Orange Avenue set to reopen to vehicle traffic on weekend nights

The changes are a part of the City of Orlando’s ongoing efforts to create a safer downtown area


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Starting October 8th, the City of Orlando will now keep Orange Avenue and intersecting streets Central Boulevard and Pine Street open to vehicular traffic. This according to a press release sent out by the city on Saturday.

Read: The city of Orlando is making changes following the Halloween shooting downtown

The change is in line with a series of changes in the downtown area of the city and in what seems like condensed timeline after the events that happened Halloween night that left two dead and 7 injured.

According to the release, “This approach ensures visitors can safely enjoy downtown businesses, ultimately enhancing the area’s economic vitality keeping pedestrians off of roadways and eliminating the street party atmosphere.”

Read: ‘They’re actively trying to destroy downtown’: Changes to Orlando nightlife coming soon

Other initiatives actively happening in the downtown area to continue the cities plans to improve the safety and enjoyment of Orlando include:

  • Increased code enforcement offices in the area
  • More funding for Orlando police
  • Required permits for alcohol sales between midnight and 2 a.m. in the Downtown Entertainment District
  • Secure private parking lot agreements

The city does make mention of future permitted events still effecting traffic flows and including closures in the future. But the current program of closing Orange Avenue each evening on the weekends appears to be ending officially.

Read: Orlando Police execute Operation Nightcap

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