Posted: 3:57 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 WFTV.COM 9
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned that the addition of some new outlet stores could put some shoppers in danger.
Twelve stores have been added to the Orlando Premium Outlets. Channel 9's Racquel Asa noticed shoppers have to cross busy Vineland Avenue to reach the new complex, so she asked if anything extra is being done to make it safer for shoppers.
Denise Vicenty works at the outlet. She said she's excited about the addition, but not about the effort it takes to get there.
"The first thing we thought of was Black Friday. This is going to be an absolute nightmare," said Vicenty.
According to the latest traffic stats from the Florida Department of Transportation, more than 31,000 drivers pass through that area on Vineland Avenue each day.
"As they work out the bugs and the kinks, and they see the amount of traffic both centers will be creating, then they are going to say, 'OK, what can we do at this point?'" said Edward Echavarria, and outlet store employee.
To handle the increase in pedestrian traffic crossing the street, Orange County deputies will be on hand to stop traffic. Orlando Premium Outlets is paying for the cost for the deputies, according to Lorena Garcia, who works for the shopping center.
Parking has also been a big issue for outlet, which is popular with tourists who often leave Orlando with more than they brought with them. It can get so crowded that sometimes people park on the grass.
"Do you think 400 new parking spaces is enough to handle the demand?" Asa asked Garcia.
"For now, yes, but we'll see what we can do in the future," said Garcia.
Asa was told that Orange County deputies will be on hand even after outlet hours, directing all the traffic and making sure shoppers will cross the road safely.
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