ORLANDO, Fla. – Signs greet drivers entering downtown Orlando to remind visitors of a recently implemented 1 a.m. curfew.
According to city officials, the curfew follows a state of emergency issued by Mayor Buddy Dyer after a Halloween shooting that left nine people injured and two dead.
City Commissioner Shan Rose addressed residents at a community meeting in Parramore on Monday, discussing the current state of emergency and future security plans.
“There are some concerns with the curfew, and we are working through the logistics. Our goal is safety,” Rose said.
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Rose said that security screenings are under consideration to enhance safety downtown.
“Since I’ve been elected, we’ve been considering controlled access entry,” Rose said.
The state of emergency is in effect for seven days. On Friday, a downtown business owner expressed opposition to the new rules, including a mandate to stop alcohol sales at midnight, citing potential revenue loss.
“We are working collaboratively with private businesses and city staff to find the best solution for a safe environment downtown,” Rose said.
City leaders are also weighing the costs associated with implementing new security screenings, according to Rose.
“Safety is our top priority. We want to ensure everyone can come downtown and enjoy themselves,” she said.
The 1 - 5 a.m. curfew is set to expire after seven days, with no announcement yet on when new security measures will be introduced.
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