-  As part of its effort to help alleviate downtown parking woes, the City of Mount Dora has begun a 4-hour parking limit on select streets in downtown Mount Dora. Unlimited parking is still available in other downtown areas.  Read more

-  By far the best news this month is that Epic Theatres is scheduled to open its doors in Mount Dora this month!  The $10 million project tucked off U.S. 441 will be a 12-screen multiplex.  Read more

-  Although local families have lost Mount Dora's monthly "Movie in the Park" (read more), they have regained another entertainment option with the re-opening of Adventure Cove, the area's only miniature golf course.  Read more

​- If everything goes as planned, downtown Eustis will soon be getting a new waterfront development.  Lake Eustis Club will offer single-family homes on 11.5 acres adjacent to Ferran Park.  Read more

Great news for commuters to Orlando.  The Wekiva Parkway (SR 429 extension) just opened the Round Lake Road on-ramp.    This will cut down the travel time into the Orlando metropolitan area  Read more

-  In other real estate news, one of downtown Mount Dora's larger buildings recently sold to local developers.  The Sunset Building on Baker Street will be undergoing renovations that are expected to be completed this summer.  Read more

- In an effort to make the downtown Mount Dora experience more convenient for residents and visitors, the City will begin offering   shuttles from designated parking lots outside the downtown.  The electric shuttles are scheduled to start April 5.  Read more
- Although it's not a done deal, USPS has zeroed in on a bigger location to replace its current cramped Donnelly Street address in downtown Mount Dora.  The post office has occupied the building for fifty years and has outgrown the site.  Read more

-  For anyone brave enough for carnival rides, Lake County Fair kicks off on April 5 and continues until April 14.  The fair also features live entertainment and livestock shows and sales.  For more local events in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here.

-  The wheels in the Starry Night mural case are churning forward.  In March, a federal judge granted the homeowners a preliminary injunction against the City of Mount Dora to prevent enforcement and accrual of more fines until the court rules further.    Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for updates on the case.

-  Get the monthly Mount Dora Buzz delivered to your email inbox the beginning of every month.  Subscribe for free here. 

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Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

​Stay in the loop.  Here's this month's news update for Mount Dora, Eustis and Tavares.

-  After its sale last year and $600,000 in new renovations, the Howey Mansion is ready for its new role as a tourist attraction and exclusive event venue.  After a decade of neglect, the transformation was no easy feat.  Read more

-  The scheduled sale of downtown Mount Dora's Sunset Building has displaced local artists scurrying for new studio space.   The building on 3rd Avenue and Baker Street housed several artists' studios including Jane Slivka's.  The award-winning acrylic painter will be relocating her studio to a space tucked inside a courtyard at 3rd Avenue at Donnelly Street later this month.

-  A 15-foot gator now permanently graces the shores of Lake Dora near Mount Dora's lighthouse.  The cast copper replica was the brainchild of two generous donors and was installed last week.  Read more

-  The City of Mount Dora was sued last week in federal court for allegedly violating the constitutional rights of the homeowners with the infamous Starry Night mural.  Within 24 hours the federal judge granted a temporary restraining order against the city to stop the fines from growing until the court rules.  Read more.

-  Just down the road, Lake Eustis Museum of Art is hosting its fun Art-A-Fare event this month to help support local art and educational programs.  The annual event is open to the public and features a happy-hour atmosphere with plenty of art, live entertainment, wine, craft beer, food, and more.  Read more

-  A new stamp at the United States Postal Service has a local connection.  A Mount Dora photographer's image was selected to be among the handful of images in the series.  Read more

-  Fans of miniature golf will be happy to hear a Pop-up Art Golf Course will be open March 8-11 in Donnelly Park in Mount Dora.  FunVenture teamed up with Mount Dora Center for the Arts and local artists to create the experience.  Read more

-  Plenty of healthy competition will descend on Lake Dora during the annual Dragon Boat Festival this month.   Spectators can watch from Wooton Park as the crews race on the lake.   Read more

-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

-  Although many residents would love to see a Whole Foods in the area, they will have to wait a little longer for upscale stores.  Another national discount retailer, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, will fill approximately 33,000 square feet of space in Eustis on Bay Street.  Read more

- Recently, the sale of downtown Mount Dora's Cupcake Delights fell through.  After closing its doors briefly in February, the owner of the popular bakery on 4th Avenue decided to reopen March 1.  Local cupcake lovers are over the moon.

-  Looking to shop for something locally?  Depend on the Local Shopping Guide to help discover local stores and unique merchandise.

-  There are tons of area events this month.  Find the ones that will interest you on the calendar here.

Follow Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for breaking news.   Get free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz with news for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis  here.​​  For more area news download the free mobile app.

​-  This month the historic Howey Mansion will be made available as a venue for tours, weddings and other events.  The over 7,000 square-foot Mediterranean Revival home recently underwent major renovations by its new owners.  

- This is an exciting month for craft beer lovers.  Lake County's newest craft brewery and bar will have its grand opening in mid to late January in downtown Eustis.  If their latest beer, Season, and their soft opening are any indications, Wolf Branch Brewing will be a huge success.  Read more

-  If you enjoy TED Talks, you'll be thrilled to know the international movement to spread ideas and innovation is coming to Eustis in January.  TEDx Eustis will feature a dozen diverse local speakers speaking on a compelling common theme.  Read more


-   As part of our ongoing series on Mount Dora's deep talent pool of musicians, this month we put David Oliver Willis in the hot seat to catch up on his career since American Idol and what life-changing things are headed his way in 2018.  Read more

- Like other tourist destinations across the country, The City of Mount Dora is considering an ordinance to regulate short-term vacationrentals to ensure public safety and the quality of life in residential neighborhoods.  Read more

-  This month both the Antique Extravaganzaand Steampunk Industrial Show come to Mount Dora. Both provide unique opportunities for collectors and the curious to gawk at all kinds of oddities brought to Renningers by dealers throughout the southeast.  Read more

- A new residential development in Mount Dora is being considered.  The proposed Dora Landings subdivision would bring 129 single-family homes to the old Simpson family orange groves.  Read more
-  There is still plenty of time to see the Christmas lights in Donnelly Park.  The city will leave them up until February.  
​
-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

-  Watch for a new eatery. The Loft Cafe, to open in the near future on the second floor of the Renaissance Building.  The space vacated by Mr. Cerbiche is undergoing renovations before it begins dishing out food again.  Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Facebook for updates and the opening date. 

-  Pssst.  If you haven't tried the red sauce at the Olive Branch in downtown Mount Dora, it's beyond amazing.   Just sayin'.

- There are at least eleven local restaurants and bars featuring regular live music in Mount Dora and more in Tavares & Eustis.  Soon Wolf Branch Brewing will add their name to the list.  Check the Local Live Music Guideto help you find the live entertainment you'll love.  Check back as the guide continues to grow. Discover other types of entertainment on the calendar here.  

If you want to learn more about local restaurants you can find more information here.

i​-  If you missed Light Up Mount Dora, there is no need to fret.  The Christmas light displayin Donnelly Park remains up until February.  If you want keep track of all the local holiday events, you'll find them here.  

-  Yes, it really does snow in Mount Dora.  This year's forecast for snow in Donnelly Park is December 9 at 5pm.  That's when there will be free sledding and ice skating for kids in Donnelly Park. 

-  If you've never been, you're in for a treat.  The Sydonie Mansion, located just southeast of Mount Dora, is hosting special holiday tours on select dates of the decorated Mediterannean revival mansion.  Reservations are required.  More info

-  If you've strolled down Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora, you may have seen the large mural of animated characters, by local artist Tim Parker.  If not, you can check out the expansive painting outside Every Nook + Cranny artist collective.  Read  more

-  To state the obvious, the level of talent among Mount Dora's local musicians is extraordinary.  The deep pool of talent is one of the city's best resources and too often the best kept secret.  Mount Dora Buzz continues its profiles of our community's musicians with this month's interview of Stephen Currence, one of many local favorites. Read more

-  One of the absolute best events in Mount Dora during December is Santa's tour of neighborhoods throughout the city.  To make sure he travels safely through town, Santa is escorted by Mount Dora's Police and Fire Department vehicles with lights and sirens blaring.  It's a wonderful spectacle to behold, along with the looks on children's faces. Find Santa's tour schedule of neighborhoods here.  Thank you, MDFD and MDPD.

-  Any time is the perfect time for random acts of kindness.  Lake Cares Food Pantry could use some non-perishable food donations to help less fortunate families in Lake County during the holidays. When shopping BOGO deals at Publix, just keep one and give the other.  Of course, giving both is fine, too! Another opportunity for giving is Toys for Tots which has many local drop-off locations.
​
-  If you want the free monthly issues of Mount Dora Buzz to arrive in your email inbox, click here.  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

- There are at least eleven local restaurants and bars featuring regular live music in Mount Dora and more in Tavares & Eustis.  Check the Local Live Music Guide to help you find the live entertainment you'll love.  Check back as the guide continues to grow. Discover other types of entertainment on the calendar here.  

If you want to learn more about local restaurants you can find more information here.

-  One of Mount Dora's most popular stores is expanding.   Downtown Mount Dora shoppers will be thrilled to know Matamo Designs has leased another space to do a 'little' more of its retail magic. Read more 

-  Downtown Mount Dora's holiday windows are currently being judged for their brilliance by a panel of impartial judges.  Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for the winners and then be sure to stroll by and take a peek.

-  Want to get a jump on holiday shopping?  Depend on the Local Shopping Guide to keep you away from the crowds and into stores with unique gifts for everyone on your list.  ​

Get your free subscription to Mount Dora Buzz here.

-The season of cooler weather is upon us and lots of area events kick off this month.  From the Renaissance Fair, Art of the Deal, and the Antique Extravaganza to Light Mount Dora and Light Up Eustis--they all happen in November, plus all the fun monthly events. View calendar

- The area welcomed a new excursion train  last month.  Royal Palm Railway, a 1950's train, will take passengers on a narrated ride between Tavares, Mount Dora and Eustis.  In addition to their regular trips, they will also be offering seasonal-themed rides. Read more

-  Later this month, Mount Dora will get even friendlier.  Mount Dora Welcome Center will open in downtown's historic Donnelly House to greet visitors and provide them with maps, local information and even a free iced-tea on the porch.  Read more

-  If you thought parking in downtown Mount Dora  became increasingly difficult in October, you're right.  The City removed dozens of parking spaces in recent weeks.  Fortunately, a privately-owned, free shuttle service started last month and is staying busy transporting people among downtown destinations.  Read more

-  Not only does November bring us Veterans Day, it also brings Election  Day.  Local elections are Nov. 7, so remember to cast your vote if you haven't already.  

- Searching for something locally? Check out the local bulletin board  "Mount Dora Word of Mouth" on Facebook.  It's the local spot to ask for recommendations, post lost & found pets, announce yard sales and keep in touch with your community.  Find it here

-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

-  Love good tea and coffee?  Cafe 334
in downtown Mount Dora will open later this month inside Every Nook & Cranny artist collective on Donnelly Street.    Patrons can place their order at the window and relax in one of the eclectic seating areas or take their drinks to go.  Eventually, the cafe will serve light vegan fare.  Read more

- The Golden Triangle is a bastion for live music in Florida.  Downtown Mount Dora alone boasts at least eleven restaurant and bar venues with regular live music.  Check the Local Live Music Guide to help you find the live entertainment you'll love and check back as it grows.   You can find other types of entertainment on the calendar here.  

-  Watch for a new Cuban restaurant to open in Tavares.  Havana 1959 will dish out Cuban sandwiches, Ropa Vieja, media noches, tres leche and other traditional favorites at 1080 E. Alfred Street.  
-  Discovering the area's restaurants is easy. Check out the  L 
ocal Dining Guide
with restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis to learn what options can satisfy your cravings.  You might find a new favorite!
 Read more ​

-  Got a sweet tooth? Watch for We're Nuts to open later this month in the back of the Renaissance Building in downtown Mount Dora.  The new store will offer a selection of over 100 bulk items, Belgian chocolates, seasonal cheeses, artisan breads and more.

-  Want to get a jump on holiday shopping? Depend on the Local Shopping Guide to keep you away from the crowds and into stores with unique gifts for everyone on your list.  Read more

-  Find the upcoming events here

Good news!  There are big signs of progress at the future site of Epic Theatres in Mount Dora.   Exterior walls have finally been erected for the area's long-awaited movie theater. Movie lovers will be watching blockbusters in reclining seats in 2018. Read more

Time to start looking for the perfect pumpkin.  We're giving you a jumpstart with this list of the best local pumpkin patches.  Read more.

After Hurricane Irma ripped through the area in September, debris piles are looming large.   Due to volume, the debris collection process is expected to take a while.  Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis have different information about requirements and pick up.  Read more  

There are plenty of Halloween activities this month in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis.   Find some of the events for kids here and others here.

October is a huge month for local events as temperatures slowly (very slowly) start to cool.  Fans of the arts can take in Mount Dora's Art Splash on October 13 and  Lake County Folk Festival on October 14 in Eustis.   If that doesn't float your boat, Florida Wildlife Festival is October 21 and the Steampunk and Industrial Show on October 22-23 provides stellar people-watching and live music.  Not to be forgotten is the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival in two weeks and the annualMount Dora Craft Fair in the heart of downtown on October 28-29 with hundreds of craft vendors.   Find more October events here.

-  On September 30, the city abandoned the claim that the interpretation of van Gogh's "Starry Night" on a mural along Old Highway 441 was graffiti.    Although the painting contains no words or symbols, code enforcement had also deemed it an illegal sign.  The magistrate hired by the city agreed and now the homeowners can appeal to the circuit court. 

Mount Dora's Ghost Walk, a guided tour through some of the city's historic haunts returns for four evenings this month.  If you want to get your spook on while strolling downtown, here's your chance.  Read more

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is supported by local events like the Pink Out 5k in Tavares on October 19 and The Bra-Vo fundraising exhibit in the gallery of Mount Dora Center for the Arts.  Residents can see the Bra-Vo exhibit and vote for their favorites during the gallery's regular hours or at the public artist reception on October 13 at 6pm.

-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

- Local residents that want to show some love to the struggling people of Puerto Rico can drop off non-perishable food donations, toiletries and baby products to Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant daily from 9am to 11pm.  The restaurant is located at 351 N. Donnelly Street, downtown.   

- Shout-out to local restaurants The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bar & Grill and Magical Meat Boutique for stepping up after Hurricane Irma to provide assistance.  The Olive Branch hosted a food drive and Magical Meat fed volunteers that helped clean up downtown.  Caring acts across Lake County make it an awesome place to live, work and play.

-  Discovering the area's restaurants is easy. Check out the  
local dining guide with restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis to learn what options can satisfy your cravings.  You might find a new favorite!  Read more ​

-  Sugar junkies will rejoice with another venue to satisfy their cravings.  Watch for a newcandy store to open its doors in downtown Mount Dora.  Stay turned to Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page for an opening date and more information.

-  Mount Dora Buzz readers voted for the"Best Store to Buy Gifts,"  the "Best Customer Service" and other favorites.  If you haven't checked out the winning businesses, maybe it's time to pay them a visit.  Read more

-  Want to support local stores, but don't know where to start?  The local guide to shopping will help you find what you need. You can also find the guide on the Mount Dora Buzz' free mobile app.  Download it here.

-  Drum roll, please....the results of the 2017 Best of Mount Dora are in.  Readers voted in mass to choose their favorites in a wide range of categories.  There were some surprises and four very tight contests.  Read more

- Mount Dora Arts Festival was recently ranked #7 of fine art festivals in the entire U.S.  It was the festival's best ranking ever in a 
national magazine and will continue to elevate the festival's popularity in Florida.  Read more

- Runners of all ages and abilities will hit the streets on September 4 for the Donnelly House 4 Miler Run/Walk.   The footrace starts at 8am at Elizabeth Evans Park in downtown Mount Dora.  Proceeds from the race go to support renovations and maintenance of the historic Donnelly House.  The next area footrace will be the Pink Out 5k in Tavares in October.

-  Tavares is hosting The Ultimate Art Projecton September 15.   The inaugural event will host entertainers, artists and tons of creative activities for kids in Tavares Square located at 201 E. Main Street in downtown.   

-  Mount Dora residents watched the progress of a commissioned interpretation of van Gogh's "Starry Night" painted on a wall along Old Highway 441.  The city cited it as graffiti and the homeowner's appeal will go before a magistrate on September 14.  Read more
 
-  In August, Mount Dora Buzz launched "Buzz Polls" a weekly feature on its Facebook page.  The local topics range from lighthearted to newsworthy. The bottom line is we love it when readers share their thoughts with us.  

- Watch for Mount Dora's newest neighborhood green space, Serenity Park,  to open by late September. The successful project was spearheaded by residents and supported by the city and private donations.  Read more

- September is the month local municipalities hold public hearings to tie down city budgets and adopt tax millage rates to fund them.  If you're interested, contact your city hall for the upcoming budget meeting dates.  You can find a brief update on Mount Dora's proposed budget here.

-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

-  Looking for somewhere open late?  Last month, Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant extended their live music until 2 a.m. on weekends to give late night revelers in downtown Mount Dora another place to party.

-  Pisco Sour,  downtown Mount Dora's new Peruvian restaurant, will open in the former space of The Lost Parrot in early September.  Read more
-  Discovering the area's restaurants is easy. Check out the  
local dining guide
 with restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis to learn what options can satisfy your cravings.  You might find a new favorite!  Read more ​

-  The empty downtown Mount Dora space at 4th Avenue and Alexander Street will soon be overflowing with gifts.  Checkered Moon, the small gift store on 5th Avenue, is planning to relocate to the corner space in October to expand its offerings.  

-  Mount Dora Buzz readers voted for the"Best Store to Buy Gifts,"  the "Best Customer Service" and other favorites.  If you haven't checked out the winning businesses, maybe it's time to pay them a visit.  Read more

-  Want to support local stores, but don't know where to start?  The local guide to shopping will help you find what you need. You can also find the guide on the Mount Dora Buzz' complimentary mobile app.  Download it here.

-  Bears are part of living in Central Florida,  A female Florida Black Bear and her cub have been spotted regularly in the Lake Gertrude area.  Residents can do a lot to keep themselves and the bears safe.  Read more

-  August means the Mount Dora Seafood Festival is just around the corner.  Now in its third year, the family-friendly event brings tons of seafood, crafts, live entertainment and a pirate village for the kids.  Read more  For more events happening in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis this month, click here.

- Have you cast your vote?   Voting for the Best of Mount Dora 2017 is underway.   The deadline for residents to cast their ballot is August 7.  Tell us your faves!    Read more

-  Mount Dora City Council has been spending time attending work sessions for the city's budget and capital improvements.  One item being considered is the viability of a new waterfront park that would connect to the Wekiva Bike Trail.  Read more

- Speaking of parks...Mount Dora's newest residential development, Dora Parc, is for sale.  The 22-acre subdivision launched in 2015 and is best known for the colorful over-sized penguins at its entrance.  Read more

-  Mount Dora is watching the work in progres of a local artist's interpretation of van Gogh's iconic "Starry Night."  The forty-foot wall section is only part of the work a homeowner commissioned on her wall facing Old Highway 441.  Read more

​-  The Valet service that started last month has temporarily ceased operations.  The operator expects to resume with reduced hours sometime this fall.

-  Lake County Schools resume on August 10, so allow a little extra time to slow down for school zones, crosswalks and school buses. 
-  Want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall, but don't have time to attend meeetings?  Get brief and informative city council updates on all the most relevant topics here.  

Scroll down for all the new restaurant and store news.

-  One of downtown Mount Dora's busiest intersections will soon be home to a new restaurant. Piscosour, a restaurant with familiar local roots, has leased the location that was formerly The Lost Parrot.  The plan is to have a grand opening for the pubic on September 2.  Read more

-  Discovering the area's restaurants is now a lot easier.  Check out the  local dining guide with restaurants in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis to learn what options you may have missed.  You might find a new favorite!  Read more ​

-  Residents wanted a Farmer's Market in the heart of downtown for ages.  Last spring that became a reality when Mount Dora Village Market moved to Sunset Park at 4th Avenue and Alexander.  Mount Dora Buzz scoured the market to find the best of the best and shared the results with our readers. Read more  

-  Want to support local stores, but don't know where to start?  The local guide to shopping will help you find what you need. You can also find the guide on the Mount Dora Buzz' complimentary mobile app.  Download it here.

​For more events happening in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis this month, click here.