KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee city leaders are looking to make changes meant to promote public safety downtown.
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Mayor of Kissimmee Jackie Espinosa said recent incidents like shootings, DUI’s, and street brawls mean it’s time to take action. That could include tightening regulations on alcohol sales.
But some Kissimmee business leaders are scratching their head at the recent calls for safety changes.
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Three business owners told Channel 9 they worry one proposal that would move forward the cutoff time for alcohol sales could reverse progress made toward revitalizing downtown.
During an interview with Channel 9, Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa said her vision for a booming downtown includes making sure it stays family friendly from daytime to nighttime.
“I love our city. I feel safe in our city. But I want that feeling to grow, not diminish,” said Espinosa.
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She told Channel 9 she believes some preventative measures must be taken to ensure downtown continues to experience positive growth.
“Are we the crime center of Central Florida? Absolutely not,” said Espinosa, “What we want to avoid is becoming that. So, in order to stop the train, sometimes you have to stop it way in advance.”
Espinosa said the city will host a workshop Tuesday February 4th, that is just the beginning of a community conversation about safety. She said no ordinances have been written, and that several options are now being considered.
Espinosa did confirm one option up for consideration would be to change the “final call” time for alcohol sales.
The Executive Director of Kissimmee Main Street elaborated, stating leaders are exploring ending alcohol sales an hour early at 1 am instead of 2 am.
Some business leaders have rallied in opposition to that proposal.
Ray Parsons, owner of 1881 Restaurant & Bar in downtown Kissimmee worries further alcohol sales regulations will do more harm then good, and could be detrimental to businesses like his. Parson stated the 1881 produces a third of its profits between 11pm and 1:30 am on weekends.
“It’s just not an issue that I feel is worth the detriment that it would be to the businesses downtown to limit the alcohol consumption flow.”
The workshop to discuss “downtown street closures and alcohol sales” will be held at Kissimmee City Hall On February 4th, at 3pm.
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