Florida

TIMELINE: George Floyd protests in Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — See our in-depth coverage below:

Read live updates below:

Orlando police encouraging residents to submit videos if officer misconduct spotted

11 p.m. update

Orlando Police Department tweeted asking that if there is video recorded by citizens that shows conduct contrary to what citizens and the Orlando Police Department expect from their officers, to upload it here.

Curfew in effect for downtown Orlando

8:14 p.m. update

A curfew is now in effect for downtown Orlando.

I-4 eastbound exit ramp to South Street temporarily closed due to demonstrations, police say

7:51 p.m. update

Orlando police said the I-4 eastbound exit ramp to South Street temporarily closed due to demonstrations.

They said a semi truck has broken down on I-4 eastbound near Michigan Street, which is causing additional traffic delays.

Orlando police escalate process to review, release bodycam video recorded during demonstrations

7:40 p.m. update

The Orlando Police Department said it is escalating its process to review and release bodycam video recorded during demonstrations.

Police said citizens can upload videos that show conduct contrary to what citizens and the Orlando Police Department expect from officers.

Citizens are encouraged to upload the videos here for review by the agency.


Commissioner Patty Sheehan comments on protests

7:15 p.m. update

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan released a statement on Facebook about protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

She said she would have attended the protests in downtown Orlando had it not been for the fact that she is considered high-risk for COVID-19.

“As a community leader from a marginalized community, I am willing to listen -- especially since people of color are disproportionately impacted by physical violence, economic disparity and lack of opportunity,” she said. “I have been uncharacteristically quiet because I have been listening via social media, the news and conversations with young people who feel disenfranchised.”

Read: #UCFFireHim: How a UCF professor’s controversial tweets about race led to calls for his firing

She said she is unwilling to "sign any sweeping statements that vilify or defund the Orlando Police Department."

“I’ve spent years working with the community policing unit and our officers from all walks of life,” Sheehan said. “This is not an easy discussion nor is this a simplistic fix with demands from any one group. There needs to be a broader discussion to restore the faith sorely and justifiably lacking in our communities of color.”

Read the full statement below:


Downtown Orlando protest underway

4:21 p.m. update

A protest is underway in downtown Orlando, despite a day filled with showers.

A group has gathered outside Orlando City Hall.

Read: Ahmaud Arbery case: Suspect used racial slur after shooting, investigators say

Demonstrators took a knee and observed a moment of silence in honor for George Floyd.

The crowd is smaller in size than in previous days.

Read: `Get your knee off our necks!': Floyd mourned in Minneapolis

A memorial service was held for Floyd earlier Thursday in Minneapolis. Click here to read about that.

Click here to watch live coverage on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.


Memorial service for George Floyd

2:52 p.m. update

A memorial service is being held for George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Read: George Floyd memorial service: What time, what channel, how to watch

Click here to watch the service live.

>>> CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE <<<


Another protest scheduled in Orlando

12:10 p.m. update

Another protest is set to take place Thursday afternoon in Orlando to call for justice in the death of George Floyd.

Demonstrators are slated to meet at Orlando City Hall at 4 p.m.


3 former Minneapolis officers to appear in court Thursday

9:27 a.m. update

The three former Minneapolis police officers who were arrested on charges of aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd will have their first court appearances Thursday afternoon.

The former officers -- J. Alexander Keung, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao -- are set to appear at 1:45 p.m.

You can watch their first appearance live here.


Friend in car says George Floyd did not resist arrest

8:31 a.m. update

A friend who was in the passenger seat of George Floyd’s car when he had a fatal encounter with officer Derek Chauvin said the Minneapolis man tried to defuse the situation and did not try to resist arrest.

“He was, from the beginning, trying in his humblest form to show he was not resisting in no form or way,” Maurice Hall said. “I could hear him pleading, ‘Please, officer, what’s all this for?’”

Read: How is second-degree murder different from third-degree charges in Minnesota?

Hall called Floyd a mentor and said the two Houston natives spent time together May 25 before the incident in Minneapolis. Hall said he will not forget what he saw as Chauvin placed a knee against Floyd’s neck and held it there for nearly nine minutes.

Hall, 42, was arrested on outstanding warrants Wednesday in Houston and was interviewed by investigators in Minnesota,, according to reports.

Chauvin now faces second-degree murder charges.

Read: George Floyd protests: 3 Minnesota officers charged Wednesday to appear in court Thursday


Peaceful protest planned for Daytona Beach

7:15 a.m. update

A peaceful protest has been organized for City Island of Daytona Beach.

The protest will take place at 5:30 p.m.


UCF police to no longer assist in protests

6:31 a.m. update

The University of Central Florida Police Department will no longer be assisting with the protests in Orlando.

Chief Carl Metzger released a statement on Twitter announcing why he was pulling his officers from the demonstrations.


Kissimmee officials to hold virtual discussion on equality

4:47 a.m. update

Rep. Darren Soto and other Kissimmee official will host a virtual discussion on equality in America.

The Facebook Live discussion will include guest speakers from NAACP, Black Lives Matter, local law enforcement, community pastors and elected officials.

The event can be viewed here at 4:30 p.m.


Jason Kelly

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com

Jason Kelly joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2014. He serves as the station's Digital Executive Producer.

Christopher Boyce, WFTV.com

Christopher Boyce joined WFTV in January of 2019.