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Nicole Baldwin missing: Homicide investigation underway in Mount Dora for missing Florida mom

By FOX 35 News Staff
Updated  April 12, 2024 2:19pm EDT
Lake County
FOX 35 Orlando

Missing woman case is now a homicide investigation

Nicole Baldwin, a Mount Dora mother who went missing in November 2023, is possibly dead after investigators said they've upgraded the case to a homicide investigation.

MOUNT DORA, Fla. - The Mount Dora Police Department and several other law enforcement agencies searched ponds and lakes near a neighborhood on Friday morning related to missing Florida mom, Nicole Baldwin.

Baldwin, a mother of three, has been missing since November 2023 after celebrating her daughter's 20th birthday. She was last seen at her home off Strathmore Circle within the Lancaster subdivision in Mount Dora.

Police said they are now calling the search for the missing mother a homicide investigation. 

Her daughter previously told FOX 35 that her mom left a lot of her belongings at the house, which was unusual. Over the last few months, law enforcement have conducted multiple searches of her home.

Nicole Baldwin: Massive search underway for missing mother

Crews with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Mount Dora Police Department are searching local lakes and ponds for a missing mother. Nicole Baldwin, a mother of three, was last seen Nov. 2, 2023, at her home off Strathmore Circle, in the Lancaster subdivision of Mount Dora. SKYFOX captured a video of the search on Friday afternoon.

In a post on Facebook, the Mount Dora Police Department said Friday's search was conducted alongside several other agencies – Lake, Sumter, Marion, Seminole, Volusia, Groveland, and Seach and Rescue of Central Florida. It focused on retention ponds near Lancaster at Loch Leven.

"This coordinated effort was not prompted by specific tips, but rather as a natural progression in our search strategy. It's important for us to check potential locations off the list. We continue to work diligently in the search for Nicole Baldwin."

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Nicole Baldwin (Photo via Mount Dora Police Department)

Who is Nicole Baldwin?

Baldwin is described as a white female who is 5'5 and weighs 135 pounds. She has brown and (dyed) blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing the same nightgown pictured above (just in the color pink) with no shoes. 

Police said she has a single rose tattoo on her right hand and a tattoo of flowers on her left shoulder going down her elbow.

FOX 35 News previously spoke with Baldwin's daughter, 20-year-old Alisha Baldwin, who said her mother was on medication for anxiety and depression.

Timeline: Search for missing Florida mom, Nicole Baldwin

  • Nov. 2, 2023: This is reportedly the last time Florida mom, Nicole Baldwin, was seen alive by her daughter. The two had celebrated her daughter's birthday the day before.
  • Nov. 5, 2023: Nicole Baldwin is reported missing to Mount Dora Police Department.
  • Nov. 28, 2023: Law enforcement searches Nicole Baldwin's home for clues as to her whereabouts. Her daughter said all of her mom's belongings were left at the house.
  • Dec. 5, 2023: Law enforcement returned to Nicole Baldwin's home
  • Dec. 14, 2023: Brett Balwin, Nicole Baldwin's husband, was arrested on a charge of obscene material. He has not been named a suspect, arrested, or charged with any connection to his wife's disappearance.
  • April 12, 2024: Lake County Sheriff's Office and Mount Dora Police conducted searches in ponds and lakes within the Loch Leven subdivision. Dive teams from several other agencies also assisted.

Missing Mount Dora woman's daughter begs for answers

The daughter of missing Mount Dora mom Nicole Baldwin has been missing since Nov. 2, and her daughter is hoping someone has information about where she might be.

If you see Baldwin or have any information, you're asked to contact police at 352-735-7130 or via email at policedeptcidemail@cityofmountdora.com.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.