TAVERES, FL Tourist trains are set to return to Lake County later this year as the Orlando & Northwestern Railway (O&NW) has completed negotiations on a lease of the Tavares Station and a track use agreement with Florida Central Railroad, which owns the tracks over which the tourist trains will operate. O&NW’s services will be marketed under the Royal Palm Railway Experience brand. The Royal Palm Railway Experience seeks to recreate an authentic travel experience reminiscent of the famous streamlined passenger trains that once served Florida. Initial offerings will include daytime entertainment experiences between Tavares and Mt. Dora. Evening dinner trains and morning brunch trains are expected to begin in January, with seasonal special events and other offerings will be announced in the coming weeks. O&NW is currently completing the final arrangements with Rail Events, Inc. to host THE POLAR EXPRESS TM Train Ride for the 2017 holiday season. “This will be the finest tourist train experience ever offered in Florida,” said O&NW spokesman Neil Bagaus. “Our fleet of air-conditioned equipment will allow our passengers to experience the very best of classic mid-century modern style as they enjoy our daytime local service, evening dinner trains, and seasonal specials,” Bagaus said. Schedules are still under development and are expected soon.