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

The last arts and crafts show of the season happens this month when the Mount Dora Spring Show returns to the streets of downtown Mount Dora. Read more

Upgrades and changes to an underused recreational amenity in Mount Dora are expected to be completed next month. Forest Reserve will get a new section of elevated boardwalk and much more. Read more

There is a bit of parking relief taking shape in downtown Mount Dora. During non-event days, the unused pedestrian mall on 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora will eventually be designated for parking for motorcycles and permitted golf carts. This will free up on-street parking currently taken up by these vehicles. Details of the plan are still being finalized and it may begin as a one-year pilot program.

Parents and kids can look forward to new playground equipment and upgrades coming to Gilbert Park. Mount Dora Buzz will provide an update when the improvements are completed. The park and its landmark pirate ship are located at 310 S. Tremain Street in Mount Dora.

African American Film Festival returns to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Mount Dora with a free screening of A Son of Africa on Sunday, March 10 at 3:00pm, No registration is required.

Scroll down for buzz on local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page and its Instagram for local updates.

Whiskey Kitchen has been bustling since its opening last month after its owners impressively transformed the old Lakehouse restaurant inside and out. The casual eatery offers a full bar, plus indoor and outdoor shaded dining areas. It's located at 315 N. Highland Street in uptown Mount Dora.

Downtown Tavares added to its growing listing of dining options with the addition of Ironworks Steak and Fine Cocktails. The upscale steakhouse in the heart of the city's entertainment district created a unique and impressive atmosphere. Read more

Local steak lovers will have another local reason to smile when a new Brazilian steakhouse and buffet, Taste of Brazil, opens in downtown Eustis in the former space of Backfin and CJ's Seafood Company. Mount Dora Buzz will keep you posted as the restaurant gets closer to opening.

After 30 years, Mount Dora Village Coffee Pot on Donnelly Street closed at the end of February. Fear not, you'll still be able to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee at its sister store, Mount Dora Confectionery just across the street. We wish Akhtar Hussain the very best in his next chapter.

Valerie's, the children's clothing boutique, recently closed in the Renaissance Building in downtown Mount Dora. A brand new store is being opened in its place by the owners of Black Swan Mercantile. Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page and Instagram for more details on the new store.

Scroll down for this month's featured events, hot local government topics, stellar local businesses, new development buzz, and more.

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Developers are seeking a Land Use Amendment from Lake County for a proposed mixed-use development in the Sorrento area south of State Road 46. In addition to over 1,700 homes, the proposed 466-acre project would also include up to 2.8 million square feet of commercial space. Anyone interested can call 352-343-9641 to review the file. Public meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on March 6 and April 2 at 315 W. Main Street in Tavares.

Mount Dora's suspended City Manager Patrick Comiskey resigned on February 26. On January 22, the City Council voted in favor (5-2) of his suspension and eventual removal for allegedly violating city policies. The City is expected to begin the search for a new top administrator soon. The Acting City Manager is Vince Sandersfeld, the city's Planning Director and a respected long-time employee.  

Early last month Mount Dora City Council voted to reject a mediation agreement with AMCO Development pertaining to its proposed project on S.R. 46, the largest proposed development in the city. The vote was 4-3 with Council members Bryant, Cataldo, Walker and Dawson prevailing in their vote against the agreement. Mayor Stile and council members Rolfson and Crail voted in favor of the revised plans. See the rendering and learn what's next regarding this development here.

The City of Mount Dora is moving forward with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a shuttle service to include two electric vehicles that will operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday in a constant loop from Highland Street in uptown to downtown Mount Dora. The current plan is to launch the pilot program in the fall of 2024. Some of the RFP's requirements will include flexibility in operations, including vehicle size, number of vehicles available, and the frequency of days of service. 

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall. Scroll down for the 'Buzz' about new development.

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