Orange County announces overnight curfew until further notice

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced a countywide overnight curfew effective Friday, March 20.

The curfew will be in place beginning at 11 p.m. each night through 5 a.m. each morning until further notice. Exempt are essential personnel. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing the curfew, which applies to all municipalities within the county.

“Primarily we want to be able to give ample notice to individuals that curfew will be in place starting tonight,” Demings said. “That was done in consultation with the sheriffs, local law enforcement and even with the surrounding counties, as well.”

The news comes following an earlier order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans all restaurants from serving food and alcohol on premises until further notice. Restaurants may remain open for food delivery and takeout only. The order also requires that all gymnasiums and fitness centers close their doors for the time being.

“We are working to help stop the spread of this virus and save lives,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. “There will be exceptions for health care providers, law enforcement, first responders and those who have an essential need to be out and about. We want people to stay home and adhere to the orders. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, along with the rest of Central Florida law enforcement, is working hard to continue the job that they do every single day, and that is keep this community safe.”