DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

The City Beautiful has embarked on a first-of-its-kind project, and it's now being showcased in Barcelona at the Smart City World Expo Congress.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, a popular Southern breakfast and lunch chain, will make its Orlando area debut in Winter Park early 2023. This...

ORLANDO, Fla. — On the night before Halloween, people are heading to Downtown Orlando in costume to enjoy the nightlife. Orlando Police said they will keep a close eye on crowds and there are roadblocks on Orange Avenue to keep people safe. Read: Orlando leaders to vote on major safety upgrades to downtown areaBut there was not a massive police presence Sunday night compared to other nights during the week and other weekends. After a mass shooting closed out last year’s Halloween festivities, safety is still a concern. Orlando Police ask parents to always accompany their children as they walk door-to-door.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One lucky winner will receive some festival tickets from a local organization this weekend. Goodwill of Central Florida will have a pair of tickets to give away for the Calle Orange festival in Orlando. Those who are interested in entering the ticket giveaway should stop by the flagship store in Orlando between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday. They will be able to enter their name in the drawing, and a winner will be selected after 11 a.m.Read: Florida appeals court rules against Orange County rent control ordinanceThe Calle Orange festival is Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown Orlando. Read: Have you seen lavender-lined parking spaces in Orlando?

Though it looks nothing like the original design, it is still expected to be a big draw for downtown Orlando. Photos: Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spacesExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spacesPeople may have seen the blue tarp fencing, driving next to Interstate 4 in the heart of Downtown Orlando. The I‐4 Ultimate construction project rebuilt all the interstate bridges through downtown Orlando. Orlando scraps plan for large urban park under I-4 for more parking spacesThe plan has always been to create new and unique spaces below the Interstate between Church Street and Washington Street. Watch: Legal loophole allows THC products banned elsewhere to be sold in FloridaOfficials said the design change was necessary to accommodate businesses and the growing popularity of ride-sharing in downtown Orlando.

From reggaeton to salsa and more, it’s going to be an affair for the Hispanic community in downtown Orlando.

Immerse yourself in the artistic mind and world of Banksy in an all new exhibition

ORLANDO, Fla. — These days police departments all over Central Florida are dealing with staffing shortages. The Orlando Police Department is down dozens of positions, and one of the ways they’re trying to combat that is money. The city council voted to approve a new contract for their police officers, giving them a raise. Police Chief Eric Smith said sometimes he has to mandate officers to work downtown on Friday and Saturday nights or for big events. Read: Change-of-command: Orlando Police Department swears in Eric Smith as police chief“I think (it) is a little stressful for them.

This Friday night, comedian Vince Taylor will take the stage at The Corner, a new venue in the heart of downtown Orlando. The Corner is...

Save the date!

The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando have announced the grand opening of a new cat shelter in downtown Orlando at the end of this month....

A gunman was arrested after a man and a woman were injured in a shooting late Sunday in downtown Orlando, police said.

The owners of a downtown Orlando bar say they are confused after state health inspectors gave conflicting reports on whether dogs can accompany their customers inside.

A Downtown Orlando business owner is set to give away wigs throughout October to help spread breast cancer awareness, according to a release.

In just a few weeks, workers with Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando will open the doors to a new temporary cat shelter in Downtown Orlando.

Orlando city officials are working to bring a seven-year vision to life to advance Downtown Orlando.

VIDEO: Here’s what the new ordinance to keep downtown Orlando safe could include Here’s what the new ordinance to keep downtown Orlando safe could includeORLANDO, Fla. — Another move to keep downtown Orlando safe is in the works right now. Orlando city commissioners will be considering an ordinance for what they call “better control of late-night behavior” downtown. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the new safety changes implemented, like checkpoints and K-9 units, are making downtown Orlando safer. READ: Downtown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekend“The crowd is getting better and under control,” Dyer said. VIDEO: Plan to increase police presence in Downtown Orlando enters second weekend For the second weekend since a mass shooting in Downtown Orlando left seven people hurt, police will be patrolling the area in greater numbers.

Chicken shack Huey Magoo's will open its first location in downtown Orlando on Wednesday morning. "Just what we needed: more chicken places." residents of Orlando...

It comes more than two weeks after police say seven people were hurt in downtown Orlando after a fight led to gunfire near Wall Street and Orange Avenue.

‘Too much alcohol’: Orlando looking to reduce bars downtown to help improve safety There is an ongoing debate surrounding safety in Orlando. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — There is an ongoing debate surrounding safety in Orlando. VIDEO: Downtown Orlando introduces new security measures after shooting injures 7A focus of the debate is the around 100 bars in the downtown entertainment district. Photos: Orlando looking to reduce bars downtown to help improve safetyExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Orlando looking to reduce bars downtown to help improve safetyGray has proposed to add more retail to the area. WATCH: Orlando looks to have new business owners develop safety plan to serve alcohol“Nighttime in downtown Orlando is all about bad behavior,” Gray said.

Video: Orlando looks to have new business owners develop safety plan to serve alcohol Orlando city leaders are working on an ordinance meant to curb crime in downtown Orlando. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city leaders are working on an ordinance meant to curb crime in downtown Orlando. WATCH: 2 dead, 1 hurt after deputy-involved shooting at Orange County hotelIt would require new business owners to apply for a special use permit and show a safety plan if they want to serve alcohol after midnight. Another change would require parking lot owners to have a security plan and block off lots when closed. WATCH: Downtown Orlando introduces new security measures after shooting injures 7Once the draft ordinance is completed, it will be brought before the city commission for a vote.

VIDEO: Hot and steamy Saturday, possible afternoon storms VIDEO: Hot and steamy Saturday, possible afternoon storms (Kassandra Crimi, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — It will be a hot and steamy Saturday across Central Florida. Area beaches will see high temperatures in the upper 80sInland, temperatures will reach highs in the low-to-mid 90s. Read: Man dies after being shot multiple times, Orlando police sayScattered showers and isolated storms will move east to west across Central Florida and will start early on Saturday. Later this weekend a tropical wave will come off the coast of Africa with the possibility of gradual development during next week. Some gradual development possible over the next 5 days with the latest wave coming off the Coast of Africa.

ORLANDO, Fla. — A man died after being shot multiple times near Rosemont, according to Orlando police. It happened Friday evening in the 4500 block of Lake Martin Lane. When North Patrol officers arrived on scene, they found a man dead with multiple gunshot wounds. READ: Downtown Orlando prepping for new security measures beginning this weekendThe investigation is active. Channel 9 has a crew on the scene gathering more details.

VIDEO: Downtown Orlando prepping for new security measures beginning this weekend Downtown Orlando prepping for new security measures beginning this weekendORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando city officials and police are working together to create a safer downtown. People wanting to enjoy the weekend nightlife downtown will have to pass by police first. The additional security is in response to last weekend, when somebody shot seven people. Additional cameras so we can have live feeds inside and outside are other measures that we are talking about.”READ: Downtown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekendSix checkpoints will be set up around the entertainment district, something the city has done for big events surrounding holidays. READ: Video shows panicked crowd in downtown Orlando shootingDowntown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekend (WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

DeLand man killed in early morning crash in Lake County, troopers sayLAKE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers in Lake County are investigating a deadly crash Friday morning. WATCH: Downtown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekendThe crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. on County Road 43 near the border of Lake and Volusia counties. Investigators said a 47-year-old DeLand man was driving an SUV westbound on CR-42, west of CR-44. READ: Man, woman accused of animal cruelty after 45 malnourished animals discovered at Brevard County farmTroopers said the man ran off the road for an unknown reason and overturned the SUV. READ: Orlando man found in hotel room with missing teen sentenced to 40 years in state prisonTroopers said the crash is under investigation.

ORLANDO, Fla. — As people head to downtown Orlando nightclubs this weekend, there will be some noticeable changes. 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. Downtown Orlando security checkpoints begin this weekend (WFTV)READ: Video captures gunfire that left 7 hurt in downtown Orlando, police still seeking tipsOrlando resident Rashim Williams said he welcomes the changes and incidents like the one last week are bad for business. READ: Weekend security checkpoints planned for downtown Orlando following mass shootingThe 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. Weekend security checkpoints planned for Downtown Orlando following mass shooting (Q McCray, WFTV.com/WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

VIDEO: Security checkpoints coming to downtown Orlando this weekend: What to expect Security checkpoints coming to downtown Orlando this weekend: What to expect, Fla. — More details are being released about the new security checkpoints that will be in place in downtown Orlando starting Friday. It’s all 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 shootingK-9 units will also be at seven different locations. READ: Weekend security checkpoints planned for downtown Orlando following mass shootingBut under Florida law, the only people who will go through the metal detectors are those who volunteer. READ: Video captures gunfire that left 7 hurt in downtown Orlando, police still seeking tipsWeekend security checkpoints planned for Downtown Orlando following mass shooting (Q McCray, WFTV.com/WFTV)Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

This pop-up bar transports you to the topsy-turvy wonderland. Solve riddles, create tea cocktails and meet the Queen of Hearts at this Orlando bar for a limited time.

Weekend security checkpoints planned for Downtown Orlando following mass shooting (Q McCray, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Mayor Buddy Dyer announced on Monday that the city will make security changes starting this weekend. The news came as dust continued to settle from a shooting in the heart of downtown early Sunday. The city’s plan is to add six checkpoints around Orlando’s nightlife epicenter along South Orange Avenue. READ: From glitz and glam to checkpoints: downtown Orlando’s safety plan represents hard fall“We’re going to do everything we possibly can to make sure downtown is safe,” said Dyer. VIDEO: City of Orlando: New security checkpoints coming to downtown after weekend shooting VIDEO: City of Orlando: New security checkpoints coming to downtown after weekend shooting (Chantelle Navarro, WFTV.com/WFTV)The video shows that after the shots rang out, dozens of people ran down South Orange Avenue in fear.

The Orlando Police Department is searching for the person it said shot into a crowd, injuring at least seven people early Sunday morning.

The abnormal end-of-July dry period we started last week continues Sunday.

On-site parking at Camping World Stadium is sold out for the Florida Cup game series this weekend, the stadium said.

This Sunday, Future Leaders of Orlando is hosting a rally to fight for reproductive rights. The rally hopes to bring together a new generation of...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update: Orlando police tweeted that a noise during the fireworks show confused some spectators, causing people to run from the scene. No serious injuries have been confused, but some suffered minor injuries suffered by some spectators who fell during the commotion as people fled, police said. At this time, it appears that a noise during the fireworks show confused some spectators, causing the reaction. Only minor injuries suffered by some spectators who fell during the commotion. — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) July 5, 2022Read our earlier updates below:Orlando police said there is “NO evidence of a shooting” in the Lake Eola area after video on social media showed crowds running from the scene during the Fourth of July fireworks Monday evening.

An investigation is underway near the Fourth of July celebration in Orlando.

In Central Florida, selfie lovers can snap away in parks, at museums and gardens, outside popular murals, and even at venues dedicated to the self-portrait.

What You Need to Know: Paul McCartney What You Need to Know: Paul McCartney (NCD)ORLANDO, Fla. — Traffic jams, road closures and full parking lots are expected downtown Saturday as Paul McCartney makes his grand return to The City Beautiful. The stadium parking lots open at 4 p.m.READ: Paul McCartney ready to ‘Get Back’ on stage in Orlando: How you can get ticketsThe RV parking lots open at 8 a.m.Road closures downtown begin at 9:30 a.m. and all last through 90 minutes after the event. Church Street between Rio Grande Avenue and Orange Blossom Trail closes at 3:30 p.m.Rio Grande Avenue between Church Street and Anderson Street closes at 3:30 p.m.South Street between Norton Avenue and Rio Grande Avenue closes at 3:30 p.m.Long Street between Rio Grande Avenue and Tampa Avenue closes at 3:30 p.m.Nashville Avenue between Coyler Street and Anderson Street closes at 3:30 p.m. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 31 Photos: Paul McCartney, daughter Mary walk red carpet at 'The Beatles: Get Back' premiere Paul McCartney (left) and Mary McCartney attends the UK Premiere of "The Beatles: Get Back" at Cineworld Empire on November 16, 2021, in London. The stadium parking lots open at 4 p.m.

Video: Shooting investigation underway in heart of downtown OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. — A shooting investigation is underway in the heart of downtown Orlando. Orlando police are investigating a crime scene near Church Street and Rosalind Avenue. READ: Buffalo supermarket mass shooting: Victims list released by Buffalo PD#BreakingNews @OrlandoPolice are working a shooting investigation downtown yards from the Orange Co Administration bldg. Watch @WFTV for more. READ: Laguna Woods church shooting: Churchgoers overpowered shooterDowntown Orlando shooting investigation (WFTV.com News Staff)Check back and watch Eyewitness News for the latest developments.

All this coming after an opinion draft was leaked from the United States Supreme Court suggesting they would overturn the historic case of Roe. V. Wade, which legalized abortion.

Demolition began Monday on a building that had formerly housed a 7-Eleven in downtown Orlando, clearing the way for an expansion of Lake Eola Park....

New barcade 1 Up, a new barcade, is coming to Orlando (wftv.com/1 Up)ORLANDO, Fla. — A little something for everyone will be coming to downtown Orlando this summer. Bar None Creations, an Orlando-based fabrication and design company that specializes in themed bars and restaurants, said on its website it will open six new themed bars around downtown. #hiring #downtown #orlando #bar @1uporlando @hight_orlando @cocktailsandscreams Posted by 1Up Orlando on Wednesday, April 6, 2022High-T Orlando: Described as “Orlando’s newest high team room and nighttime speakeasy” by Bar None Creations. GOGO’s Disco: This will be a “disco lounge, with groovy cocktails, dancing queens, duck pin bowling, and the most radical music to get your jive on,” according to the bar’s Instagram page. VIDEO: Downtown Orlando bars hoping to strike gold with big St. Patrick’s Day crowds Downtown Orlando bars hoping to strike gold with big St. Patrick’s Day crowdsClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Get your boots and cowboy hat ready, as Garth Brooks fans will takeover Camping World Stadium this weekend.

Worl'ds longest car The Guinness World Records-verified world’s longest car has cruised into Orlando, its new home. (Guinness World Records/Guinness World Records)ORLANDO, Fla. — Now you can see what riding in style really looks like. The Guinness World Records-verified world’s longest car has cruised into Orlando, its new home. At more than 100 feet long, the world’s longest car – which resembles a really, really long limousine – is complete with a helicopter pad, jacuzzi, putting green and space for 75 people. It was first built in Burbank, California, in 1986 and has been extended over the years, according to Guinness World Records.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The party is underway in downtown Orlando as people have hit the streets to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and put the pandemic in the rearview mirror. READ: Downtown Orlando bars hoping to strike gold with big St. Patrick’s Day crowdsREAD: St. Patrick’s Day 2022: 5 places to get green food, drinks and dealsPolice have also stepped up their patrols for the holiday. See more in the video aboveSt. Patrick's Day St. Patrick's Day revelers return to downtown Orlando. (Nick Papantonis)READ: AAA’s ‘Tow to Go’ aims to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday weekendClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. ©2022 Cox Media Group

ORLANDO, Fla. — The iconic Lake Eola swan boats are out of service this month. The city of Orlando said a larger dock is necessary to accommodate the four new swan boats recently purchased. Photos: Annual Lake Eola Swan Round UpConstruction on the $105,000 project began this week. Lake Eola swan boats (WFTV.com News Staff)“If it’s for the betterment of the community and Orlando in general, I think it’s amazing. The @LakeEolaPark Swan Boats will be closed starting on February 28 for the installation of a new larger dock.

ORLANDO, Fla. — WFTV 9 Family Connection and our partners McCoy Federal Credit Union, Mister Sparky, Stanley Steemer and The UPS Store are proud to support the 2022 Matt Morgan Walk for Wishes which will be held in Downtown Orlando at Lake Eola on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. There is a virtual option available too, so you can walk anywhere! We Walk So They Can Wish! Walk For Wishes® is a nationwide Make-A-Wish® fundraiser that celebrates the more than 315,000 wishes that have already been granted, while raising funds for future wishes. Parking is available around Lake Eola.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events are returning to Orlando in January, but organizers said on Saturday, Jan. 8, that the annual parade through the city’s downtown area will be canceled due to concerns over COVID-19.

A woman is seriously injured after being struck by an Orlando patrol car near downtown late Saturday night, according to the police department.

Nearly 24 hours since two shootings that left seven people injured in downtown Orlando, investigators have yet to make an arrest.

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement officers around Central Florida will be on the hunt for reckless drivers to keep kids safe this Halloween. In Flagler County, the sheriff’s office is gearing up for Operation Pedestrian Alert. Citizen Observer Patrol volunteers will be providing an additional presence to the patrol unit and traffic control in busy residential areas, deputies said. Read: Downtown Orlando prepares for return of Halloween block party weekend“As always, safety is our number-one priority,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “There will be more people on the roads traveling to Halloween activities and there will be children and parents walking through residential neighborhoods.

It’s officially the spooky season, and what better way to get your scare on than with a ghost tour?

The city of Orlando has declared a water shortage and, oddly enough, it's due to COVID-19. At a press conference on Friday, Mayor Buddy Dyer...

Renting a home in Orlando has been a nightmare for quite some time. The average renter in the area is already cost-burdened — spending more...

The Orlando metro area ranks as one of the 20 most intense urban heat islands in the nation, according to research conducted by a team of meteorologists.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Parliament House has found a new home in downtown Orlando. The Parliament House has a new home in Downtown Orlando. We can't wait to share more of our plans... Posted by Parliament House Orlando on Thursday, July 29, 2021Owners said more information will come in the following weeks. Parliament House closed its Orange Blossom Trail location in November 2020. READ: Parliament House to close current locationSee a map of the new location below:©2021 Cox Media Group

After making it into the Final Four of a Reddit competition for best county in Florida, Orange County finally sank to the bottom of the...

The Orlando City Council just passed two measures intending to help fund events in the downtown area, offering as much as $50,000 in grant funding...

A man was hit by a train in Downtown Orlando around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the police department.

The City Beautiful is growing, expanding, and welcoming new residents. Unfortunately, that's brought along a massive increase in the average rent. Average rents in Orlando...

One of the most traveled portions of Florida’s Turnpike in getting to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort will be shut down nightly for a few days, impacting summer travel plans.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Downtown Orlando business owners and the city of Orlando are meeting Wednesday evening to talk through issues impacting the area. That includes an increase in violence downtown. READ: Person shot in neighborhood west of downtown Orlando, police sayRecent legislation passed by the city allowed OPD to have more of a presence downtown, and business owners will be able to report back if that’s doing enough during the meeting. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon told Channel 9 in the past that violence downtown isn’t stemming from one issue—but he believes the community needs to come together to stop it. READ: Orlando to put $800K toward more police officers, cameras downtownAll the while business owners have said they don’t feel included in the discussion.

White Castle has reopened its ghost kitchen in Downtown Orlando, but only for pick-up orders.

Celebrating Pride month, the bookstore is hosting a Pride book sale, partnering with The Center, an organization that provides resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If you enjoy a taste of history when you’re dining out, there’s a brand new option for you in Orlando. READ: Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay to open Orlando restaurantThe first full-service restaurant in Downtown Orlando’s Creative Village, The Monroe boasts a nostalgic menu and retro decor. The restaurant’s concept was inspired by Dr. William “Monroe” Wells. Dr. Wells passed away in 1957, but the owners hope to carry on his legacy as a civil rights hero. READ: Meet Harry and Harriette Moore: Central Florida’s civil rights pioneersThe Monroe is located at 448 N Terry Avenue in Orlando.

Orlando's newest piece of public art is a bright yellow sculpture that needs to know one thing: are you down to Orlando? The city of...

A juvenile died overnight Sunday following a shooting by a gas station on John Young Parkway, according to the Orlando Police Department.

The City of Orlando in partnership with the Orlando Utilities Commission, along with American Cities Climate Change, installed 100 new EV stations throughout Orlando.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A new franchise of the Colorado-based, marijuana-themed sandwich chain Cheba Hut is set to open its first Orlando location on Monday. The new Cheba Hut is setting up shop at 12100 E. Colonial Drive, not far from the University of Central Florida campus. This will be the second Cheba Hut location in the state, the first is in St. Augustine, but it will be the first for owner Tim Brashear. Brashear, 48, is originally from Jacksonville, but he has lived in Orlando for the past 20 years. Mural inside the new Cheba Hut location (Promotional Photo from Cheba Hut)“It’s a little bit of a counterculture.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Downtown Orlando was a much different sight on Wednesday night compared to one year prior. Without local governments being able to issue fines for COVID-19 violations, some bar-goers said they are taking precautions themselves. “St Patrick’s Day is the perfect day of the year for the rest of the country to realize that people need to get out and enjoy themselves. “We are being careful because this is actually my first time being downtown since last year honesty. Despite not being able to issue fines, Orange County STRIKE teams said they will be out on Wednesday night, enforcing the mayor’s order.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Bar owners in Downtown Orlando Wednesday spent the day loading up on beer and green St. Patrick’s Day beads for what they hope will be a better holiday than last year. Bars in Central Florida were ordered to close on St. Patrick’s Day in 2020 due to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a busy day today. “I think there is a fine line there,” Griffin said. Hey says they will be out on St. Patrick’s Day into the night.

Check out this view of downtown Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A man who had just gotten into a fight at a nightclub downtown grabbed a belt rope stanchion from outside the bar and hit an officer in the head, according to the Orlando Police Department. A security guard who saw what happened grabbed Calderon and pulled him away from the crowd so he could be placed into handcuffs, records show. The officer sustained a deep, long cut to his head and had to be taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to authorities. Calderon had cuts on his knee and redness on his face that he said were from the fight in the club but he denied hitting the officer, according to the affidavit. He’s facing a charge of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As they do every year, Orlando Police want people to be safe as they ring in 2021, not just on the road but also staying safe from the virus. Officers don’t anticipate big crowds as they have in other years, there will still be extra patrol units in Downtown Orlando on Thursday night. The department collaborated with the Orange County business Strike Team to make sure businesses are doing everything they can to try and keep people safe on New Year’s Eve. “We’ve been going to all the businesses that are downtown all the bars and nightclubs that will be open tonight. To report a business to the Orange County Business Compliance Teams, residents should call 311 or go toOCFL.net/311.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Lake Eola is about to be lit. Orlando city officials have installed downtown Orlando’s iconic Christmas tree. Crews have also decked the halls at Lake Eola’s Park Washington Plaza, but city leaders have decided to host its annual tree lighting ceremony online. To safely ring in the holiday season, the city of Orlando will host a live virtual tree lighting celebration of the 64-foot tree on Dec. 5. After the tree is officially lit, the Christmas Tree Show will play each night at Lake Eola Park starting at 5:45 p.m. each hour until 9:45 p.m.As the city’s token tree gives Lake Eola a festive glow, people can also enjoy the sounds of the season as the lights will musically sync with the lights at the Lake Eola fountain providing precise animation during the shows.

Popular farmers market returning to Lake Eola with new COVID-19 safety precautionsPublished: November 6, 2020, 9:57 amThe weekly farmers market at Lake Eola will be returning this Sunday with new precautions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, including fewer vendors and spaced out stalls.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer says a pilot program to help alleviate the expected big crowds in downtown Orlando on Halloween night didn’t work. Instead, he said tens of thousands of costumed crowds packed the downtown area in the midst of an ongoing pandemic. “We were trying to do what was right and it just didn’t work out better,” Dyer said Monday. “The situation in the data is very similar to where we were before Memorial Day and that concerns me,” Pino said. “Lesson learned is we did that kind of as a pilot and we won’t be doing it again,” Dyer said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – In order to keep large crowds from gathering inside bars during what could be a busy Halloween weekend, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said open containers of alcohol will be allowed in certain high-traffic areas of downtown Orlando. Rolón said open containers will be allowed on the streets and sidewalks within the perimeter, not in parking garages or surface parking lots. Both Chatmon and Rolón said allowing open containers within a certain area of downtown will create more space for people to spread out. “The intent here is to not have everybody inside the establishments elbow to elbow, but to allow them to walk around freely in those specific defined areas,” Rolón said. There will also be increased security downtown with Orlando police officers, uniformed security and the ambassadors.

Downtown Orlando was full of activist getting people involved in the election processIf you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. When veteran, Wiley Post, and his family were at their lowest point they reached out to an unlikely source for help. The family desperately needed transportation and an organization halfway across the country made a long haul donation just in time. So I checked it out and Mr. Larry here came through.Post, an Army veteran moved his family to Orlando a year ago to be closer to the Orlando VA Medical Center. To find someone out there who would help, Post said. Its pretty much like a natural high when you help a veteran.

Usually Busy 4th Of July Crowds Are Absent During the PandemicIf you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Downtown Orlando is usually bustling on Friday nights, but since bars shutdown following a surge of coronavirus cases statewide, it’s a standstill. The Orlando resident said because it’s all in an effort to be safe, he is OK with the eerie emptiness. When they’re going out and interacting during the Fourth of July, in a way they may not have been for Memorial Day,” DeSantis said. “I just hope that we have learned from Memorial Day, and we are ready to celebrate the Fourth of July,” Dr. Pino said. Health experts said data indicates Memorial Day celebrations may have contributed to the jump in coronavirus cases.

The state of Florida reported thousands of new cases as the Fourth of July holiday weekend kicks off. While Florida prepares to mask-up and barbecue, hopefully in small numbers, the state reported 11,458 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Friday. [RELATED: UPDATE: See Floridas curve when it comes to coronavirus cases]The Florida Department of Health data shows 244 additional people are now hospitalized statewide with serious cases of COVID-19. READ MORE: DeSantis urged to require masks as COVID-19 burdens some Florida hospitalsDowntown Orlando is usually bustling, but since bars shut down following a surge of coronavirus cases statewide, its a standstill. Eustis City Manager Ron Neibert said that they set up wash stations and signs reminding attendees of social distancing in Ferran Park.

ORLANDO, Fla. – “I think the message has gotten across all of the county areas, and even in Osceola and Seminole; they know, if they’re coming to Orange County, it’s required,” said Roger Wall. [RELATED: Orange County residents will be required to wear face masks under new executive order]Roger Wall is the owner of Embassy Irish Bar on Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando. While Wall’s bar is open, another bar owner made the decision to close. Will Walker is the owner of three bars in Orlando: Will’s Pub, Iil Indies and Dirty Laundry. [RELATED: Restaurants and bars temporarily close as COVID-19 cases rise in Orlando area]

ORLANDO, Fla. Downtown Orlando is alive again after the 10 p.m. curfew was lifted and bars got the green light to reopen. Im tired of this I wanna go out and other people are like, but the second wave though, Acosta said. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said he wants people to be vigilant. I want the people of Orange County to know we need the collective help of the community to keep the numbers low. I came out for chicken wings, Im not going to lie, but were taking it to go and were going home, she said.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Here’s the latest on protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, a black man who died as a white police officer knelt on his neck. The agreements reached Friday are the first concrete steps that have been taken to remake the city's police department since George Floyd's death. BUFFALO, N.Y.Two Buffalo police officers were charged with assault Saturday, prosecutors said, after a video showed them shoving a protester in recent demonstrations over the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. He referenced Floyd, whose death in police custody has sparked protests across the world. ORLANDO -- A group of pastors marched through Orlando on Friday morning to protest the death of George Floyd.

ORLANDO, Fla. More than 2,000 people joined a large demonstration Tuesday in Orlando calling for change after the death of a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Protesters filled the streets of downtown near City Hall before the gathering headed toward Orange Blossom Trail. For more than an hour, protesters voiced their demands while Orlando police looked on surrounding City Hall with a bicycle barricade. 3:30 p.m. UPDATE: Crowd outside Orlando City Hall for protest. Orlando police closed down South Street at Orange Avenue and then State Road 408 as thousands of people carrying signs walked on.

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I-4 travel temporarily reduced to one lane through OrlandoPublished: May 15, 2020, 7:04 amTravel has temporarily been reduced to one lane on Interstate 4 in Orlando as construction efforts ramp up during the coronavirus pandemic.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of protesters gathered outside Sen. Marco Rubio’s office in Downtown Orlando on Wednesday night, protesting his vote to acquit President Donald Trump. “I’m out here to let Sen. Rubio and Sen. Scott know that we are very disappointed in them,” Beckert said. “Shame on them for being oath-breakers.”POST IMPEACHMENT VOTE RALLY in Downtown Orlando Posted by News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando on Wednesday, February 5, 2020The crowd’s message was very clear. Protestors are gathering outside of Marco Rubio’s office in Downtown Orlando — protesting the acquittal of President Trump. Protesters took to the streets of downtown Orlando after the U.S. Senate voted to acquit President Trump.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – At the end of this month, Orange County officials will finish a project they hope could solve a 23-year-old problem plaguing the Orange County Courthouse in Downtown Orlando. According to county officials, since the new courthouse building opened in 1997, Turkey vultures have been landing on the roof, dropping their dead carcasses and pecking at the caulking costing the county thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. County officials said the wiring prevents the birds from perching on the courthouse ledges. “We’ve had mold issues, drywall issues, flooring issues, the list goes on,” Davis said. Because of that, county officials approved to replace the deteriorated system installed in early 2000.

Crowds hit downtown Orlando for New Year's Eve celebrations to ring in 2020. If you need help with the Public File, call 407-291-6000.