Downtown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekend

ORLANDO, Fla. — As people head to downtown Orlando nightclubs this weekend, there will be some noticeable changes.

Friday will be the first night the city is rolling out its new security plan for late-night bars and clubs.

Mayor Buddy Dyer said the changes are in response to last weekend’s shooting on South Orange Avenue that left seven people hurt.

WATCH: Gunman at large after 7 hurt in downtown Orlando shooting

“We’re going to do everything we possibly can to make sure downtown is safe,” Dyer said.

The plan calls for barricades, or “controlled access points,” to be set up on both sides of Central Boulevard, Washington Street, and east, west, and south Pine Street.

K-9 units will also be at seven different locations.

READ: Video captures gunfire that left 7 hurt in downtown Orlando, police still seeking tips

Orlando resident Rashim Williams said he welcomes the changes and incidents like the one last week are bad for business.

“It’s bad. Bad for the neighborhood, to everything around and it makes me feel unsafe,” Williams said.

READ: Weekend security checkpoints planned for downtown Orlando following mass shooting

The city said metal detectors will be added but it is having trouble finding a vendor available this weekend, so it could take six to eight weeks before they could be in place.

Under Florida law, however, the only people who will go through the metal detectors are those who volunteer and weapons can also be seized if an individual does not have a permit or if police have probable cause.

Weekend security checkpoints planned for Downtown Orlando following mass shooting (Q McCray, WFTV.com/WFTV)

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