politics
March 18, 2026
Orlando begins demolition of Pulse nightclub, site of 2016 mass shooting that killed 49
A memorial will be built on the site, with final plans to be revealed in May and completion scheduled for fall 2027
TL;DR
- The Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed in a 2016 mass shooting, has begun demolition.
- A new $12 million permanent memorial is planned for the site, with completion expected in fall 2027.
- The memorial's design will include a reflection pool and private spaces, with final details to be determined in consultation with victims' families.
- Previous plans for preserving the site faced delays and controversy, including proposals for merchandise sales and admission fees.
- The onePulse Foundation, which aimed to create a memorial, collapsed in 2023 after mismanaging donations.
- The city of Orlando purchased the site in October 2023, initiating the process for the new memorial.
- Survivors and city officials view the demolition and upcoming memorial as a step towards healing and remembrance.
Continue reading the original article