ORLANDO, Fla. – The city of Orlando is seeking $5 million from Orange County to help make the long-delayed Pulse memorial to honor the lives of 49 people killed in 2016.
About a month ago, a Pulse Advisory Committee completed work on a design to honor those who died as a result of the June 12, 2016 shooting.
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In a memo, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer wrote the city would contribute $7.5 million for the design and construction of the memorial, but the overall project would likely cost $12 million for a “meaningful yet, fiscally-responsible memorial.”
“Since the tragedy, the city and county have continuously partnered to support the victims' families and survivors and helped build community resilience. We hope that the County will continue that spirit of partnership as we work to realize an overdue memorial that properly honors the 49,” the memo reads.
In a statement, the county said in part that commissioners would need to make final approval, but Mayor Jerry Demings is “supportive” of the request:
Mayor Demings is supportive of the City of Orlando’s request regarding the Pulse Museum, but final approval must come from the Board of County Commissioners during the County’s annual budget process this summer.
The city put out a request for bids earlier this month to find a design-build firm that will create the permanent memorial.
After a series of meetings, a Pulse Advisory Committee finalized the conceptual design for the memorial. The design includes:
- A Memorial and Reflection Space: Formed by the footprint of the original Pulse building.
- Survivor’s Commons: A Survivor’s tribute wall positioned in a landscape that will include a seating area next to a designated survivor’s tree.
- Private Gathering Space: Providing a quiet space for personal reflection and an Angel Personal Effects Capsule where families can leave flowers, tie banners and place personal mementos of their fallen angel.
- Angel Ellipse Site: An accessible elliptical walkway with 49 Canopy feature columns honoring the 49 victims with rainbow color glass panels.
- A Reflection Pool: Positioned where the dance floor was, symbolizing peace and remembrance.
- A Healing and Prism Garden: A garden designed to represent hope and healing.
- Visitor Pavilion: Intended as a welcoming space that includes public accommodations, limited exhibition space and indoor gathering space.
The project is expected to break ground in 2026, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2027.
Proposals will be accepted through 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. Interested firms can submit their proposals here.