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

As the dog days of summer slowly wind down, more events are starting to pop up. Watch for two new events this month. Craft Fest in the Park is on September 24 in Gilbert Park and features crafters, food and more. Uptown Saturday Night is a new street festival that happens on the third Saturday of every month on Highland Street and Liberty Avenue with food, music and more. Watch Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram for more details as the events approach.

September 30th brings the return of Art in the Arbor, the monthly downtown art and social event in the courtyard at Maggie's Attic. The friendly and laid back event is always subject to good weather, so check the radar before heading out.

A fun new tour and attraction is coming to Mount Dora when unique carriage rides return to downtown. The posh carriages are expected to start operations once the City Council approves an ordinance that permits the vehicles on certain Mount Dora streets. Read more

Mount Dora History Museum will waive admission on Saturday, September 17 as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 18th annual Museum Day. Contact the museum for times and more details.

There's still time to take in the exceptional art exhibit titled Elusiveness and Illusion, the impressive collection of art created by Spencer Pettit that is currently on display at Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Pettit was a prominent Florida artist and beloved Mount Dora resident who passed away earlier this year.

For this year's Mount Dora municipal election, three city council seats were up for grabs. Two of the races were uncontested, so current Councilmembers Doug Bryant and Cal Rolfson will continue their service to the city. Residents Mark Slaby and Dennis Dawson have thrown their hats in the ring for District 3 which includes western Mount Dora, the Lake Gertrude area and parts of downtown. Voters will decide that race during the November 8 general election. Also on the ballot will be the grassroots charter amendment referendum to protect current downtown building height limits.

Scroll down for buzz on local eateries and stores, plus local Government Buzz, and the Best of Mount Dora winners. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Twitter for updates on local events and breaking news.

Downtown Eustis is getting a new seafood restaurant. Backfin, formerly Gators in Umatilla, is opening in the former space of CJ's Seafood.

Yada Yada Pottery moved into its new and larger digs in August. The hybrid space is part pottery studio and part artisan gift store. Read more. Next door a small boutique, Vyntage Goods, opened with a very limited selection of vintage clothing and housewares.

After two years in the making, Shadrach's Fiery Furnace, an outdoor pizza kitchen, was finally able to start cooking up its wood-fired pizzas in downtown Mount Dora. Read more

The last few weeks had several new businesses opening in Mount Dora. Maw's Mountain Moonshine opened last month for tastings and selling their family-made shine. Located in the historic Sears building on Fourth Avenue, the unique business also whips up cocktails using their moonshine. Our hands-down favorite is the Peaches & Cream libation.

Watch for big changes coming to Papilio in downtown Mount Dora this month. The nature-themed shop on Donnelly Street will be adding a cozy wine and beer bar, plus Jewelry by TFC just finished its new expansion project inside the shop.

Mount Dora Buzz gets around, so if you want to see more about the area's awesome eateries and libations, just follow Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram.

Scroll down for this month's events, hot topics at City Hall, stellar local businesses, new development buzz and the Best of Mount Dora.

Local Dining Guide

Mount Dora Council will vote on the new city budget and tax millage rate this month. At this point it appears Mount Dora will keep the tax millage rate at 5.9603 mills while reducing the Fire Assessment Fee on houses from $219. to $209. Anyone interested can attend the public hearings on the budget at City Hall this month.

The resurfacing of the pickleball courts at Donnelly Park is complete, so grab your paddle and head downtown.

Be sure to check Mount Dora Buzz's government page regularly to find out what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall.   ​​Follow  Mount Dora Buzz on Instagram and Twitter for more local info.

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