Spectators gather to witness Obama's Orlando visit

ORLANDO — Holding a small American flag, Vinnie Cannady watched waves of police motorcyclists and the presidential motorcade reach the Amway Center from a nearby sidewalk Thursday afternoon.

Cannady is president of the Carter Street Neighborhood Association, which deals with crime, safety and other issues in the diverse area surrounding the Amway Center. She gathered alongside dozens of fellow spectators -- mostly media personnel -- near the elevated pedestrian bridge linking the arena with GEICO Garage.

"It shows the compassion in their hearts they have for the Americans in this great country. And we appreciate them being here," Cannady said of Obama and Biden's visit to Orlando.

"Unfortunately, a young man was totally confused about his identity and life. And selfish, to take innocent lives," Cannady said. "But he will not stop the love in this great country."

[More: After meeting with Orlando victims, Obama renews call for gun control]

Scattered onlookers converged on the scene during the presidential visit, congregating in shaded areas to escape the hot sun near the intersection of South Street and Division Avenue.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Orlando, drew a throng of television cameras when he emerged outside about 2:15 p.m. near the parking garage.

"At the end of the day, we need to ban assault weapons. This fellow had the equivalent of a souped-up M16 military rifle," Nelson told reporters.

After meeting with Orlando victims, Obama renews call for gun control

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, also called for gun law reforms in the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting.

“Unfortunately, it is yet another example of what happens when you mix hatred with guns that are readily available to people,” Thompson said.

Winter Springs resident Loreal Dungee, 26, wore a white Barack Obama T-shirt -- and she said she was heckled by a couple of bystanders near the Amway Center. One yelled, "Five more months!" referring to the upcoming presidential election.

Dungee said she was out with friends at The Beacham on North Orange Avenue early Sunday when the mass shooting occurred at Pulse, less than 2 miles to the south.

"Just being on the same street was nerve-wracking," she said.

Near the Amway Center front entrance, a handful of friends held aloft a large, breeze-rippled rainbow flag. Willie Williams, an Orlando middle school teacher, manned one of the flag’s corners.

“We’re here in support of our brothers and sisters who we have lost in this tragedy that happened in our community,” Williams said.

The Wells' Built Museum of African-American History and Culture -- named for Dr. William Monroe Wells, one of Orlando's first black physicians -- stands on South Street in the shadow of the Amway Center. Tamara Murray, a tour guide, walked outside and snapped photos of Obama's motorcade.

Victims' names released in Orlando mass shooting

"Wherever our leadership goes, that's where the people go. And he's showing great concern for those that have fallen, for their families," Murray said afterwards, standing at the museum's front counter.

"And so it's something to be recognized. It's pivotal in how we go forward from here in addressing the issues that we're confronted with on a daily basis," Murray said.

"I think it was really important for him to be here," she said.

Contact Neale at 321-242-3638, rneale@floridatoday.com or follow @RickNeale1 on Twitter