Welcome to Tavares...the "hub" of Lake County. Since 1888 Tavares has reigned as the county seat. The lakeside Government Center houses many of the county's offices including three courthouses, and a new Criminal Justice Complex. Downtown Tavares along Main Street retains its small town charm with a stately City Hall and its neighboring local businesses. At the center of activity lies peaceful Wooten Park, where visitors and residents alike enjoy the serene lake view while children play in the landmark wooden playground. It's a town that values the pure and simple traditions, family, friends and its very beautiful natural resources.

Bordered by three lovely bodies of water, Lake Eustis, Lake Harris and Lake Dora, Tavares offers abundant recreational opportunities for all types of sports enthusiasts. "The most beautiful mile of waterway in the world" according to the National Geographic is in Tavares. The Mount Dora Canal connects Lake Eustis with Lake Dora. Home to egrets, herons, ducks, snakes, alligators, ospreys and many fish this waterway offers visitors a window into Florida's natural vegetation and wildlife.

Conveniently located just minutes from Orlando, Tavares boasts a central Florida location equidistant from the sea blue of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. For those that prefer the forest greens, the Ocala National Forest just north of Tavares has plenty of shady horse trails, camping, canoeing and swimming in crystal clear springs.

Lake County covers about 1,300 square miles and boasts a population of over 170,000 individuals. Together with Eustis and Mount Dora, Tavares completes the Golden Triangle, totaling over 30,000 residents. Tavares alone is home to over 8,000 year round residents. Named after Lopez Para y Tavares, the Portuguese ancestor of the city's founder, Major Alexander St. Clair- Abrams, Tavares was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1885. True to its Portuguese translation, as the "hub," Tavares sits in the center of activity for the area's geography, business and government.

Not only does the gentle Florida climate attract many newcomers to Tavares, but also the rolling terrain with an average elevation of 72 feet above sea level and in some areas rising to 125 feet. Also the availability of valuable waterfront property, private and commercial at a very competitive prices lures settlers.

The Tavares Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to get acquainted with this congenial town, where you will find a comfortable blend of progress and tradition.