Lake Dora was named for a local resident who provided camping hospitality to Federal surveyors in 1883. The town was later renamed after the lake. The mount refers to the fact that the city sits on a plateau 266 feet above sea level. Mount Dora now boasts a population of approximately 9,000. The mayor and two council members are elected at large, with four council members elected by district.
Members serve two-year staggered terms.
In addition to police, fire, streets, parks, recreation and library services, the City also provides water, sewer, electric, storm water and solid waste disposal services. The City has numerous parks, including a lakefront boardwalk for bird and wildlife watching. Future plans include the possible construction of a boardwalk off of Donnelly Street through property donated to the City by Edee Waite. There is also an extensive, tree-shaded cemetery owned and managed by the City. Currently, the City is working on a combination beautification and utility project in the City s downtown area.