MOUNT DORA, Fla. – After the weekend’s sudden downpour devastated homes and roads in Lake County, it’s now causing a different type of damage for some.
The city saw around 17 inches of rain over the weekend.
The historic flooding caused a washout under Claire Ernst’s house, resulting in it being condemned — all while she’s just seven weeks away from giving birth.
[VIDEO: Officials survey flood damage after weekend deluge in Mount Dora]
“We just finished getting the nursery ready on Sunday and so I was really hopeful that we would be back,” Ernst said. “So I don’t know if that’s going to happen, but I’m still hoping for that.”
The impact extends beyond her property damage. Ernst is also feeling the impacts of the weekend weather at her business, Claire’s Creperie, in Downtown Mount Dora.
Some business owners said the flooding and road closures have created a misconception that the area is inaccessible.
[VIDEO: Pumps working to remove standing water from flooded Lake County]
“What we want to tell everybody is downtown is still open. There’s other ways to access it besides Donnelly and we need you to,” Ernst said.
Lisa Winslow, owner of Home Garden Treasures, said these last few days have been some of her slowest.
“It was a very, very challenging Summer and yesterday was worse than the worst day in Summer,” Winslow said.
Winslow is worried about the drop in business heading into what should be peak season for downtown.
“There couldn’t be a worse time because fourth quarter is when people are here,” Winslow said. “The weather is nice, and people want to come to downtown to find unique things.”
Amy Becker, owner of Becker’s Best Shoes, echoed similar concerns.
[VIDEO: Washed-out major roads shut down indefinitely in Lake County]
“Just over the last two days and this morning we’re over 40% down in sales,” Becker said. “So, I know it’s affecting us. It’s affecting everyone.”
Becker said she wants this to be a story where the community comes together.
“We’re going to help with the other home, that’s Claire’s Creperie, we want to help with that,” Becker said. “So, I think the biggest thing is getting the word out that we love our customers, we need our customers, and we need even the outsiders to know since this went nationwide, that there’s still businesses down here that are ready for the season.”
The city of Mount Dora recently put out a map showing people where they can access downtown while avoiding Donnelly Street.
For the map, see below.