Mount Dora small businesses hope for Small Business Saturday boost after Donnelly Street washout
Read full article: Mount Dora small businesses hope for Small Business Saturday boost after Donnelly Street washoutAfter historic flooding in October washed out Donnelly Street, small businesses in downtown Mount Dora saw a significant drop in customers. With Small Business Saturday approaching, business owners are hopeful for a surge in customers this weekend.
HOLIDAY GUIDE: Central Florida light displays, parades, events to get in the spirit this 2025 season
Read full article: HOLIDAY GUIDE: Central Florida light displays, parades, events to get in the spirit this 2025 seasonFrom markets to festivals to drive-through displays, the options are endless when it comes to holiday fun.
Downtown Mount Dora still open for business — even with Donnelly Street closed
Read full article: Downtown Mount Dora still open for business — even with Donnelly Street closedIf you've driven toward downtown Mount Dora lately, you may have noticed something that's hard to miss. Donnelly Sreet is closed.
Mount Dora home teeters on collapse after runoff from ‘thousand-year storm’ devastates property
Read full article: Mount Dora home teeters on collapse after runoff from ‘thousand-year storm’ devastates propertyAfter a "thousand-year storm,' a Lake County family is forced to find another place to stay, underscoring the urgent need for stormwater management and infrastructure improvements.
Lake County ceremonies show veterans ‘appreciation and gratitude’ for their service
Read full article: Lake County ceremonies show veterans ‘appreciation and gratitude’ for their serviceCommunities across Lake County came together Monday to honor America’s heroes on Veterans Day, with ceremonies in both Mount Dora and Tavares celebrating the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
FDOT completes initial restoration work on flood-damaged Mount Dora street
Read full article: FDOT completes initial restoration work on flood-damaged Mount Dora streetProgress is visible on Mount Dora’s Donnelly Street as recovery efforts continue following historic rain that washed out the road last month.
Lake County update: Wolf Branch Road repairs underway; Britt Road delays tied to land access issues
Read full article: Lake County update: Wolf Branch Road repairs underway; Britt Road delays tied to land access issuesLake County officials say Wolf Branch Road, damaged by recent heavy rains, will reopen in about four weeks with improved drainage and road modifications.
Water line break in Mount Dora causes citywide precautionary boil water notice
Read full article: Water line break in Mount Dora causes citywide precautionary boil water noticeMount Dora officials have issued a precautionary boil water notice on Sunday evening after a water line break, according to a news release.
City council weighs parking solutions for Mount Dora’s busy downtown area
Read full article: City council weighs parking solutions for Mount Dora’s busy downtown areaThe Mount Dora City Council could move toward implementing parking solutions for downtown Mount Dora during Tuesday’s city council meeting.
Mount Dora man dies after crash with tractor-trailer in Sumter County, troopers say
Read full article: Mount Dora man dies after crash with tractor-trailer in Sumter County, troopers sayA 63-year-old Mount Dora man died after a crash with a tractor-trailer in Sumter County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Deltona pond searched as part of Mount Dora investigation, police say
Read full article: Deltona pond searched as part of Mount Dora investigation, police sayLaw enforcement search teams are combing a property in Deltona in relation to a criminal investigation out of Mount Dora, but police would not elaborate.
Father brings son to turn himself in after fatal shooting in Leesburg, police say
Read full article: Father brings son to turn himself in after fatal shooting in Leesburg, police sayA Mount Dora man turned himself in when his father brought him to the Leesburg Police Department after a fatal shooting.
‘A lot larger footprint:’ Mount Dora fire station to undergo $6M upgrade
Read full article: ‘A lot larger footprint:’ Mount Dora fire station to undergo $6M upgradeMount Dora Fire Chief, Joseph Hightower, said the renovation of Fire Station 34 in Mount Dora and the addition of a 4800 square foot administration building is expected to cost somewhere between 5 and 6 million dollars.
‘She was my everything:’ Investigation underway after Eustis woman found dead
Read full article: ‘She was my everything:’ Investigation underway after Eustis woman found deadLake County officials confirmed that 44-year-old Monica Islam’s body was found on May 2. Originally from Bangladesh, Monica Islam moved to Eustis in 2021 with her daughter and worked as a cashier in a local convenience store.
Fire hydrant testing in Mount Dora may cause temporary water discoloration, city says
Read full article: Fire hydrant testing in Mount Dora may cause temporary water discoloration, city saysDuring the testing, residents may notice brief periods of discolored or “brown water” coming from their faucets. The discoloration is a result of the hydrant testing process, but crews are actively flushing the system to improve water clarity.
Mount Dora’s ‘Starry Night’ home gets fresh coat of paint, new symbol for autism awareness
Read full article: Mount Dora’s ‘Starry Night’ home gets fresh coat of paint, new symbol for autism awarenessThe family behind the ‘Starry Night’ home artwork is celebrating a major milestone — and a message that goes far beyond paint.
‘Just keep active:’ Mount Dora man celebrates 100th birthday on tennis court
Read full article: ‘Just keep active:’ Mount Dora man celebrates 100th birthday on tennis courtA World War II and Korean War veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and avid tennis player still hits the courts three times a week—and he’s not just playing, he’s winning.
Georgefest 2025 kicks off in Eustis, boosting local economy with weeklong festivities
Read full article: Georgefest 2025 kicks off in Eustis, boosting local economy with weeklong festivitiesGeorgefest is the longest-running celebration of George Washington's birthday in the state, and it's also the longest-running celebration of its kind in the United States.
‘I don’t know where they came from:’ Man recounts dog attack in Mount Dora
Read full article: ‘I don’t know where they came from:’ Man recounts dog attack in Mount DoraA man in Mount Dora has to receive two more shots as part of a rabies vaccination series following an attack by two dogs that he suspected were stray.
‘Never want to leave anything unattended:’ Lake County fire officials share safety tips after home explosion
Read full article: ‘Never want to leave anything unattended:’ Lake County fire officials share safety tips after home explosionDays after a home exploded in Lake County, fire officials have confirmed that a build up of gas in the kitchen caused it.
Mount Dora’s Britt Road faces key challenges amid ongoing closure
Read full article: Mount Dora’s Britt Road faces key challenges amid ongoing closureNearly three months after Hurricane Milton flooding left a massive hole in a section of road in Mount Dora, Lake County officials have given an update on the repair process.
‘Stuff coming out of the sky:’ 1 airlifted after reported home explosion in Mount Dora
Read full article: ‘Stuff coming out of the sky:’ 1 airlifted after reported home explosion in Mount DoraOne person was airlifted after a possible home explosion in Mount Dora, according to Lake County fire officials.
‘Can get quite intense:’ Mount Dora officials to discuss findings of mystery stench report
Read full article: ‘Can get quite intense:’ Mount Dora officials to discuss findings of mystery stench reportCity leaders are holding a meeting to address the final update on an odor study after years of complaints about a stinky smell in and near parts of Mount Dora.
FOUR YEARS LATER: Police still seek answers in mysterious Mount Dora double homicide
Read full article: FOUR YEARS LATER: Police still seek answers in mysterious Mount Dora double homicidePolice said they are searching for a “male suspect with a thin build,” and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 season
Read full article: COUNTY-BY-COUNTY GUIDE: Central Florida holiday events to get in the spirit this 2024 seasonFrom markets to festivals to drive-through displays, the options are endless when it comes to holiday fun.

‘Can’t miss it:’ Mount Dora still struggles with mystery stench, residents demand answers
Read full article: ‘Can’t miss it:’ Mount Dora still struggles with mystery stench, residents demand answersThe facility off of Highway 441 has been at the center of an ongoing mystery in Mount Dora. Some believe it's causing a stinky smell in certain areas, and people who live nearby want to get to the bottom of it.
Have an a-maze-ing time at Great Scott Farms Fall Festival in Lake County
Read full article: Have an a-maze-ing time at Great Scott Farms Fall Festival in Lake CountyAs slightly cooler weather starts to creep into Central Florida, residents will be looking to experience all of the great activities on offer, including the Fall Fest at Great Scott Farms in Lake County.
These are 5 of the top flea markets in Central Florida. Here’s where to find them
Read full article: These are 5 of the top flea markets in Central Florida. Here’s where to find themFlea markets can be a load of fun. And some of the state's top flea markets can be found right here in Central Florida.
Fugitive in attempted manslaughter case arrested in Mount Dora, police say
Read full article: Fugitive in attempted manslaughter case arrested in Mount Dora, police sayA 19-year-old man has been arrested in Mount Dora by agents with the U.S. Marshals Service on a warrant for charges including attempted manslaughter with a firearm.
Fired Orange County deputy accused of stalking detective investigating him in child porn case
Read full article: Fired Orange County deputy accused of stalking detective investigating him in child porn caseA now-former Orange County deputy arrested earlier this year, accused of possessing child pornography, was re-arrested in Lake County, now accused of stalking the detective who obtained his original arrest warrant.
These Central Florida cities were named ideal destinations for a 3-day weekend
Read full article: These Central Florida cities were named ideal destinations for a 3-day weekendBetween the famous attractions and the beautiful beaches, the Sunshine State sees a record number of visitors each year. However, there are some lesser-known aspects of Florida that draw tourists and are cherished by locals.
‘Foul play:’ $10K reward for info on ‘suspicious disappearance’ of Mount Dora mom
Read full article: ‘Foul play:’ $10K reward for info on ‘suspicious disappearance’ of Mount Dora momNicole Baldwin reportedly left all of her belongings behind, including her phone, purse and shoes. Months later, police now assume she's dead.
You now have to walk your dog on a leash in this Central Florida city
Read full article: You now have to walk your dog on a leash in this Central Florida cityThe Mount Dora City Council has brought its rules on animals in line with Lake County Code, meaning all “at-large animals” must now be leashed when they’re not otherwise securely confined.
New Mount Dora traffic unit conducts more than 300 traffic stops in first month
Read full article: New Mount Dora traffic unit conducts more than 300 traffic stops in first monthAfter hearing complaints from people about speeding and drivers running stop signs, the Mount Dora Police Department launched its new traffic unit back in June.
Mount Dora leaders vote to move ahead with Wolf Branch Innovation District
Read full article: Mount Dora leaders vote to move ahead with Wolf Branch Innovation DistrictMount Dora leaders have voted to move forward with a plan to place a controversial “employment center district” along State Road 46 with hundreds of apartments and acres of office, commercial and warehouse space.
Mount Dora City Council postpones vote on controversial Wolf Branch project
Read full article: Mount Dora City Council postpones vote on controversial Wolf Branch projectThe Mount Dora City Council postponed a vote over whether to move forward with a controversial development in the Wolf Branch Innovation District.
Woman accused of slaying senior Mount Dora couple ruled incompetent to stand trial
Read full article: Woman accused of slaying senior Mount Dora couple ruled incompetent to stand trialWilliams was arrested early last year after a retired Mount Dora couple was found stabbed to death inside their home at the Waterman Village senior living complex on New Year’s Eve in 2022.
Mount Dora’s acting city manager to take over the job permanently
Read full article: Mount Dora’s acting city manager to take over the job permanentlyThe city of Mount Dora has made its acting city manager permanent, months after the previous city manager resigned amid allegations of workplace favoritism and retaliation.
Ex-teacher in Florida found guilty of drugging, sexually abusing foreign exchange student
Read full article: Ex-teacher in Florida found guilty of drugging, sexually abusing foreign exchange studentIn an arrest affidavit, police said that Kostyunin had drugged the boy with marijuana-laced chocolates and gave him wine while watching a movie about Elton John and “how he became gay.”
