Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 3, Issue 3

131 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 attractions like the historic Lakeside Inn (the oldest continuously-operating hotel in Florida), the Donnelly House (originally constructed in 1893 and on the National Register of Historic Places), and a host of eclectic shopping and dining options that are sure to make any trip to Mount Dora a memorable one. “The downtown is a designated historic district, so it has an embellished atmosphere and commercial presence that reads very attractive to residents and visitors to the city,” explains Economic Development Manager Tim Wilson. “We have a large tourist population that comes to Mount Dora just because of the unique character that it brings. And so the city has, I think, a responsibility to preserve that heritage, as well as an opportunity to grow and expand in a way that enhances what’s already here.” With a population of just under 17,000 people, Mount Dora is well-known for its friendly, accommodating vibe, punctuated by an active arts community that stages community favorites like the Mount Dora Arts Festival, Craft Fair, Scottish Highland Games and Festival, and Freedom on the Waterfront – an Independence Day celebration with a parade, live music, and fireworks show on Lake Dora. The city recognizes special events as an important marker of quality of life, which in turn contributes to a sustainable tourism industry that provides economic benefits to local businesses and residents. “We’ve got a downtown that’s the envy of any community in the country,” offers City Manager Patrick Comiskey. “We have so much forward momentum that developers are constantly knocking on our doors.” Mount Dora’s Mayor, Crissy Stile, admits that one of the reasons she moved there was because of how it reminded her of where she grew up in New York. “Kind of a small-town, friendly kind of place where everybody seems to know one another,” she says. “Our beautiful historic hub MOUNT DORA , FLOR IDA