Orlando tourist district beefs up police presence
Following a spate of armed robberies targeting tourism businesses in Orlando since the start of 2014, local officials and tourism leaders have finally decided to beef up law enforcement in the area.
Business leaders in the International Drive area – which has been targeted in several hold-ups – have agreed to allow around $163,000 to be used for extra police patrols seven days a week.
The money will cover salaries for an additional 10 deputy sheriffs and police officers during the peak spring break season.
District officials will then decide in April whether to continue funding the program.
Police officers cover the area in patrol cars, on foot, on horseback and by bicycle.
The district, which includes I-Drive and the Universal Boulevard areas, receives over 6 million visitors annually.
Local tourism operators have broadly welcomed the move.
Hotelier Marco Manzie said that while crime has not impacted on visitor numbers so far, I-Drive could be hit badly if it is perceived as a high crime area.
As reported on Travelmole last month, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police had asked the State Legislature to allow some funds generated from hotel taxes to be used directly to improve safety and security in tourist areas.
Previously the tourism industry has only permitted tourist tax dollars to be used for generating more business for advertising campaigns or improving infrastructure and tourist amenities.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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