WFTV Channel 9 Orlando

Orlando police chief defends downtown safety efforts amid business backlash

By Sarah Kinbar, WFTV Staff,

2024-07-11

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Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

City officials and downtown business and property owners are at odds as the city clamps down on late-night activity in the urban core in an effort to control crowds and improve safety.

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Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith said the “experiment” of curtailing entry to city-owned parking garages is over. “You guys … didn’t like it. So, we stopped,” he said during a July 9 meeting at City Hall between city leaders and downtown business owners such as The Vintage Group, Court Street Concepts, Thriving Hospitality, Yeaimmeloevents and more.

The city’s weekend parking garage measure started May 10, limiting access to city parking garages after 11 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. Many downtown business owners said that measure limited late-night access, which hurt the downtown club scene.

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Repukes Are the problem

07-13

There are other extreme measures put in place when there are events. Ring side and Manhattan Diner both have off duty US marshalls working there establishments. Downtown Orlando businesses suck it up.

Repukes Are the problem

07-13

Guess what downtown Orlando business safety should be shared. My grandfather who was a retired this shouldn't be on just the backs of our men and woman of law enforcement. Where I come from in Jersey City Paterson Brick City even in Hoboken All bars clubs and any night time establishments must have a off duty cop inside. Some are required 2 off duty cops. Also a requirement all establishments must pay for 2 ambulances and 2 paramedics. Hospitals must pay 4 off duty cops at night. 2 off duty cops during. A lot of retired cops take the position.

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