ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando leaders are moving forward with discussions to implement more safety areas in downtown Orlando.

City and downtown business leaders say they must partner in order for the potential safety rules to work.

Orlando's city and business leaders say plans for more downtown safety have been in the works for a while. But there is a new focus since seven people were shot in downtown Orlando on July 31, 2022. It includes increased safety at surface lots, lighting requirements and noise reduction. Many downtown businesses are on board.

John Sanfelippo, the managing partner of The Beacham Group, said his business is ready to make the changes.

“We have cameras already in our parking lot," Sanfelippo said. "We have additional lighting. A parking lot is a parking lot.”

Sanfelippo said he is willing to pay to make any additions needed. Some of those include beautification of the parking lot, along with a security gate for when they aren’t operating. 

“We’re a for-profit business. When you build your business, whether it be a parking lot, nightclub, restaurant or a retail shop, there (are) expenses that you need to do when you build your business," he said. "This is just another expense that is required for us to do when we build our business.”

He said whatever rules city leaders decide to implement his businesses will follow.

City commissioners said they will have to reconvene next month on Sept. 12 to further discuss the ordinance. Monday night was just the first reading of the safety proposal.