The city of Orlando, Florida, has announced plans to buy the site of the Pulse Nightclub, where a horrific mass shooting took place seven years ago. The city plans to create a permanent memorial to honor the 49 victims. Mayor Buddy Dyer made the announcement and stated that the city council will consider the proposal to purchase the property for $2 million next week. If approved, the sale would close by the end of the month.
The decision to create a permanent memorial comes after the nonprofit organization, onePulse Foundation, terminated its lease and handed over the interim memorial to the property owners. The foundation had been leading efforts to build a memorial and museum but faced fundraising challenges, leading to scaled-back plans. The city of Orlando, therefore, aims to expedite the creation of a lasting memorial by purchasing the site.
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan expressed gratitude to the city for ensuring that the National Pulse Memorial would be located at the Pulse nightclub site, as it had always been the hope of the victims’ families and the Pulse-impacted community. The onePulse Foundation also welcomed the decision and expressed its willingness to be part of the discussion as the project moves forward.
The Pulse Nightclub shooting, which occurred on June 12, 2016, remains one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history. Omar Mateen opened fire inside the nightclub, leaving 49 people dead and 53 wounded. The tragedy shocked the nation and prompted discussions on gun control.
The city of Orlando’s initiative to create a permanent memorial at the Pulse Nightclub site aims to provide a place for reflection and love. It signifies a commitment to remember the victims and ensure that their lives are honored and never forgotten.
