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Major events coincide in downtown Orlando amid safety concerns

2 killed and 7 injured in downtown shooting after Halloween festivities

ORLANDO, Fla. – Barricades are blocking off Orange Avenue on Saturday, but next week that won’t be the case.

Downtown Orlando is packed this weekend with the major events, including the Electric Daisy Carnival.

“It was really good when the DJ is up there and he just does his stuff. It’s just a good vibe around,” said Houston, Texas resident Hector Durazo.

[RELATED: Orlando police share what to do if your phone goes missing at EDC]

Not far away, Justin Timberlake was in concert at the Kia Center.

“Well we love Justin Timberlake and the Kia Center is amazing,” said Casey, who’s going to the concert.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

A few blocks away, Orlando City was winning its playoff game in dramatic fashion at Inter & Co Stadium.

“It’s win or go home at this point. The people are ramped up, we’re excited,” said Orlando resident Omar Hernandez.

These events went on as planned just one weekend after a deadly shooting that left two people dead and nine injured while thousands were celebrating Halloween festivities in downtown Orlando.

“I feel for the family of the child, the adult that you know what happened. Prayers go out to them and their family. God bless,” Hernandez said.

“Clearly it’s not a good luck if feels bad losing someone you love,” said Durazo. “It sucks.”

Next week, Orange Avenue and side streets will open to cars at night, and barricades to keep pedestrians closer to sidewalks will be put up.

“I know there’s a lot of businesses downtown and they pretty much rely on the nightlife and you know oncoming walk-through traffic. No profit but at the end of day safety and number one priority peoples lives are number one,” Hernandez said.

The city has put several measures in place before like curfew and a moratorium on the opening of new bars and clubs.

“Ignorant folks are gonna do what they gonna do. Don’t matter if you block the road or don’t block the road. You just have to stay alert and stay out the way,” said Orlando Resident JC.

“They have to do something and I can’t blame them. I know that a lot of people are angry have different views but you know we can’t keep having this at the City of Orlando . You know it. It’s just sad that something like this has to keep happening for things. That’s a tragic, but I believe we can turn it around,” Hernandez said.

Despite the shooting, several visitors to the downtown area, say they feel safe. They also hope that people work with law enforcement to make ensure another tragedy doesn’t happen.

Those changes will happen downtown Friday Nov. 15.

Official this will be done in phases until they eventually have all lanes open along Orange Avenue.


About the Author
Jarell Baker headshot

Jarell, a native Floridian, joined WKMG-TV in May 2024.

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