ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport is getting $7.5 million from the federal government to buy surveillance cameras, but none of the money will be used to install those cameras in the airport's garage.
WFTV first reported in November that there aren't any cameras inside the garage, but it doesn't look like that will be changing anytime in the near future.
Sixteen million people park in OIA's parking garage each year, but not one camera watches the people, or their cars.
"I have to tell you, I've scurried inside, it's so desolate," said Melissa Woodward, one of the people WFTV found parking in the garage. "Because it's a family friendly city, there should be more done to invite people and make you feel safe when you come here".
The Orlando Police Department does provide roving security for the garage.
As WFTV reported in November, over a five year period, nearly 445 vehicles were stolen from the airport's garage. Of those, approximately 100 were personal vehicles.
The Denver airport, which is much busier than Orlando's, only had 18 personal vehicles stolen during the same period.
"That would be the worst way to end my trip. Come here, not see my car, know I have two hours of paperwork, then another two hours figuring out how I'm going to get home. That would be bad," said Theo Robinson, who parked in the garage.
Orlando International Airport received $7.5 million from the Department of Homeland Security to buy several hundred additional cameras for its surveillance system. While none will be installed in the garage, an airport spokeswoman said the cameras will go in areas with high passenger travel where there's baggage and screening activity.
The new cameras are designed to give more detailed images, and enhance the existing surveillance system.