ORLANDO, Fla. — Update: Mayor Jerry Demings announced a curfew for unincorporated Orange County from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until further notice.
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Several businesses near the Mall at Millenia were damaged overnight and Orlando police believe it could be the work of people taking advantage of the ongoing protests in the area.
Protesters have gathered across the nation and across Orange County as people call for justice and reform after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.
At the height of the situation in Orlando Saturday, a group of protesters walked onto State Road 408, blocking traffic near Orange Blossom Trail.
Read: At least 6 arrested after protest moved onto 408, Orlando police presence to remain overnight
Police ordered the group to leave and not block traffic, and when that didn’t happen, they used tear gas and arrested six people.
The Orlando Police Department said it doesn’t believe the damage caused at the Mall at Millenia was the work of protesters, but perhaps people taking advantage of their busy night.
Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolon released a video Saturday night to send a message to anyone choosing to raise their voice.
“What we do is ask that if anyone is going to exercise their right to voice -- what we believe is a proper time to voice -- their opinion on matters that are of importance to our nation, to do so peacefully.”
The Police Department plans to release more information Sunday about the protests on SR 408 and others across the area.
Police will give an update at noon.
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