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Downtown Orlando ensures safety during busy, event-filled weekend

By Demie Johnson, WFTV.com and Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com
By Demie Johnson, WFTV.com and Brittany Caldwell, WFTV.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — Downtown Orlando is welcoming thousands of visitors for a busy weekend of events.

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There is Monster Jam at Camping World Stadium, Blake Shelton at the Amway Center, a Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and Orlando City at Exploria Stadium.

With many events happening at all of Orlando’s city venues, that means big crowds and lots of traffic.

After a shooting near Exploria Stadium on Friday, safety is a top priority.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith discussed enhanced downtown safety efforts on Thursday.

Read: Man critically injured in shooting outside Exploria Stadium

He said patrol teams have increased from 10 to 12 members.

“The amount of cops that I do see, if stuff were to go down, I’m not worried,” Angela Jones said. “I’m not thinking about that.”

The police department has also returned its patrol tactical unit to help get guns off the streets.

The city is calling this weekend a “DTO 2.0 experience.”

Read: Orange County sheriff, Orlando police chief weigh in on tackling violent crime

In addition to busy venues, the Community Redevelopment Agency is filling streets with performers and entertainment.

They aim to keep people at downtown businesses before and after the events.

Kelly Allen, part of the Orlando Downtown Development Board and the CRA, said a weekend watch would be in Orlando.

“It doesn’t happen every weekend, but when it does, we want to make sure we are creating the best experience for guests as (they come) into downtown as well,” she said.

Downtown DJ Jeff Farley said he hopes the city returns to the way he remembers it.

“20, 30 years ago, downtown was packed on the weekends, and now it’s not,” he said.

Read: All aboard! Here’s when you can ride SunRail for free this weekend

Orlando also allows you to travel downtown safely through SunRail, which offers free rides and extended hours for people to enjoy the experiences.

Some people said they had to wait for the trains because of a large number of people wanting to take a ride, so expect delays into the night.

Video: Thousands expected to flood downtown Orlando this weekend: Here’s what to know before you go Downtown Orlando will welcome thousands of visitors this weekend with an event at every major city venue. (Q McCray, WFTV.com)

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