The Pulse nightclub shooting victims are finally set to be honored with a permanent memorial, overcoming significant challenges, including failed proposals for a commercial museum. City Commissioner Patty Sheehan expressed her emotional turmoil upon discovering those initial plans, which prioritized merchandise over remembrance. Now, with a $12 million funding initiative led by the City of Orlando, a memorial, reflection pool, and healing garden are in the works. Ground-breaking is anticipated near the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, marking a long-awaited tribute to the lives lost in 2016.
I was so upset I almost threw up, said Sheehan about the grandiose plans of a group founded by Pulse owners that included selling merchandise and charging admission.
Ultimately, the group named the onePulse Foundation aimed too high and collapsed in 2023 after blowing through millions of dollars in donations, and the museum never came to fruition.
Earlier this month, after a tortuous process that required the City of Orlando to step in and purchase the site, the final pieces began to fall into place for a memorial.
The hope is that ground-breaking can take place around the time of the 10th anniversary of the shooting next year.
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