ORLANDO, Fla. – Following a stabbing reported Friday, people living in and around downtown Orlando are weighing in on public safety. Their concerns come as the city highlights the opening of The Beacon, an affordable housing development in Creative Village, announced last week.
One downtown resident said Orlando officials need to take additional steps to keep residents safe.
“I feel like the city could do more to actually protect its citizens, and that takes more than just creating regions where folks can get a house,” the resident said.
Mr. Triune, who said he is experiencing homelessness, recalled being assaulted while he slept near Lake Ivanhoe. According to Triune, the incident occurred Saturday.
Even after the attack, he said he continues to feel comfortable downtown, pointing to the visible police presence.
“They always have a lot of cops down here. I always feel safe here in Downtown Orlando,” he said.
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Public safety remains a sensitive issue in downtown Orlando after a deadly mass shooting on Halloween 2024. Nine people were shot, and two victims died.
Jenae Marie, who recently moved downtown, said staying alert is important regardless of where someone lives.
“I think anywhere you go, I’ve lived all over America, anywhere you go there’s areas, you know, where to stay out of and where to go,” she said. Still, she said she would not characterize downtown Orlando as dangerous.
The Beacon was also announced last week as a new affordable housing option in Creative Village. The announcement came on the same day a man was arrested and accused of sexual battery in the community.
News 6 asked the city to respond to residents who believe more should be done to improve downtown safety. The suspect in Friday’s stabbing is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
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