ORLANDO, Fla. — Downtown Orlando is welcoming thousands of visitors for a busy weekend of events.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
There is Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium, Blake Shelton at the Amway Center, a Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and Orlando City at Exploria Stadium.
With many events happening at all of Orlando’s city venues, that means big crowds and lots of traffic.
After a shooting near Exploria Stadium on Friday, safety is a top priority.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith discussed enhanced downtown safety efforts on Thursday.
Officers are patrolling through the night in @DWNTWN_ORLANDO. If you’re out attending one of the many events, please pay attention to your surroundings. Call OPD to report any suspicious activity. pic.twitter.com/AOVGewg46B
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 5, 2023
Read: Man critically injured in shooting outside Exploria Stadium
He said patrol teams have increased from 10 to 12 members.
“The amount of cops that I do see, if stuff were to go down, I’m not worried,” Angela Jones said. “I’m not thinking about that.”
The police department has also returned its patrol tactical unit to help get guns off the streets.
Traffic Control Specialists were created to assist OPD with extra-duty traffic positions during @citybeautiful events. This weekend is one of the busiest weekends for @DWNTWN_ORLANDO. We are grateful for the Traffic Control Specialists who are working to keep motorists safe! pic.twitter.com/M8bE9AH56c
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) March 4, 2023
The city is calling this weekend a “DTO 2.0 experience.”
Read: Orange County sheriff, Orlando police chief weigh in on tackling violent crime
In addition to busy venues, the downtown development board is filling streets with performers and entertainment.
They aim to keep people at downtown businesses before and after the events.
Kelly Allen, part of the Orlando Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency, said a weekend watch would be in Orlando.
“It doesn’t happen every weekend, but when it does, we want to make sure we are creating the best experience for guests as (they come) into downtown as well,” she said.
Downtown DJ Jeff Farley said he hopes the city returns to the way he remembers it.
“20, 30 years ago, downtown was packed on the weekends, and now it’s not,” he said.
Read: All aboard! Here’s when you can ride SunRail for free this weekend
Orlando also allows you to travel downtown safely through SunRail, which offers free rides and extended hours for people to enjoy the experiences.
Some people said they had to wait for the trains because of a large number of people wanting to take a ride, so expect delays into the night.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group
"filled" - Google News
March 05, 2023 at 07:22AM
https://ift.tt/zfWylti
Downtown Orlando ensures safety during busy, event-filled weekend - WFTV Orlando
"filled" - Google News
https://ift.tt/OnUb0mI
https://ift.tt/gs1uiQw
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Downtown Orlando ensures safety during busy, event-filled weekend - WFTV Orlando"
Post a Comment