ORLANDO, Fla. – Nearly a decade after 49 lives were taken in the Pulse nightclub shooting, the city of Orlando is expected to take two major steps toward finally building a permanent memorial at the site.
City council members will vote Monday on the proposed $1 million purchase of two parcels of land adjacent to the former nightclub, as well as finalize the selection of a construction firm to carry out the project.
The highest-ranking firm, Gomez Construction Company, previously helped build the Pulse memorial garden at Orlando Health in 2016. Now, they are poised to lead the development of the permanent tribute.
“Gomez will take the concept developed by the advisory committee, transform it into a detailed design, and construct the memorial by the end of 2027,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement sent to News 6.
The proposed memorial design stems from years of planning by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee and public input. Monday’s votes are considered a pivotal turning point for a project that has faced multiple delays and shifts in leadership, including the city stepping in to lead the process after public criticism of the former OnePulse Foundation.
For members of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community, the progress is both meaningful and overdue.
“It’s still something that is so fresh and real to so many people here in Orlando,” said Trina Gregory, owner of Se7en Bites, a well-known LGBTQ+ safe space. “We’ve lost 49 precious lives. That feeling never changes. For us, it’s about making sure this remains a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported.”
[WATCH: Rainbow crosswalk at Pulse nightclub site could be removed under new directive]
Orlando resident Dorian Glen echoed that sentiment.
“I hope it brings a lot more of the community together and empowers more LGBTQ+ people to feel safer and more accepted in Orlando,” Glen said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
If approved, construction of the memorial is expected to begin in 2025, with completion projected by the end of 2027.
City leaders say the goal is to create a lasting space of remembrance that honors the 49 victims, supports survivors and reflects the resilience of the entire community.
[WATCH: Families of Pulse victims visit nightclub]