Mount Dora Community Trust pledges $1.3 million for Mount Dora High stadium renovation

The Mount Dora Community Trust presented a $1.3 million contribution to support renovation of the Mount Dora High School stadium, district and trust representatives said at a Lake County Schools board meeting.

District and community leaders said the gift combines a trust match and donations from local supporters and will fund a multi‑year renovation of the Mount Dora High School stadium that the district has said had not been updated in decades.

Rob English, executive director of the Mount Dora Community Trust, and district staff described the fundraising campaign and partnerships that produced the commitment. Marlene Straughn, regional executive director, said the stadium was the one major campus facility “that had not been touched in more than 60 years.” Straughn added the project grew from a community campaign that included raffles, sales of commemorative bricks and a centennial celebration that raised additional funds.

District staff identified key contributors and project leads. The trust offered a $500,000 matching grant, the Bland Charitable Trust Committee committed $250,000 and First National Bank donated $50,000, officials said. District staff named Charlie Hoff as project manager and Calvin Wingo as director of maintenance; Williams Construction was listed as the construction partner.

Rob English and community donors attended a ceremonial check presentation; speakers said the $1.3 million will be wired to the district when appropriate. Officials described a four‑year effort from initial vision to today’s presentation and thanked volunteers, school alumni and local funders for their role.

No formal board vote or budget appropriation was recorded at the meeting; trustees recognized the donation during a presentation and photo opportunity. Board members and superintendent thanked trust staff and district project leads for the work to bring the project forward.

Supporters said the renovated stadium is intended to benefit students, families and the larger community. District staff and the trust said construction planning and implementation will follow standard district procurement and permitting processes before work begins.

“We rallied the troops…we’ve done everything from raffling cars to sitting in dunk tanks,” Straughn said, describing the grassroots fundraising that preceded the trust’s commitment.

The presentation concluded with a public acknowledgment of major donors and a recommendation that district staff and the trust finalize transfer details and next steps for project implementation.