Mold Remediation in Mount Dora, FL

ORLANDO, Fla. — A tornado damaged several homes Monday in Central Florida.

1:55 p.m. update

National Weather Service confirms that the tornado was an EF2 in Seminole County

11:30 a.m. update:

Seminole County firefighters said two people escaped after a home collapsed in Longwood.

Firefighters shared images showing major damage in the area after a confirmed tornado touched down.

Officials said the people inside of the home were not hurt.

Channel 9 has a crew at the scene and will provide updates on Eyewitness News at Noon.

10:20 a.m. update:

A Tornado Warning was issued for parts of Volusia County.

The warning area includes Maytown, Oak Hill and Ariel.

The warning is expected to remain until 10:45 a.m.

The National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado touched down near Lake Mary and Sanford.

Officials are advising people in the active warning areas to seek shelter.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for parts of Lake, Seminole and Volusia counties.

The areas impacted include Longwood, Lake Mary, Sanford, Enterprise, Deltona, and Osteen.

The warning is expected to last until 10 a.m.

The Tornado Warning has expired, but the strong storm system continues to move through our area.

Channel 9 will continue to monitor the storms and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

The National Weather Service has extended to Tornado Warning for parts of western Orange County until 9:30 a.m.

Channel 9 has LIVE coverage of the storms on Eyewitness News This Morning.

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning advisory for parts of Lake and Orange counties.

The warning includes parts of Mascotte, Clermont, Astula, Montverde, and western Orange County.

The alert is expected to lat until 9 a.m.

Watch live coverage on Eyewitness News This Morning.

Scattered showers and storms will move across Central Florida Monday morning.

Some storms southeast of metro Orlando could be strong to severe, with damaging winds being a primary concern.

A Wind Advisory will be in place in our area from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wind gusts Monday afternoon will be around 35 mph.

After the storm system moves through, our area will be drier and comfortable.

We will see sunny and dry skies for the rest of the week, with highs in the 70s on Tuesday.

Highs will return to the mid-80s by the end of the week.

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Affordability, scenic beauty, and a welcoming local community are key factors when selecting an ideal town for retirement or relocation. Florida's eight small towns for seniors offer a balanced blend of these attributes.

While some retirees choose to move to tropical regions in Asia or South America, many find that the Sunshine State meets their needs. From the peaceful, nature-oriented town of Safety Harbor, with its vibrant and supportive community, to upscale waterfront communities that capture the essence of the American Dream, Florida presents a diverse range of distinguished small towns that are well-suited for senior living.

Discover Florida9 of the Friendliest Towns in Florida

Mount Dora

Mount Dora, which ranks on the list of best Florida Towns for Seniors, is a central town that attracts retirees from major cities like Orlando and Tampa seeking a peaceful place to call home. Scenic views of Lake Dora and Lakeside Inn are some of the town's most distinctive features, along with its historic downtown square that makes almost every list of the best main streets in Florida. The community culture in Mount Dora is yet another main reason to relocate in your senior years, as the town holds the title of "The Festival City" among state locals, bringing out the best of creative local efforts and offering endless opportunities to mingle and make new friends.

Major local events in Mount Dora include the Blues & Groove Weekend, the Spring Crafts Show, and the Plant & Garden Fair. One of the more affordable towns on this list, the minimum average income per single resident in Mount Dora is roughly $47,600. The Leesburg Regional Medical Center, South Lake Hospital, Florida Hospital-Waterman, and The Villages Regional Medical Center are the area's four major public healthcare facilities. The W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora is where clubs and gatherings are held.

Cedar Key

The fishing and resort town of Cedar Key is the perfect retirement town for those seeking a waterfront town to call their new home. Despite being a popular tourist destination for slow-life lovers, Cedar Key stands out, ranking as the most affordable beach town according to a study from Upgraded Points and multiple news outlets. In addition to being income tax exempt, studies found that the average weekly stay in Cedar Key costs an average price of $1,330. In contrast, other popular beach destinations would cost roughly $4,547.

The town's untouched nature in places like Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge adds to its appeal among nature enthusiasts and those avoiding crowded destinations and prefer to spend their retirement days exploring new waterside hiking trails home to thousands of bird species. Popular hiking trails in the area include Cedar Key Scrub East Loop, Cedar Key Museum Nature Trail, and the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve Trial. Additionally, the town's isolated, far-out location and island setting in the northwest of the state make it one of the most peaceful, underrated decisions to call home.

St. Augustine

One of the best places to retire in Florida is also renowned for being America's oldest town, featuring all elements that make the Sunshine State one of the best places to retire, from sunny beaches to architectural remnants of the Spanish colonial era. Home to many retirement communities disguised as luxury retreats, seniors moving to St. Augustine are assured quality care while living their vacation dream year-round surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear waters.

Allegro Senior Living, Silver Treasures Assisted Living near Fort Moose State Park, and Riverside Cottages at the Shores are some of the top-rated facilities in the area, along with many others competing with a unique theme and setting. While living expenses are typically higher in St. Augustine, with its housing market being 26% more than the national average, the state's income tax exemptions make it one of the most sought-after communities for patriotic retirees and history buffs. Founded in 1565, newcomers can spend years there before learning all about the town's historical tales and landmarks, ranging from the Castillo de San Marcos Monument to the 40-acre Fort Mose Historic State Park.

Deland

Deland is the place to retire for those pursuing a sense of tight-knit community and culture within a reasonable distance from major cities like Orlando and Jacksonville. Like much of Florida, Deland also enjoys exceptionally sunny climates and is home to world-class golf courses. Home to a thriving art scene, Deland's downtown is decorated with murals. It is a base for an artistically creative population that beautifies their hometown with small shops and public events like the Deland Outdoor Art Festival every spring.

Blue Spring State Park, located 8 mi south of downtown Deland, De Leon Springs, and Bulow Creek, are a few state parks that add to the town's appeal and popularity among nature enthusiasts. With 20% of the population aged over 65 and older, Deland attracts retirees from all over the Sunshine State for its affordably of living, averaging $2,931 in monthly expenditures according to the Nasdaq best towns Florida Cities to retire on a $3000 budget in 2023.

Safety Harbor

Seniors seeking a slower pace can relocate to Saftey Harbor, a community renowned for its waterfront greenery, historic downtown, and overall cozy small-town element. With over 45% of the town's population aged 45 and older, Safety Harbor balances a culturally diverse community of primarily democratic political belonging. Catch sunsets along the town's small marina, stroll the brick-paved downtown streets, and plan your relocation with the parks and recreation department that showcases all healthcare and assisted living options for newcomers.

Sitting on the West Shore of Tampa Bay, Safety Harbor's history dates back to 1823. Safety Harbor is a highly desirable retirement town but is among the least affordable on this list, with average home prices of roughly $490,000. Its prime location, 19 mi from Tampa and 7.3 mi from Clearwater, is a prominent factor in the town's overall cost of living. However, prices are semi-justifiable for the perfect weather and classy, upscale atmosphere.

Punta Gorda

The Southwest city of Punta Gorda is one of the best retirement communities for its green waterfront setting, a blend of a vacation resort and small-town atmospheres, and endless cultural activities. The town has community homes and assisted living services that are suitable for the active and nature-loving senior demographic. Some of the top-rated senior facilities in the area include Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles near Ponce DeLeon Park, Ventura Lakes Lifestyle, and Lakewood Village communities.

Private state-acclaimed healthcare facilities like Shorepoint Health, VIPcare Punta Gorda, and other locally operated centers dot the city and are prominent incentives to relocate where medical attention is important and abundant. Typical home costs in Punta Gorda are estimated to be $314,000, a medium balance between your options on this list of the best Florida Towns for seniors. Additionally, a significant portion of the town's population is seniors, with the median age in Punta Gorda being 67.

Venice

The ultimate senior living destination for its romantic, historical, and affordable living, Venice's population comprises a predominantly old demographic. It is a medium between cheap and expensive retirement towns in the Sunshine State. Highlights of your everyday life in Venice include the palm tree and flower-decorated historic downtown area of Miami Ave, Tampa Ave, and Nokomis Ave, where family-owned businesses come together to thrive.

Pet owners can spend their days frequenting the Brohard Paw Beach Park and Woodmere Paw Park. Popular attractions to explore while getting to know the city include the Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom and the beachfront trails of Caspersen Beach. Single-person annual expenses in Venice, Florida, cost up to 52,000 annually, while the average home cost in the typical home cost is $441,000, making it 30 more expensive than the national average.

Chiefland

Wrapping up the list of best Florida towns for seniors is Chiefland, a small community renowned for its natural attractions and a strong sense of community engagement depicted through places like the Chiefland Farmers and Flea Market. One of the least populated towns on this list, Chiefland is more of an agricultural community for retirees and seniors seeking a countryside setting without leaving Florida. It is near untouched natural destinations like Manatee Springs State Park, and its affordability makes Chiefland a desirable community to retire in.

However, due to the town's calm, secluded atmosphere, and rural location, Chiefland's closest medical facilities, Williston and Gainesville, sit roughly 31 mi from the town center, making it a less popular option among those who need frequent medical attention. Average prices in Chiefland were valued at 95,571 in 2020, while average living costs reached an estimated $2885 per month. Newcomers have endless eco-rich sites to explore when moving to Chiefland, Florida, with unique places like the Chiefland Astronomy Village, a serene stargazing destination, and the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge 18 mi from Cedar Key.

More in Florida7 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Florida

Ultimately, Florida attracts thousands of retirees and senior citizens annually for its paradise-like setting, exceptional caretaking facilities, and resort-style affordable accommodations. From beach escape that you've always wanted to call home to small historic communities and recreational hubs, relocating to these eight Florida towns ideal for seniors means living every day as a never-ending vacation.

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MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Preparations are underway for the Mount Dora Arts Festival, which is celebrating its 50th year this weekend.

What You Need To Know

This event takes over several city blocks in an area where parking can already be a little bit of a headache.

In fact, the city leaders had a meeting earlier this month to discuss solutions.

Now, business owners are getting ready for the influx of people, while festival organizers work to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Kristie Rocca, co-owner and manager of Walk In The Woods, is getting her store ready for the weekend.

“They say over 200,000, like close to 250,000 people come through, is what we’re told," she said. "And you can feel it when you’re in the store. You know, this weekend, it’ll be shoulder to shoulder and nonstop action, but it’s really fun."

The event means big business for her, as she expects to do about five times the sales compared a typical summer weekend. But more customers means the need for more parking.

“We do have parking challenges in this town," Rocca said. "I think most people know that who come here and visit or live here, but for big events, a lot of accommodations are made. So that’s a little different. There’s a plan in place."

At the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, Executive Director Janet Gamache has been working on that plan. While there will be many road closures, as more than 300 artists line the streets to show off their work, Gamache said people should be able to get in and out of the festival easily.

“Parking can be a challenge in Mount Dora, so we tell people to take the shuttle," she said. "The shuttle is located at 900 Lincoln Ave., and it’s a free shuttle. So it’s best not to just loop around. It’s better than just go straight (to the) shuttle and they’ll drop you off right at the event and pick it up.”

Rocca said she and her staff have designated parking as well, which gives her confidence going into the weekend. She said she actually sees more parking issues on the average day, which frustrates her.

“Because, as a business owner, we need people to come here and we need it to be easy for them,” she said. “We want them to have a good, very positive experience. And that starts with them driving into town and finding a spot to park and not having to take 20 minutes to circle and circle and circle.”

She said she’s happy to know city leaders are looking into solutions and hopes that one day they will consider building a parking garage. Until then, Rocca said she's eager to share the other options that are in place, like Mount Dora Transit and the Freebee shuttle, all to get people to the things they love most in Mount Dora.

“We want to make sure that everybody has accessibility to come into town as easy as possible and that they can come in and have a great time, she said.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Itching to get out of town, Lakelanders? Jump in your car for a road trip to Mount Dora. From shopping ‘til you drop at Renningers markets to sushi waffles at Wave Asian Bistro — we’re spilling all the details on how to have an unforgettable time in the “New England of the South.”

???? Essential info Drive time: ~1.5 hoursYear city was established: 1880Est. population: 16,665

Elizabeth Evans ParkThe town of Mount Dora surrounds Lake Dora, a body of water encompassing more than 4,000 acres. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this park with lakeside views.

Jane Austen FestivalBreak out your Regency-era finery to celebrate the famed author’s 250th birthday. Registration is required to join high tea, workshops inspired by her writing, and more literary-inspired events happening Feb. 7-9.

Modernism MuseumThis art museum hosts a unique array of modern art, featuring work by artists like George Nakashima and Wharton Esherick. Visit the current featured exhibit “Space Oddities: The Sequel” to see modern art from David Bowie’s estate.

Plaid in the ParkHead downtown for this monthly celebration of Scottish culture, featuring bagpipe music and traditional food and drink. Don’t forget to pack your kilt.

Renningers Florida Twin MarketsShop these antique, flea, and farmers markets from Friday to Sunday to find one-of-a-kind goods. Be prepared to spend some time here — the markets cover 117 acres and host nearly 200 vendors.

WAVE Asian Bistro“Unique” doesn’t even begin to describe the culinary creations found here. You can order your sushi as a burger, pizza, donut, and more. You’ll just have to see it to believe it.

Bubbles + JuiceOrder a drink from this mimosa bar window with your favorite mixer — grab it to-go and sip while you walk around downtown.

Magical Meat Boutique British PubDine on a traditional plate of fish and chips or start your day with a full English breakfast. Pro tip: You have to try the brown sauce, trust us.

Pisces RisingFor an upscale meal, it doesn’t get much better than eating fresh seafood with a view of Lake Dora. Visit on Sundays to try the brunch menu.

Foxtail CoffeeTest out this Central Florida staple before it opens a location in Lakeland. We recommend keeping things fresh with one of the cafe’s seasonal drinks, but a classic caramel latte always hits the spot, too.

Lakeside InnMake your stay historic in Florida’s oldest operating hotel. As the name suggests, the inn’s cozy rooms have views of the lake.

Adora InnStay steps away from downtown in this modern inn. Each morning, dine on a gourmet breakfast prepared by the chefs.

Magnolia Inn Bed & BreakfastA Mediterranean-style estate built in 1926 is now home to this bed and breakfast. Choose from four uniquely furnished rooms where you can get away from it all.

Mt. DorableFor a cozy place to lay your head, rent this charming 1930s bungalow located in the city’s historic district.

The CarltonThis one’s for the foodies. This rental is just a three-minute walk from the dining district and has a vintage carriage house feel.

Wait a minute, Lakelanders. Before you head out the door, find the cheapest places to fill up your gas tank and stock up on road trip snacks — we recommend a stop at bodega Market for locally made options. Also, bookmark this map so you have no trouble finding all of our recommendations while visiting Mount Dora.