Orange County officials, along with tourism district partners, have compiled statements following the recent teen takeover of Icon Park in Orlando.This comes after nine teens were arrested and multiple deputies were after chaos broke out at Icon Park on Saturday.Deputies said that more than 1,000 teens were at the park, and several fights broke out around 7:30 p.m.The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that more than 50 deputies had to break up fights and help direct the crowd.Commissioner Mike Scott said: “We are aware of a growing pattern of large, organized gatherings at entertainment destinations, and we are taking a proactive approach to ensure these environments remain welcoming for everyone.”Orange County is working closely with our partners across the county and the tourism district—including ICON Park, the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, the International Drive Business Improvement District and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office—to align on communication, operations and expectations.”Our priority is ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and residents, and we will continue working together to support that.”Luann Brooks, executive director of International Drive Business Improvement District, said:”We are aware of the recent activity and are working closely with Orange County and our partners across International Drive to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach moving forward. As visitation continues to grow, alignment between our venues, businesses and public safety partners is critical to maintaining a well-coordinated and consistent experience across the district.”Maria Triscari, president & CEO of International Drive Chamber of Commerce, said:”Our businesses are engaged and working together with county and district partners to support a positive experience for both visitors and our local community. Clear expectations and ongoing collaboration across International Drive are key to ensuring our destination continues to operate in a way that reflects those standards.”ICON Park released a statement that said:”ICON Park is aligned with Orange County’s approach, with leadership from Commissioner Mike Scott, to address the increase in large, organized group meetups at entertainment destinations across Central Florida. We also appreciate the continued support of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “ICON Park has long been a place where visitors and locals come together to spend time, explore, and enjoy the destination. Together with partners across the tourism district—including the International Drive Business Improvement District, the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office—we continue to take proactive steps to support family-friendly and guest-focused experiences for all visitors.”As part of these ongoing efforts, we are introducing an updated chaperone policy, outlined below:Chaperone policy: ICON Park always has the safety of our guests and employees top of mind. We are committed to keeping ICON Park a place where guests of all ages can come and enjoy all we have to offer.As part of this commitment, the following Chaperone Policy may be activated at any time without prior notice: Guests 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone aged 21 years of age or older, to enter or remain on ICON Park property.One Chaperone may accompany no more than six guests aged 17 or younger. Chaperones must enter the park with their group, remain inside the park for the duration of the visit and be reachable by phone at all times.ICON Park does not assume responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents, guardians, and chaperones may be held legally liable for the actions of the minors under their supervision.”
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Orange County officials, along with tourism district partners, have compiled statements following the recent teen takeover of Icon Park in Orlando.
This comes after nine teens were arrested and multiple deputies were after chaos broke out at Icon Park on Saturday.
Deputies said that more than 1,000 teens were at the park, and several fights broke out around 7:30 p.m.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that more than 50 deputies had to break up fights and help direct the crowd.
Commissioner Mike Scott said:
“We are aware of a growing pattern of large, organized gatherings at entertainment destinations, and we are taking a proactive approach to ensure these environments remain welcoming for everyone.
“Orange County is working closely with our partners across the county and the tourism district—including ICON Park, the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, the International Drive Business Improvement District and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office—to align on communication, operations and expectations.
“Our priority is ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and residents, and we will continue working together to support that.”
Luann Brooks, executive director of International Drive Business Improvement District, said:
“We are aware of the recent activity and are working closely with Orange County and our partners across International Drive to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach moving forward. As visitation continues to grow, alignment between our venues, businesses and public safety partners is critical to maintaining a well-coordinated and consistent experience across the district.”
Maria Triscari, president & CEO of International Drive Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Our businesses are engaged and working together with county and district partners to support a positive experience for both visitors and our local community. Clear expectations and ongoing collaboration across International Drive are key to ensuring our destination continues to operate in a way that reflects those standards.”
ICON Park released a statement that said:
“ICON Park is aligned with Orange County’s approach, with leadership from Commissioner Mike Scott, to address the increase in large, organized group meetups at entertainment destinations across Central Florida. We also appreciate the continued support of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
“ICON Park has long been a place where visitors and locals come together to spend time, explore, and enjoy the destination. Together with partners across the tourism district—including the International Drive Business Improvement District, the International Drive Chamber of Commerce, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office—we continue to take proactive steps to support family-friendly and guest-focused experiences for all visitors.
“As part of these ongoing efforts, we are introducing an updated chaperone policy, outlined below:
Chaperone policy: ICON Park always has the safety of our guests and employees top of mind. We are committed to keeping ICON Park a place where guests of all ages can come and enjoy all we have to offer.As part of this commitment, the following Chaperone Policy may be activated at any time without prior notice: Guests 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone aged 21 years of age or older, to enter or remain on ICON Park property.One Chaperone may accompany no more than six guests aged 17 or younger. Chaperones must enter the park with their group, remain inside the park for the duration of the visit and be reachable by phone at all times.ICON Park does not assume responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents, guardians, and chaperones may be held legally liable for the actions of the minors under their supervision.”