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Orlando City Council delays vote on changes to late-night safety downtown

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is delaying a vote on proposed changes to downtown.

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That vote would have decided on a new ordinance impacting late-night activity in the downtown entertainment area.

The City Council planned to vote today on a new ordinance that would impact late-night activity downtown. The proposal had three parts: adding security at parking lots at night, better lighting, and requiring special permits for businesses that stay open past midnight.

READ: Orlando police enforce road safety, protect pedestrians and cyclists

The city said it comes down to clarifying some technical language, but Mayor Buddy said the ordinance is the first part of a much larger plan to bring more safety to downtown. City officials want to first clarify when the permit will be needed.

The city said this will impact businesses that have had an ownership change, new businesses and businesses that have made substantial improvements to their operations.

READ: Here’s what the new ordinance to keep downtown Orlando safe could include

It’s all in response to the recent downtown shooting that injured seven people. However, even before the shooting, the city was working on more permanent changes.

The city said close to 100 bars currently operate in the downtown entertainment area. A final vote on the ordinance that would create those special permits is scheduled for the next City Council meeting.

READ: Video shows panicked crowd in downtown Orlando shooting

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.