The Brief

MOUNT DORA, Fla. - Mount Dora leaders declared a local state of emergency following last weekend's torrential rainfall, which caused flooding throughout the region and washed away from roads.

That declaration allows Mount Dora leaders to work with the Florida Department of Transportation to help clear Donnelly Street, which was heavily destroyed in the rains.

Officials and business owners want people to know: Mount Dora is open for business, citing other roads and streets to get to Mount Dora, despite Donnelly being damaged.

A 50% drop in business for downtown

Restaurants with empty tables, shops devoid of customers, streets with open parking spots - all of that is unusual to see on a nice day in Mount Dora.

Former Mount Dora Mayor Chrissy Stile owns a bookstore downtown.

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