Overview
- Around 250 survivors and relatives were granted 30-minute facilitated walkthroughs of the shuttered Pulse site this week, with FBI agents on hand for questions and mental health counselors available.
- Orlando purchased the venue in December 2023 for $2 million and plans to tear down the existing structure later this year to clear space for the memorial.
- Florida lawmakers approved $394,000 in state funding and Orange County has pledged $5 million to complement Orlando’s budget for the $12 million project.
- City engineers are vetting proposals from design firms on a memorial that will include a reflection pool, visitors pavilion, tribute wall, healing garden and a visitor center.
- Some survivors and family members have expressed concern that the advisory committee’s design feels overly commercial, urging a more somber and dignified tribute.