Lake County Events and News Starting January 17 for Everyone to Enjoy

Tavares: The City of Tavares is gearing up for its eighth annual Arbor Day Celebration on January 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wooton Park. They’ll be giving away free trees and hosting fun educational exhibits, including a raptor presentation and tips on native landscaping.

Mount Dora is also celebrating Arbor Day on the same day from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Forest Preserve on the W.T. Bland Public Library campus. This family-friendly event will feature a tree-planting ceremony, refreshments, and activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt and a tree lab.

In Eustis, the Powerhouse Christian Center is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration starting with a service and concert on January 19 at 4 p.m. The festivities continue with a breakfast and unity walk on January 20, themed “We Are One!”

On January 20, City of Leesburg offices will be closed for the MLK holiday, and all Lake County libraries will also be closed.

Exciting news for educators: Jenna Leigh Patrick, Lisa Bryant, and Cynthia Henderson are finalists for Lake’s Teacher of the Year. They were surprised with the news by the Superintendent on January 10. The winner will be announced on January 30 and will compete for the state title.

In other news, Samba, a vape-detecting dog from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, received a “Back the Blue” award for her work in schools. She’s been instrumental in finding illicit vape devices.

Lady Lake has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the 20th year, thanks to its commitment to tree care and community forestry programs.

Eustis is hosting a Daddy Daughter Dance on January 18, themed Old Hollywood, with a costume contest and fun activities. Tickets are $35 for couples.

Former CIA officer Michele Rigby Assad will hold a book signing for her new book on January 18 in Mount Dora.

The Ocala Camellia Society is hosting its annual camellia show on January 25 and 26, inviting the public to attend and enter their blooms.

Georgefest 2025 in Eustis will feature free concerts from popular artists, including Point of Grace and Jo Dee Messina, from February 15-22.

Lastly, the 2025 Adopt-a-Lake Calendar is available for purchase, showcasing beautiful photos of Lake County’s water bodies. Calendars can be bought at various locations or ordered by mail.

If you’re over 50 and love softball, the Lakes League is looking for new players to join their games on Thursdays in Leesburg.

To submit your community events, email lake@orlandosentinel.com at least two weeks in advance.