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Lake Eola festivities to draw thousands; expect heavy traffic, beefed up security

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of people are expected to gather at Lake Eola Park in Orlando on Tuesday for the city’s Fireworks at the Fountain celebration.

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The event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the big fireworks show set to begin around 9 p.m.

Orlando police said they have been hard at work putting extra safety measures in place.

READ: Heat advisory in effect as July 4th temps soar in Central Florida

The move comes one year after a shooting scare sent crowds running from the park.

According to police, spectators thought they heard gunshots.

But investigators determined it was something else.

READ: ‘No evidence of a shooting’: Scare sends panicked crowd running from Lake Eola fireworks show

And while beefed-up security will be in place Tuesday, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said some of the department’s safety measures may be hard to spot.

OPD recently posted a social media video of Smith explaining the added security along with ways visitors can take their own safety precautions.

Channel 9 will be at this evening’s Fireworks at the Fountain.

READ: 9 Fourth of July fireworks displays you can’t miss in Central Florida

Be sure to stick with WFTV.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates throughout the day.

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Q Mccray

Q McCray, WFTV.com

Q McCray is an award-winning general assignment reporter.

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