ORLANDO, Fla. — The terror attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day has brought safety for large gatherings and events into question, including in Orlando. The Super Bowl is in New Orleans in February, and Orlando hosts the Pro Bowl just before that, on Feb. 2.
After the horrific attack in New Orleans, Orlando District 5 interim City Commissioner Shan Rose is re-evaluating safety considerations for large events in the city.
“My heart and condolences go out to those involved, those killed, and I would say the community as a whole. I think we all suffered when this happened,” said Rose. “Especially after something like this happens, we do re-analyze what can we could do different. Are we missing any parts and pieces to ensure everyone comes to have a great time, but they go home to their loved ones at the end of it?”
The city has used police vehicles, concrete barriers and even garbage trucks to block off streets for events at Lake Eola, sports venues across the city and for the usual weekend crowds in Downtown Orlando’s entertainment district. Proposals on the table before may now be reconsidered.
“We had looked at that a couple of years ago, putting bollards where you can just press the button and they can go up. Those are permanent in the moment they go up but temporary because they can be brought down,” said Rose. “So budget-wise, we need to look at what’s the best option and when we roll it out.”
The Orlando Police Department declined an on camera interview on Thursday, but responded via email saying while they don’t discuss specific security measures, “We always plan and staff large-scale events appropriately to provide proper public safety and assess the needs of the event to make any necessary security modifications.”