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

Kicking off the season with Fall in the Field
The first event to usher in the season is always Fall in the Field at Renningers Antique Center in Mount Dora. This year, the vintage shopping event is on October 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Far Reach Scream Park produces spine-chilling frights
It's back! Lake County's most frightening attraction reopens for the bewitching season on October 2, only on Fridays and Saturdays through October 24. This year it has two spine-chilling attractions, themed midway games, excellent live music by The Dismembered, cocktails, and more. Mount Dora Buzz got a sneak peek, and trust us, it's scream-inducing. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page for an upcoming video.

Here are the top 10 things to know for easy voting in Lake County on November 3
The deadline to register to vote in Lake County is October 5 for the November 3 election. Vote-by-Mail ballots have already started going out to voters, and Early Voting starts later this month. Get all of the important deadlines and new details here.

Mount Dora Craft Fair returns this month
One of Florida's top-ranked craft fairs returns to the streets of downtown Mount Dora on October 24 and 25. The annual event features hundreds of vendors showcasing their handmade creations. Learn more and get shuttle info here.

Celebrate the season with this month’s fall festivals and Halloween events
Along with cooler weather, October brings a variety of events to welcome the change of seasons. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fall festivals, kid-focused Halloween fun, or spooky thrills for adults, our Fall Event Guide has you covered. Read it here.

Rocktoberfest rocks Tavares this month
Once again, downtown Tavares will come alive on the Lake Dora waterfront with a full day of seaplane contests, live rock music, and fun for all ages on October 17. The day kicks off with the annual Monster Splash Fly-in at 11 a.m., followed by Rocktober Fest's live music lineup, which ends at 10 p.m.

Mount Dora's fun Empty Bowls event to connect the community on October 30
In late October, the community will descend on Donnelly Park for a fun event to benefit Lake Cares Food Pantry and help bridge the local hunger gap. It's an evening centered around food, community, live music, and helping your less fortunate neighbors. Tickets typically sell out in advance and are available here.

October's Distinctive Properties are more than unique
Each month, Mount Dora Buzz features its Distinctive Properties column highlighting three to five standout homes in North Lake County and describes what sets these properties apart, including architectural character to noteworthy history, design, and location. Find this month's beautiful properties here. If you're a homeowner with a distinctive property you think deserves the spotlight, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to let us know!

Corn maze adventure is open for the season
It's been a seasonal tradition for decades, and this year it continues with the theme Island Adventure. Long & Scott Farm's corn maze is open on weekends now through November 15 and challenges guests to find their way out of its seven-acre maze. Not feeling adventurous? Opt for the farm's other outdoor activities like hayrides, pond fishing, super slide, and more.

Watch the Mount Dora Buzz website and Facebook page for updates on more stories.
Scroll down for new business Buzz, featured events, and more.

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Local businesses negatively impacted by months-long construction project

After years of chatter, construction finally began on the new roundabout at the junction of Old Highway 441, State Road 19, and Eudora Road. A short length of Old Highway 441 is now closed for the duration of the project. Construction is expected to be concluded in 2027, however, affected businesses are already taking a hit. Read more

One of Mount Dora's popular stores closed its doors
After a few years on the hottest block in downtown Mount Dora, the cheerful Lemon Drop Market, downtown Mount Dora's specialty food store, permanently closed its doors last month. The owners now have more time to focus on their other Mount Dora store, Love Home Harmony, and their newer Lemon Drop Market location in The Villages.

Long-time downtown art shop is closing
Lee Fusion Art Glass has closed its doors due to its owners' retirement after many years in business in Mount Dora, spanning three downtown locations. We wish Sheldon Bickford and Wayne Taylor a relaxing next chapter on the beach. You'll be missed!

New women's apparel and accessory boutique opens in Mount Dora
Downtown Mount Dora just got a new go-to spot for fashionistas. Fashionela recently opened in Mount Dora Marketplace near Dark & Light Cafe. The small space offers plenty of trendy styles of jeans, tops, dresses, plus handbags and fragrances.

Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page for updates.
Scroll down for more local Buzz and local events.

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Top 10 important tips on voting in Lake County
Election Day is November 3, and the midterms and local candidates are on the ballot. To make your in-person or mail-in voting go smoothly, here are the top 10 things to know.

Meet the Candidate event to take place in Mount Dora
Mount Dora voters will have another opportunity to meet the three candidates running for their City Council At-Large seat at Lakeside Inn. Voters will be able to ask questions one-on-one with candidates Charity Mcclarty, Bailey Stack, and Mike Garcia at Lakeside Inn on Sunday, October 4, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Candidates' campaign finance reports can be viewed in advance of the event here.

Mount Dora Buzz is planning to post the video online of the recent debate between Mcclarty and Stack. Garcia was to attend also, but cancelled.

Scroll down for this month's featured events, or find more local government news here.

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