Orlando implements new restrictions on downtown nightlife in safety push

Downtown Orlando is noticeably quieter tonight as new restrictions aimed at improving safety enter their next phase. 

City steps up security following Halloween shooting

What we know:

The city’s "Phase 2" measures include expanded barricades and tighter controls on pedestrian access, part of a broader effort to shift activity indoors and reduce street gatherings.

Barricades were set up along Orange Avenue starting at 9 p.m., with additional barriers now in place on Pine Street and Central Boulevard. These measures build on two months of restrictions on Orange Avenue, designed to channel crowds into businesses rather than allowing them to linger in the streets.

What they're saying:

DJ Nasty, an Orlando-based producer, praised the changes. 

"The energy is a lot better," he said. "We’re keeping the people that really want to be here, really want to enjoy themselves coming into the venues."

The city initially began reopening downtown streets to vehicular traffic in November after years of closing them for pedestrian-only use. The move followed a Halloween night shooting last year when a 17-year-old opened fire, killing two people and injuring nine others. Officials cited the "street party atmosphere" as a contributing factor.

Promoter Ricky Padilla, a former downtown business owner, said the new rules are helping the area recover. 

"People are inside the venues, and that’s where they need to be," Padilla said. "We have beautiful venues, and restaurants that have amazing food."

Phase 2 includes metal fences along sidewalks to guide pedestrian flow, with the goal of preventing accidents and maintaining order. 

"We're really trying to just show visually and physically that that area is no longer available for traditional pedestrian travel like it has been for a number of years in downtown," said David Barilla, the city’s Downtown Development Board executive director.

What we don't know:

It is still unclear when the new configuration goes into effect. City officials say there is no set timeline for fully reopening the roads, but they will continue evaluating the situation to determine when it is safe to do so.

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