MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Parking improvements will be the topic of discussion Monday night for city leaders in Mount Dora, as growing concerns surrounding parking accessibility seem to be pushing visitors out of downtown.

What You Need To Know

  • Mount Dora city leaders will discuss parking and several potential solutions at a 6 p.m. meeting on Monday

  • Mayor James Homich says that parking has been a concern, but that he doesn't believe it's because of a lack of spaces, rather than a lack of accessibility

  • Officials have suggested a golf carts-only parking lot to free up spaces directly downtown for people using bigger, full-sized vehicles

This isn't an issue that's new to Mount Dora officials. In fact, Mayor James Homich said the city has been working to address parking and downtown access since before he became mayor.

During a workshop meeting Monday at 6 p.m., several suggestions will be heard and possibly approved to move forward to make parking more convenient for visitors and keep the visitation up in the downtown area.

From a city leader perspective, Homich said parking issues offer evidence that people are visiting. However, he said that he also recognizes the frustration it causes among visitors and business owners.

“You observe it all the time, and we have lots of parking spaces. They’re just not as convenient, like the Methodist Church or that sort of thing. So, a lot of people aren’t looking for them," Homich said. "We're just going to try to perhaps add spaces downtown.”

Officials will discuss suggestions like transitioning a surface lot into a golf-cart parking lot to free up spaces directly downtown for larger vehicles, as well as a free shuttle service and whether it's been successful.

Homich said there isn't just one answer or a magic wand that can fix the concerns, but that city leaders are looking to bring some relief as quickly as possible.