WEATHER ALERT
‘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.”
Let the games begin: Mount Dora Scottish Festival brings Highland dancers, athletics, music
Read full article: Let the games begin: Mount Dora Scottish Festival brings Highland dancers, athletics, musicThe Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival is back once again, bringing Scotland right here to Central Florida.
Mount Dora businesses prepare for big weekend ahead of annual art festival
Read full article: Mount Dora businesses prepare for big weekend ahead of annual art festivalAccording to Visit Mount Dora, at least 100,000 people are expected to visit during the 49th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival this weekend.
Mount Dora Arts Festival returns for the 49th year, showcasing 300 juried artists
Read full article: Mount Dora Arts Festival returns for the 49th year, showcasing 300 juried artistsThe 49th annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will transform the streets of historic downtown Mount Dora into an open-air gallery.
Volunteer’s home searched in Mount Dora missing woman investigation
Read full article: Volunteer’s home searched in Mount Dora missing woman investigationIt’s been nearly three months since Nicole Baldwin was last seen. The Mount Dora mom walked out of her Strathmore Circle home in November with no belongings and never returned.
Mount Dora discusses shuttle solution for downtown parking woes
Read full article: Mount Dora discusses shuttle solution for downtown parking woesAs Mount Dora continues to grow and welcome more visitors, city leaders are looking into a shuttle service to help alleviate parking headaches in the historic downtown area.
‘I just want to find her:’ Search for missing Mount Dora woman continues despite lack of active leads
Read full article: ‘I just want to find her:’ Search for missing Mount Dora woman continues despite lack of active leadsA Lake County family continues their search for Nicole Baldwin who was last seen exactly two months ago on Nov. 2.
3 years later, killer still at large after gunning down couple at Mount Dora convenience store
Read full article: 3 years later, killer still at large after gunning down couple at Mount Dora convenience storeKhiem Ba Trinh and Minh Nguyen, owners of T&N Market, were closing up shop when they were fatally shot in 2020.
Police activity at Mount Dora home related to search for missing woman, officials say
Read full article: Police activity at Mount Dora home related to search for missing woman, officials sayLaw enforcement activity at a Lake County home was connected to an investigation into a missing woman, Mount Dora police said.
Lake County firefighters claim staffing shortage poses public safety issue
Read full article: Lake County firefighters claim staffing shortage poses public safety issueThe Professional Firefighters of Lake County Local 3990 are sounding the alarm. Ben Britton, secretary for the firefighters union, said they are understaffed across the board.
Florida teacher accused of drugging boy, performing sex acts on him
Read full article: Florida teacher accused of drugging boy, performing sex acts on himPolice said that FBI investigators contacted them about a “sexual incident” at the home of the teacher, who was identified as 50-year-old Dmitri Kostyunina.
Feds seek prison time for Mount Dora man’s involvement in Jan. 6 attack
Read full article: Feds seek prison time for Mount Dora man’s involvement in Jan. 6 attackFederal prosecutors are seeking an eight-month prison sentence for a Mount Dora man who accepted a plea deal for his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
GOP lawmakers take aim at LGBTQ+ ‘safe places’ program in Mount Dora
Read full article: GOP lawmakers take aim at LGBTQ+ ‘safe places’ program in Mount DoraSome central Florida lawmakers say they are considering “all legislative, legal and executive options available” to stop business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows.
Mount Dora aims to protect hate crime victims through new ‘Safe Place’ program
Read full article: Mount Dora aims to protect hate crime victims through new ‘Safe Place’ programLaw enforcement and city officials are making it clear hate crimes will not be tolerated in Mount Dora through a new Safe Place initiative.
Honeymoon on a budget? This Florida city ranks as the best spot nationwide
Read full article: Honeymoon on a budget? This Florida city ranks as the best spot nationwideThe average honeymoon in the U.S. costs around $4,500, so it makes sense that many couples are looking for a getaway that won’t break the bank.
Mount Dora man killed in fiery crash after hitting Citrus County deputies’ stop sticks, FHP says
Read full article: Mount Dora man killed in fiery crash after hitting Citrus County deputies’ stop sticks, FHP saysA 41-year-old Mount Dora man died Saturday after attempting to flee a traffic stop in Citrus County and later driving over deputies’ stop sticks, his vehicle crashing into a concrete wall and catching fire, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Neighbors catch suspected burglars of home where Mount Dora police chief is staying
Read full article: Neighbors catch suspected burglars of home where Mount Dora police chief is stayingResidents of an Orange County neighborhood jumped in Tuesday to catch the suspects of a burglary at a home where Mount Dora’s interim police chief happened to be staying.
Lake County commissioner calls for meeting with Mount Dora about major development
Read full article: Lake County commissioner calls for meeting with Mount Dora about major developmentLake County Commissioner Leslie Campione called for a face-to-face meeting with Mount Dora city officials to "clear the air" over the future of the Wolf Branch Innovation District.
‘The most uncomfortable conversation:’ Mount Dora mayor calls for city manager’s resignation
Read full article: ‘The most uncomfortable conversation:’ Mount Dora mayor calls for city manager’s resignationCity officials will discuss concerns surrounding the city manager brought at last week's city council meeting at a special meeting on Monday.
‘Just trying to fit in:’ Eustis Middle School substitute teacher accused of letting student use her vape
Read full article: ‘Just trying to fit in:’ Eustis Middle School substitute teacher accused of letting student use her vapeA substitute teacher at Eustis Middle School was arrested after reportedly letting a student take a hit from her vape pen, according to the Eustis Police Department.
Florida man who ran away during DUI manslaughter trial captured
Read full article: Florida man who ran away during DUI manslaughter trial capturedZachery Waldo, the man who left his DUI manslaughter trial for lunch and didn’t return, was captured on Wednesday by a U.S. Marshal’s task force, according to the Leesburg Police Department.
Man flown to hospital after fight at Lake County home ends in shooting, deputies say
Read full article: Man flown to hospital after fight at Lake County home ends in shooting, deputies sayA man was taken to the hospital after a fight inside a home near Mount Dora ended in gunfire, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
‘Always something you can do:’ Lake environmentalist’s mission is getting people to care
Read full article: ‘Always something you can do:’ Lake environmentalist’s mission is getting people to careJane Hepting has dedicated much of her time to preserving Lake County’s natural resources and those close to her thought she deserved to be recognized.
‘Can’t arrest your way out of it:’ Concern as juvenile crime appears to rise in Central Florida
Read full article: ‘Can’t arrest your way out of it:’ Concern as juvenile crime appears to rise in Central FloridaCentral Florida has recently seen a troubling trend of teenagers involved in criminal activity.
‘It was just magical:’ Nonprofit school founder celebrates new location on former Lake County golf course
Read full article: ‘It was just magical:’ Nonprofit school founder celebrates new location on former Lake County golf courseA new elementary school in Lake County is sitting on the grounds of a former mini golf course in Mount Dora.
‘Objectionable odors:’ Mount Dora landfill faces $1K fine after complaints about stench
Read full article: ‘Objectionable odors:’ Mount Dora landfill faces $1K fine after complaints about stenchA Mount Dora landfill is facing a $1,000 fine after state officials said the plant emitted "objectionable odors" outside of the facility.
Mount Dora residents criticize Wolf Branch plan, says original mission is lost
Read full article: Mount Dora residents criticize Wolf Branch plan, says original mission is lostMount Dora residents are concerned a proposed development inside the Wolf Branch Innovation District doesn’t match what was originally planned.
Read it and weep: Florida Storytelling Festival coming to Mount Dora
Read full article: Read it and weep: Florida Storytelling Festival coming to Mount DoraAuthors, aspiring and otherwise, better get ready to book it to the 39th annual Florida Storytelling Festival, which will be held virtually and in-person at the Lakeside Inn from Jan. 26-29.