Safety changes come to downtown Orlando after Halloween mass shooting

Orange Ave. blocked off as downtown safety measure

Downtown Orlando will begin to see safety changes this weekend as the city works to reduce the "street party atmosphere" that has defined the area. The first phase of the changes will see barriers along Orange Avenue to keep pedestrians on the sidewalks while allowing traffic through.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Downtown Orlando will begin to see safety changes this weekend as the city works to reduce the "street party atmosphere" that has defined the area.

Starting Friday night, Orange Avenue will reopen to vehicle traffic in an effort to address growing concerns about public safety.

Typically, Orange Avenue and other side streets were closed to traffic on weekends, allowing pedestrians to freely roam. However, following the mass shooting on Halloween night that left two people dead and eight others injured, city officials are taking steps to change that dynamic.

The first phase of the changes will see barriers along Orange Avenue to keep pedestrians on the sidewalks while allowing traffic through. Eventually, all lanes of traffic will be reopened. The city says these measures are part of a broader effort to curb the unsafe, party-like atmosphere that has been attracting large crowds downtown.