MOUNT DORA, Fla. – After historic flooding in October washed out Donnelly Street, small businesses in downtown Mount Dora saw a significant drop in customers.
While Donnelly Street remains closed, the city has worked to inform visitors that their favorite shops and restaurants are still open and accessible.
With Small Business Saturday approaching, business owners are hopeful for a surge in customers this weekend.
[WATCH: Donnelly Street remains closed, but downtown Mount Dora still open]
“Come on in for Reindeer Games!” said Amy Becker, owner of Becker’s Best Shoes in downtown Mount Dora.
Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday focuses on supporting local businesses like Becker’s Best Shoes.
“We have an 11-year tradition. It’s called Reindeer Games. So we start on Black Friday and we go all the way through Cyber Monday because we’ve got to compete with the big box stores,” Becker said.
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Becker is not only competing against large retailers but also dealing with the ongoing impact of the flooding that damaged Donnelly Street.
“Finally, people have figured out there’s lots of ways to get down to Mount Dora. We’re still trying to get ahold of those out-of-town travelers to say we’re open, we’re here, we’re all good,” she said.
Just a few doors down, Mary Hobson works at Piglet’s Pantry. She described business as “not great, but not horrible.”
“We’re hoping next week, the ‘week’ week, we’ll actually see more foot traffic. I think people are starting to realize that there’s other ways to get into town. So that helps,” Hobson said.
Since the washout on Donnelly Street, the city of Mount Dora has actively promoted alternative routes to downtown.
[WATCH: FDOT completes initial restoration work on flood-damaged Mount Dora street]
The city has distributed maps showing how to navigate around the closed section of Donnelly Street.
When asked about the city’s efforts and the upcoming Small Business Saturday, Hobson said, “I hope it helps! I hope it helps!”
Mount Dora will host a Small Business Saturday event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, at Sunset Park.
Guests can stroll downtown, enjoy roaming carolers, and watch a special performance by the Strolling Piano.
The event is free and open to the public.