ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando has begun clearing the Pulse nightclub site to make way for a permanent memorial honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting.
As a result, the city announced that the iconic Pulse sign is scheduled for removal on or near March 10, with the building demolition to start on March 18. The sign will be securely stored after removal.
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Earlier this month, construction fencing went up around the site as crews prepared for demolition.
For nearly a decade, the site has served as a temporary memorial where visitors left flags, flowers, and messages.
Before demolition begins, family members, survivors, and community members are invited to visit the site for personal reflection.
The temporary memorial is now closed, but a small area will be available for visitors to leave perishable items during construction.
A public meeting on the permanent memorial design is scheduled for 4 p.m. on March 5. More details and links to attend the update meeting will be shared in advance and posted online.