Save the World! with electric cars

I've seen the little pumps around town but never thought much about them. They're the Electric vehicle charge stations for those eco friendly vegan bunny hugger vehicle owners, right?

 Does anyone actually use them? I was certain they would fall away to the side quickly like those electric generating devices. You know the ones people were supposedly running out to install on their homes so they could charge back the electric companies for unused electric. 
I figured people would start using them to lock their bikes to at the very most.

But then I was forwarded this email to Bill Neron of Tavares economic development. Maybe I'm wrong?

From: Christopher G
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2012 11:47 AM
To: Bill Neron
Subject: Had a great day in Tavares

Dear Mr. Neron, I just had such a wonderful day in Tavares yesterday, I felt compelled to send a thank you note.  You see, I drove from Oviedo to Tavares to take a ride on the Cannonball Express with my family.  In addition, we planned a picnic and playing in Wooton park.  Before leaving I had a decision to make.  Do I take the family in the minivan, or use my new Chevy Volt.  I checked my ChargePoint app and found that you have installed several EV charging stations in that immediate area.  So, we piled in the Volt.  I was very surprised to find the charging station located in a great spot, and even more importantly, that it was free.  I have owned this car for little more than a month, but have yet to find a public charging station in a usable location.  To get back to the point, we had a great day!  We love the park and the restaurants in that area.  And now we also thank the city of Tavares for putting in EV charging stations as well as making it free.  It allowed my family to make the round trip at a cost of about $2.  I hope to make the trip back again soon. Sincerely, Chris G Well there it is. Now I'm starting to think about it. $2 round trip to Oviedo? Every time I fill my gas tank it costs me $50. Even worse, every time I start my car, I emit CO2.  Co2 is supposed to accelerate global warming, nox (nitrogen oxides) which causes acid rain, promotes further global warming, causes smog (which can lead to respiratory problems), and destroys ozone, which protect us from uv radiation. Residue from the gas is even suspected to cause cancer! OK, so maybe I might look into one of these Electric Vehicles. It seems like the RIGHT thing to do for fellow man and the environment.  Tavares, FL has four EV stations already and it looks like I won't be the only one out here willing to save the world.........but I'm not going vegan! FACTS: There are four locations for the units: Prop Shop at the Seaplane Base Train Platform on Main Street Tavares City Hall Parking Lot Main Street in front of County Property Appraiser's Office (Near Parking Garage) You must have a ChargePoint Account and a chargepass card before you have access to the charging stations.  Buy your charge card at the Tavares Prop Shop, in Wooton Park, for $5.00. Sign up is free and there is no additional cost for each time you charge your vehicle. For assistance with sign up you must call the 24 hour service at 1-888-758-4389

Help Freedom Fly

 Round and Round we go, where we'll stop...I know!
Its the brand new Roundabout located at the intersection of Main St. and Sinclair Ave. in downtown Tavares, Florida and it can take you to the many restaurants in the downtown waterfront entertainment district, the parking garage, the courthouse or back where you came from.
On August 13, 2012, construction began on the roundabout as part of the downtown revitalization plan and once completed is expected to improve traffic flow and beautify one of the main entrances into the City of Tavares.
 Construction is expected to be completed sometime in December 2012.
Donations are being sought to help erect a 60ft flagpole with a 12ft x 18ft American flag in the center.
 Donations of $100 or more will get their name inscribed on a monument next to the flag. Be a part of history and help the Freedom Flag Fly.

Donations are tax deductible For more info call 352.742.6264

One man's Trash....is ART through Oct 18

Ever sit with someone and look at the same thing but see something totally different?

 When we were kids we played this game called Thinkblot. It was a game where you pulled a card with a black splotch on a white back ground. A dice is rolled and when a subject like "Animal" or "Food" came up, you had to write down as many things you could "see" in the style of a Rorschach test. 

 To have someone point out a giraffe eating a carrot from the top of a tree seems silly. It WAS silly and yet it was also eye opening. To see something suddenly that you didn't see just moments earlier can be inspiring. After all these years, I can still look at a coffee stain on a piece of paper and see images of landscapes and animals playing.

Now comes the art of Richard Reep to Tavares, FL with his exhibit to show YOU what HE sees in everyday items around us.

The Phenomenology of Reinvention

Reuse and recycling is front and center in the art of Richard Reep, whose collection “The Phenomenology of Reinvention” is currently on display at Tavares City Hall, 201 E. Main Street, Tavares.

Reep has harvested a wide variety of materials and recombined them into stunning, thoughtful tributes to life. He gives homage to the original creators of the resources such as lumbermen, ironmongers, carpenters and writers, but his compositions, while containing hints of the original works, bring forth new meanings.

Reep says, “… these projects exploit some of the overlooked meaning of which our life-world is capable. Neither virtual, nor artificed, nor particularly finished, they represent a moment in time where discarded wood, books, and pieces of equipment are reinvented, and serve a new purposed, while still retaining their original form.”

The artwork of Richard Reep will be on display through October 18, 2012. To contact the artist - rtreep@gmail.com or 407.408.4953.

It's going to be a Splash, a Monster Splash!

There's going to be a Splash, a Monster splash.....in Lake Dora on Saturday, October 27, 2012.

The City of Tavares is hosting a Monster Splash Halloween Seaplane Fly-in out of the Tavares Seaplane Base in October.

Activities begin at 9am in Wooton Park in the downtown waterfront entertainment district.
If YOU have a seaplane and want to participate in fun flying competitions such as the Fastest "S-take" Off, Smashing Pumpkin Drop and Franken-Spot Landing Contest contact the City to Register and participate. There will be awards, prizes and Seaplane pilots that fly in receive a $10 dining voucher to downtown restaurants.

Enjoy a hotel package at newly opened Lakeview Inn within walking distance from the water's edge and enjoy Tavares as it celebrates its Howl-O-Fest celebration on Friday and Saturday evening.

Activities include a Haunted Hayride through the newly acquired Wooton Park Field and Haunted Boat Tours through the Dora Canal.
Book your Great Pumpkin Train and Haunted Train Rides HERE and Floating Ghosts Seance Tour HERE now before they fill up.

Its going to be a SPOOKTACULAR time for all!

Tavares Pavilion Breaking Shore!

Tavares is greaking ground, or I should say "Breaking Shore" once again!

As part of the City of Tavares master plan to grow the downtown waterfront entertainment district,
the new Tavares Pavilion will be an 8000 SF facility that will have meeting rooms, a catering kitchen and two banquet rooms. 

A replica of the 1914 city pavilion that stood at the lakefront until 1961, the new Tavares Pavilion will sit at the end of a 150ft pier extending over Lake Dora in Wooton Park.

Be a part of history and join the City of Tavares for the “Breaking of the Shore” Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012, 10:00AM on Lake Dora in Wooton Park at the end of Disston Park as construction begins on Tavare's latest addition to the downtown waterfront entertainment district.

LAKEVIEW INN's 1st Guest Review Aug 24

The Lakeview Inn is finally OPEN in the downtown Tavares, FL waterfront entertainment district and they had their "Maiden Voyage" weekend on August 24, 2012. As one of their very first guests, I can report that the hotel is going to be a HIT!

The rooms are modern, comfortable and large. Every room has a small fridge and a beautiful view of Lake Dora . The Sky Deck up on the roof is a fabulous bonus to do yoga in the morning or sun bathe in the afternoon. A shower head is even available to rinse off. I don't even need to bring up the fabulous sunsets Lake Dora has to offer. Imagine the view from the top of four stories!

We were able to walk from Lake Dora Sushi to Ruby Street Grille to O'Keefes Irish Pub with cocktails because of the city ordinance that allows drinks to be carried in approved plastic cups within the downtown waterfront entertainment district on Friday night. On Sat we had appetizers and watched a Diva sing upstairs in ALS Topshelf and capped off the night downstairs in ALS Landing with some wine while Alan Darcy rocked the house with some killer sax. Both nights we were able to walk safely back to our room and sit out on the balcony to watch the revelers down on Ruby Street. The oversized California King bed was like falling into a dream.

Breakfast is included with your room stay and having the new Corner Bakery right downstairs was certainly convenient. Besides the typical muffins and cookies, they have egg sandwiches, pancakes and even french toast. 

Some guests went on a Boat tour through the Dora Canal or scheduled Seaplane Rides.

I only live a few miles from the Lakeview Inn but wanted to be a part of history. I ended up with a restful weekend Staycation and an even greater appreciation for this great little town.

 

 

The Lakeview Inn's very first guests.

We had our photos taken with a handwritten note about who we were and where we were from to be archived into history.

Square Foot Garden Sept 19? I can Dig it!

As a child I remember my mom had a fabulous garden . I can still smell the fresh dirt and feel the smooth skin of the green beans as I sat with my sister pulling the strings off the top of each one.

When I grew up I longed for the time when I would have a place where I could have my own fabulous garden. The day after I purchased my first house, I immediately went to work digging up a corner of the yard. I dug the grass up, raked through it with a heavy hoe and filtered all the rocks out with a rake and my hands.
It took days of hard labor and hours of soaking my sore back.
 When the dirt was finally ready, I joyfully chose what seeds I would plant and carefully placed each baby in a thumbprint in the dirt. I watered it all and waited. I waited and I weeded. I waited and weeded and weeded as the weeds grew faster than the vegetables and seemed to choke them if I didn't go out there and save them every few days.
Over time the seedlings grew into lovely greens and bushes bearing a wonderful bounty but the labor was intense. There was a time when I was gone a week and came back to hours of back breaking jungle busting....but I did it.
As the season closed, I pulled up all the dead plants. The freshness and the satisfaction of knowing I grew beautiful, organic and tasty vegetables made it all worth it.
Every spring I would go out to my corner of the yard and start all over again. The back breaking digging, weed pulling ritual continued.

But then sometime along the way I stopped. I went out to the yard one spring day and looked at the shovel and went back inside.
I decided I didn't want to work so hard. Many times I've looked out the window and wondered. I long to tend a garden and harvest my own organic vegetables again. I wish there was an easier way.

Now there is! It a system called Square Foot Gardening and it requires very little work. How would you like to finally have a garden that has no weeds, requires no tools and very little space?

Come to the Tavares Civic Center on Wed Sept 19, 2012 at 3PM and listen to speaker Steve Earls of SFG Supply, certified by the Square Foot Gardening Foundation as he explains how simple, easy, and fun gardening can be in a small space.

I know I'm excited. I can't wait to feel the smooth skin and pull the string off the top of a fresh green bean once again. Happy gardening days are here again.

Learn more about Square Foot Gardening on Wednesday, September 19, 3pm at the Tavares Civic Center at 314 N. New Hampshire Street. Presented by the Tavares Library. For more info call 352.742.6204.

 Homegrown goodness!

Wooton Park Boat Ramp Derailed by Railroad repairs

Wooton Park Boat Ramp will be CLOSED Aug 6 - 8, 2012 due to repairs being done on the railroad tracks by Florida Central Railroad in the Wooton Park area in downtown Tavares.
Also, as parts of the railroad tracks in front of Wooton Park will be replaced and under construction, The city of Tavares will close the railroad crossings at St. Clair Abrams Avenue and Rockingham Avenue, which are the entrance and exit at Wooton Park.
Access to the Wooton Park parking lot as well as the ramp will be blocked to all vehicles during this time.
Visitors will still be able to use Wooton Park and all other park amenities are open to the public. Boaters may launch at other locations including Tavares Recreation Park, Hickory Point Recreation Facility, Summerall Park, Trimble Park or Gilbert Park.
For more information contact the Tavares Seaplane Base & Marina, 352.742.6267

Warning! Dora Canal Bridge Work being done this summer 2012

M E D I A  R E L E A S E

Boating Advisory for the Dora Canal

The Dora Canal Bridge in Tavares will be undergoing replacement from July 16 through August 8, 2012.  During this period boating traffic will not be permitted to travel under the bridge and is advised to avoid the construction area.

The construction of the new bridge will relocate the support pilings increasing the navigable area under the bridge from 13’ to approximately 24’.  At the same time, Lake County Water Authority will be concluding a contract to remove fallen trees and large debris from the canal. Both of these projects will greatly increase boater safety and improvenavigation.

The construction at the Dora Canal Bridge includes the replacement of the train tracks on the bridge, as well as the tracks along Ruby Street in downtownTavares.  These track improvements will allow for safer transport of freight and passengers and are part of a larger project to connect variouscities in Lake County with Orlando’s future rail upgrades.

The Dora Canal Bridge and rail repairs will cost $1.3 million and are being fundedthrough a Florida Department of Transportation grant and a local match of 25% shared by the City of Tavares, Lake County Water Authority and Florida CentralRailroad.

The replacement of the Dora Canal Bridge is being directed by the Florida Central Railroad.  If you have any questions, contact Pete Petree, General Manager, Florida Central Railroad, 407-880-8500 or ppetree@fcrr.com.

4th of July in Tavares!

Get ready for 4th of July in Tavares!

Heres the official information about what's going on from the City Of Tavares:

Fire & Ice -Tavares’ Independence Day Celebration

 The City ofTavares presents “Fire & Ice” a cool, colossal Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 4, at Wooton Park. Watch the Main Street Parade and enjoy a day filled with music, food, fireworks and family-friendly activities.

Festivities begin at 3:00 pm in Wooton Park, downtown Tavares, with kid’s activities,food vendors and the one-of-a-kind Splash Park!  Kids of all ages can enjoy the Ice Skating Rink (with free skates), an interactive Dance Party and Water Walker Balls. Ben Franklin & Betsy Ross are also expected to make an appearance. Entertainment will continue all afternoon and evening featuring TheJimmy Sparks Band. 

The 4th of July parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. and travel down both Main Street and Ruby Street. This All-American spectacle will be a fun-filled mix of music,floats and mounted units. America’s Seaplane City will provide aspecial treat at the start of the parade, so don’t be late!

The Splash Park will remain open until 8:00 p.m. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.

Free parking is available at the Lake County Parking Garage at Maud Street and Sinclair Avenue. The facility is within easy walking distance of Main Street and Wooton Park. Handicap parking will be in the Lake County Records Building west-side parking lot. Vehicles will be able to access this lot from New Hampshire Avenue. Visitors are reminded that parts of Main Street and some cross streets will be closed for the parade between 3:00 and 6:00. Ruby Street will be closed between Main Street and Texas Avenue from 4:45 p.m. until the fireworks conclude to allow pedestrian traffic to flow freely.

The fireworks display is being staged on the lake, therefore the boat ramp will be closed on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4 while fireworks are being transported anddue to the activities taking place lakefront.  Alternate boat ramps are locatedat Summerall Park and Tavares Recreation Park (Buzzard Beach).

 For additional information, contact Community Services, 352.742.6370

Welcome to Tavares' new BLOG site!

On the northwestern shore of Lake Dora lies our town of Tavares. No longer known as the serious county seat and government hub, Tavares is fast becoming the place to be for the area's finest water sports, events and entertainment.

Tavares transformation started around 2006 when the city held a series of town hall meetings where the citizens made the decision to transform the downtown waterfront area into a mecca of beautiful parks and to develop an entertainment area that would attract visitors and enhance the daily lives of it's residents.

The hard work is paying off.

Today Tavares is known as "America's Seaplane City" with the tagline "Land and See".  The new Tavares seaplane base is an official FAA certified airport and marina with 88 boat slips, three floating seaplane slips, an east-west seaplane water lane on Lake Dora , floating fuel dock, a large shallow angle concrete ramp and grassy beach area for docking.

Not forgetting children, pets and family,Tavares has developed a number of parks and activities just for them.

The Children's Splash park is a popular place to go to in Wooton Park during hot Florida days. There along the Lake Dora waterfront and beneath the giant oaks, you will find a shallow wading pool with a bright yellow seaplane and buckets spilling water on the playing children below.

 If getting wet isn't your thing, Wooton Park is a great place to relax and read while the children play on the large playground complex. Public  restrooms and numerous pavillions and areas to reserve for your next family event or party are available in Wooton Park and in many other Tavares park locations.

Just a few blocks away you can find Aesops park where it is pet friendly and home to the city's officially designated dog park. There are fenced dog areas to socialized your pups according to size. This is also where you can lease a city garden plot and grow a harvest and memories for yourself and your family.

Outside the downtown area, you can travel just a few miles to find other city parks that will  suit everyone's tastes from the quiet, ecofriendly 112 acre Nature park for fishing and hiking to the fun and exciting Skate Park that will surely please skateboarders and inline rollerbladers alike.

Tavares is also known for being the home to the only running wood burning steam operated locomotive train in America today, the Orange Blossom Cannonball. 

Here at www.VisitTavares.com you will find more info on all these attractions and so much more. We will be keeping you up to date on what is going on in and around the Tavares, Fl area on this site and in this blog so mark us and come back often!

Rumble on the Waterfront

Do not miss the Rumble on the Waterfront in Wooton Park in Tavares!

Tavares Friday Night Cruise-In

Join us every 3rd Friday Night of the month!