SEPTEMBER BUZZ: News & events for Mount Dora, Tavares, & Eustis

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! The results of the 2026 Best of Mount Dora are in
The votes are in, and readers have spoken! This year's winners include first-timers, plus some repeat champs. Since voters can only cast one ballot rather than vote every day, these coveted awards are intended to reflect a legitimate outcome and recognize local exceptionalism. Discover the 2026 Best of Mount Dora winners here.

Mount Dora-to-Tavares bike trail passes major milestone
The long-anticipated bike and pedestrian trail, which will connect the Wekiva Trail in Sorrento to downtown Mount Dora and Tavares, passed a major hurdle last month when the Lake County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the nearly 11-mile railroad corridor. Learn more

Barbecue and bourbon coming to Mount Dora lakefront
A fun afternoon of barbecue and bourbon is set for the Mount Dora lakefront during Pitmasters and Pourers on September 12, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Elizabeth Evans Park. The event features food and drink vendors, along with live music, football and wrestling. Learn more

Mount Dora's Viva La Frida Festival Set for September 26
The 4th annual Mount Dora Viva La Frida Festival is just around the corner. The festive and vibrant event celebrates Hispanic arts and culture inspired by Frida Kahlo. The family-friendly festival features live music, dancing, and much more. Learn more

Update to Mount Dora's one-way street conversions
Mount Dora will start construction Tuesday, September 1, to convert parts of Alexander Street, Baker Street, and Tremain Street to one-way traffic as part of ongoing downtown parking and mobility improvements. Learn more

Creative monthly event relaunches in Mount Dora
A new organizer has relaunched and renamed an event featuring local artists and makers on the third Friday of every month. Art & Market in the Arbor has returned to the courtyard between Maggie's Attic, Back Porch Pizza and Pisces Rising from 6 to 8 p.m. in downtown Mount Dora.

New community resource building offers something for all ages
At long last, the much-anticipated Nathaniel Bell Community Resource Center opened in Mount Dora's Northeast Community. The newly-constructed facility is impressive with its clean, modern design and thoughtful functionality to serve Mount Dora residents of all ages. Learn more

Art & Autism exhibit continues through September 26
This inspiring showcase of talent highlights the amazing work of artists with autism, who, with the help of mentorship and support, pushed the boundaries of their creativity and explored innovative techniques. You can view the art exhibit at Lake County Museum of Art in downtown Tavares at 213 W. Ruby Street. The gallery's hours vary, so call the gallery at 352-483-2900 to confirm.

New monthly feature: Distinctive Properties
Mount Dora Buzz is launching a new monthly feature called Distinctive Properties, spotlighting three to five standout homes across North Lake County. Each edition will highlight what makes these properties unique, from architectural character to noteworthy history, design, and location. Discover this month's Distinctive 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!

Watch the Mount Dora Buzz website and Facebook page for updates on more stories.

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New Italian restaurant still in build-out stage
Although the owner of Rome's Flavours hasn't responded about an anticipated opening month, the exterior transformation is shaping up well. The existing Winter Park location serves traditional Italian cuisine, including pizzas, pastas, and an Italian wine list. Stay in the loop about other new restaurants opening on Mount Dora Buzz's Facebook page.

Craving good matcha?
Finally, North Lake County has its own dedicated matcha spot. Lucky Red Matcha opened last month in Eustis Marketplace at 24 E. Magnolia Avenue. In addition to whipping up twelve different types of specialty matcha drinks, it will also offer rice bowls, bao buns, salad bowls, and more.

Aldi opened a new location in Eustis
After Aldi Süd purchased Winn-Dixie stores and opted to convert several locations to Aldi stores, the Eustis Winn-Dixie was among them and recently reopened as an Aldi at 1955 N. State Road 19. The Winn-Dixie in Tavares is also converting, but that transition is still in process at 450 E. Burleigh Boulevard in Tavares.

Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page for updates.
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Primary election of Lake County Commissioner for District 4 determined
After a two-candidate Republican primary, Lake County Commissioner Leslie Campione won that race last month and moves on to the general election in November.

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

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