Mount Dora firefighters fight to save jobs from being cut

MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora firefighters have been on a social media blitz trying to save a dozen jobs that could be cut at the end of the year.

It’s part of the budget balancing act for the city.

Now, in what appears to be a change of heart, the city is pushing pause on the idea, and is back in discussion trying to work it out.

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Mount Dora firefighters sent out a petition to the community, asking for support after they say the city was going to cut their staff.

The petition reads: “The City of Mount Dora is pursuing the elimination of 12 firefighter positions from your fire department. Going from 36 firefighters, down to 24 firefighters.”

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This would cut the services provided to citizens by a third, firefighters said.

Firefighters said this would mean a long list of things, including longer response times.

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Video: Report notes ‘toxic’ environment at Mount Dora PD: What’s being done to change that Only 9 Investigates went over the plan to revamp the Mount Dora Police Department after it went through two police chiefs in a year. (Karla Ray, WFTV.com)

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