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

This browser does not support the video element.

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.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

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

This browser does not support the video element.

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.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.