Downtown Orlando celebrates the New Year

ORLANDO, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Thousands of people celebrated New Year’s Eve in Downtown Orlando on Monday. Celebrations had Church Street closed down, as well as Washington Street.

Pete Ghalam, owner of Latitudes, where a giant orange drops every year, said it’s the 21st year hosting the block party.

“It’s really special to see the people come out. They bring their family and friends out to just watch the Orange drop and have a good time and hopefully remember having a good time in downtown Orlando,” he said.

Ghalam hopes the annual event continues growing.   Meanwhile, Orlando Police made extra arrangements to cover the area as thousands of people poured in. They released the following statement:

"The safety and security of our residents and visitors is the number #1 priority of the Orlando Police Department. In anticipation of tonight's New Year's Eve crowd, the Orlando Police Department will have adequate personnel on hand. We will have security measures in place you can see, while others you will not. In addition to our normal downtown patrol squads, there will be extra layers of officers to include officers on foot, on bicycles, in vehicles, and on horses. We look forward another safe and successful New Year's Eve celebration!”