Concerns raised over homeless population around new Orlando City stadium

ORLANDO, Fla. — Only days away from opening day when thousands of soccer fans are expected to flood into the new Orlando City stadium in Parramore, questions of safety were being raised over the area’s homeless population.

The Parramore area has been known for crime and homelessness issues, but the Orlando Police Department said soccer fans shouldn’t be worried.

“They will, of course, enforce all laws and ordinances whether about panhandling, etc.,” the department said in a statement. “But our officers will be out there to ensure not only the safety of the fans, but the safety of anyone in the area, including those who may be clients of the shelters near the stadium.”

Shawn Martin, who is homeless and lives in the area, said things have changed in the neighborhood and fans have no reason to worry.

“Well, to be honest with you, there is a lot of homeless people down here,” Martin said. “And I’m one of them.

“(But) it’s changed and I think it’s a lot safer around here right now.”

Peter Tulloch, who has a parking lot two blocks from the stadium that is labeled as “safe parking,” said he will be doing his part to help fans feel, and stay, safe.

“He have lights, we have people that stay here so there’s always someone out here watching your car so you won’t have to worry about your car being broken into, and it’s fenced all the way around,” he said.

Cox Media Group