, so it was rescheduled to this month.

Lake County will be holding its local Household Hazardous Waste pickup on March 17 at Mount Dora's Walmart on U.S. 441. Lake County residents can drop off their leftover paint, pesticides, fluorescent lamps, and other items. Commercial drop off is not permitted at this event.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall.

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