New security checkpoints coming to downtown Orlando this weekend following recent violence

Security changes come after 7 injured in downtown Orlando shooting on July 31

ORLANDO, Fla. – Changes are coming to downtown Orlando Friday night as the city adds security checkpoints to an area that’s had problems with violence recently.

This comes after seven were injured early on July 31 after a shooter, who deputies are still searching for, fired into a crowd at South Orange Avenue and Wall Street Plaza.

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Workers installed no parking signs Friday on Orange Avenue between Jefferson Street and Pine Street. The city removed the lane of parking as part of a security overhaul, which was announced after the shooting last weekend.

In response to the violence, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Monday said the city would implement an access point plan on Friday and Saturday nights.

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A spokeswoman for the city of Orlando said police, K-9 units and hired private security guards will be stationed at six checkpoint locations in a four-block stretch along Orange Avenue.

The locations have been used in the past on holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco De Mayo, to limit how people can enter the downtown area and help curb violence.

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City leaders said the focus is on stopping people with illegal weapons. Anyone with a concealed carry permit cannot be stopped from carrying a firearm into the secured area.

Both downtown Orlando business owners and victims of last weekend’s shooting have called for security changes in light of the recent violence.

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Orlando police said they are still looking for the suspected shooter and are asking the public for tips about Sunday’s shooting. No arrests have been made yet.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is encouraged to submit information, photos and videos in the portal below.

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About the Author:

Mark Lehman became a News 6 reporter in July 2014, but he's been a Central Florida journalist and part of the News 6 team for much longer. While most people are fast asleep in their bed, Mark starts his day overnight by searching for news on the streets of Central Florida.

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