As Small Business Saturday approaches, businesses in downtown Mount Dora are emphasizing the importance of shopping locally to aid recovery efforts following recent flooding.

Carolyn Wood, owner of Lemon Drop Market in downtown Mount Dora, expressed gratitude for the local shoppers.

"I know we all get used to ordering online on Amazon and things like that, but we really could use your support here in Mt. Dora and we so appreciate it. We love our customers, so it is great to see everyone," Wood said.

The city of Mount Dora is still recovering from extreme flooding that occurred a month ago, damaging roads and homes. Misty Sommer, Mount Dora's director of economic development, highlighted the need for increased foot traffic.

"Tourism has been at record lows nationwide and just as the bus

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