George Floyd protests updates: May 31

ORLANDO, Fla. — Read live updates below:

Orlando police chief says situation across city has ‘normalized’

11:55 p.m. update

Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon tweeted just before midnight that the situation across the city has “normalized.”

“We appreciate those who practiced peaceful demonstrations tonight,” he wrote.

Officers had been urging protesters to “go home or go to jail” after the 10 p.m. curfew went into effect. Officials said the curfew will be in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in both Orlando and Orange County until further notice.

‘Go home or go to jail’: Orlando police tell protesters to disperse due to curfew

11:40 p.m. update

Orlando police officers told protesters to “go home or go to jail” as the city and Orange County are under a curfew from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.

Protesters gather at Lake Eola after Orange County curfew goes into effect

10:55 a.m. update:

A crowd of protesters has gathered at Lake Eola nearly an hour after Orange County and Orlando’s 10 p.m. curfew went into effect. The curfew lasts until 5 a.m.

I-4 reopens after demonstrators blocked roadway

10:25 p.m. update:

Orlando police said Interstate 4 is back open in downtown Orlando about an hour after protesters blocked the roadway.

Protesters leave Orlando Police substation downtown as curfew goes into effect

10:10 p.m. update

Channel 9 reporter Cierra Putman said protesters have started to leave the area surrounding the downtown Orlando Police substation as the 10 p.m. curfew has gone into effect.

Deputies urge drivers to avoid I-4 near downtown Orlando

9:30 p.m. update

Orange County deputies are urging drivers to avoid Interstate 4 near downtown Orlando as demonstrators are on the roadway.

Protesters shut down I-4, Orlando police deploy tear gas

9:20 p.m. update

Protesters have shut down Interstate 4 east at State Road 50 near downtown Orlando. Orlando police officials said they used tear gas on demonstrators in the area because they were “throwing rocks, bottles and construction equipment.”

Lake County institutes curfew effective at 10 p.m. Sunday

8:25 p.m. update

The Tavares Police Department said that Lake County officials are instituting a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice beginning Sunday night.

Protesters clear SR 408

7:56 p.m. update

Protesters are clearing from the eastbound State Road 408 ramp from Orange Blossom Trail. They told Channel 9 reporter Deanna Allbrittin that they are headed downtown. The road remains blocked.

Channel 9 reporter Cierra Putman said the protesters are going back to Orlando police headquarters.

State Road 408 closed at Orange Blossom Trail

7:27 p.m. update

Skywitness 9 showed both lanes of State Road 408 are closed at Orange Blossom Trail.

Our photographer said protesters have taken a knee on the entrance ramp from OBT.

Police said the protesters will be allowed to be on the 408 for some time, but “the line has to be drawn somewhere.”

Part of Orange Avenue is also closed. There is a 408 detour at the corner of Gore and Orange.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina, Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolon take a knee to show solidarity

7:10 p.m. update

Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolon took a knee to show solidarity against police brutality during protests.

Protesters march in downtown Orlando

6:30 p.m. update

Protesters are marching in downtown Orlando. They started at the Orlando Police Department headquarters and are making their way throughout the area.

Melbourne police aware of social media posts regard Melbourne Square Mall

5:23 p.m.

The Melbourne Police Department said it is aware of social media posts regarding the Melbourne Square Mall.

Officers said they have extra personnel assigned and are working with neighboring agencies and mall security.

Disney Springs closing at 7 p.m. daily due to Orange County curfew

4:38 p.m. update

Disney Springs said it will close at 7 p.m. to comply with Orange County’s curfew.

By closing at 7 p.m., cast members, operating participant employees and guests will have time to return home, officials said.

To learn more, click here.

17 people arrested in connection with demonstrations, break-ins, police say

4:30 p.m. update

Orlando police said 17 people were arrested in connection with Saturday’s demonstrations and overnight break-ins.

They said eight people were arrested in the Millenia area, six were arrested downtown, one person was arrested on State Road 408 and two people were arrested for burglary in other areas.

Kissimmee police chief plans peaceful march for Monday

3:50 p.m. update

Kissimmee police Chief Jeff O’Dell said the Police Department is planning a peaceful march that will take place downtown Monday evening.

The march will ultimately gather in front of the Police Department.

O’Dell said officers will walk together with the community and be united against any police misconduct or brutality.

‘Protests must be done in a nonviolent manner,’ Orange County mayor says

3:37 p.m. update

Orange County Mayor Demings took to Facebook to share his concern about the ongoing protests in the county.

“I support and applaud peaceful and thoughtful protests,” Demings said. “However, we cannot as a civilized society accept violence and destruction of property as a solution. The call to action for protests must be done in a nonviolent manner with a healthy respect for the rule of law."

Orlando mayor says he supports demonstrations but does not welcome violence into city

3:25 p.m. update

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said that city officials support protesters demonstrations but do not welcome violence into the city.

“Together we will enact change by joining forces,” Dyer said.

Read his letter below:

Several businesses damaged overnight in Orlando after protests

2:25 p.m. update

Several business were damaged overnight in Orlando after protests took place in the area.

Stores near the Mall at Millenia and the West Oaks Mall were vandalized.

Police said they believe the damage was caused by people taking advantage of the protests.

Read: Several Mall at Millenia businesses damaged after protests

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 8

Business damaged on West Colonial (WFTV Staff)

2:08 p.m. update

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office thanks protesters for being peaceful

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office thanked protesters in the county for making their voices heard “in a peaceful show of strength and unity.”

Watch the video below:

Orlando enacts curfew until further notice

1:30 p.m. update

The city of Orlando has enacted a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. following the vandalism that occurred overnight.

Officials said they enacted the curfew to protect businesses and ensure the safety of residents.

Mayor Jerry Demings announces curfew for Orange County

12:15 p.m. update

Mayor Jerry Demings announced a curfew for unincorporated Orange County from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.

Read: Several Mall at Millenia businesses damaged after protests

LIVE VIDEO: Orlando, Orange Co. leaders address protests planned for Sunday after violent Saturday night Orange County and Orlando leaders held a media conference Sunday at noon to address the protests in the city Saturday night. They also discussed protests planned for Sunday afternoon.

© 2020 Cox Media Group