ORLANDO, Fla. – As the community marks nine years since the Pulse nightclub attack, the families of the 49 victims and survivors are preparing to be allowed inside the site of the massacre for the first time.
Starting Wednesday, the city of Orlando will host private visits to allow for a space of remembrance, reflection and healing before the building is removed later this year for construction of the permanent Pulse memorial.
Over the course of four days, family members and survivors will be allowed guided access into the site.
On Tuesday, workers removed fence panels and entered the building to prepare for the visits.
Thursday marks nine years since the June 12 attack at the Pulse nightclub.
OneBlood will host its Remembrance Day Blood Drive on Thursday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Orlando City Hall.
The official Pulse Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
During the ceremony, city officials will join families, survivors, first responders, and the community for a reading of the names of the 49 victims, a tolling of bells and cultural performances.
For more details on Pulse remembrance events, visit pulseorlando.org