Orlando Florida, September 8, 2025
News Summary
City leaders in Orlando will convene to evaluate a funding agreement and pre-construction approvals for a permanent memorial at the Pulse nightclub site, which honors the victims of the 2016 attack. The meeting will address budget allocations, project responsibilities, and key deadlines, aiming for a constructive pathway toward completion by 2027. The memorial will feature elements such as a survivor’s wall and a reflection pool and is estimated to cost $12 million, with Orange County contributing $5 million.
Orlando — City leaders will meet 2 p.m. on Monday to consider a funding agreement and related pre-construction and design approvals for a permanent Pulse memorial at the site of the 2016 nightclub attack.
Immediate action: What the meeting will decide
At the meeting, officials will review and potentially vote on an agreement between the City of Orlando and Orange County that outlines county contributions, project timing, and responsibilities for design, construction, and long-term upkeep of the permanent Pulse memorial. The council will also review a pre-construction and design agreement that would move the project into its next phase.
Key funding and budget details
The estimated cost to design and build the memorial is $12 million. Under the proposed deal, Orange County will contribute $5 million, paid in three annual installments of $1.6 million beginning November 1, 2025. The agreement requires that the city complete the memorial in a financially responsible manner and take on ongoing operation, maintenance, and repair obligations once the memorial is complete.
Project timeline and deadlines
The funding agreement sets firm schedule milestones: the city is expected to begin design by October 1, 2025, start construction no later than October 1, 2026, and aim for substantial completion by December 31, 2027. Separately, the mayor has previously expressed a goal of completing the memorial by summer 2027, a more accelerated target than the contractual completion date.
Design features and contractor selection
The memorial concept includes a memorial space on the former club site, a survivor’s wall, a reflection pool, and an angel ellipse featuring 49 columns to honor the 49 people killed in the June 12, 2016 attack. In July, the city selected Gomez Construction Company of Winter Park to carry out the project after negotiations involving three firms.
Obligations and recognitions
Under the proposed agreement, the city will be responsible for complying with applicable laws and regulations, as well as ongoing operation and maintenance. After the memorial is completed, the city will install a plaque recognizing the Orange County mayor and board of county commissioners for their contribution toward the project.
Controversies and community context
The permanent memorial has faced years of delays and challenges, including funding problems linked to the dissolved onePulse foundation. Recent controversies have included state-ordered removal of a rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse site, a decision that prompted protests and criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who view the crosswalk as a symbol of remembrance. These issues have heightened community scrutiny as officials move toward construction and final design approvals.
History of the site
Following the June 12, 2016 terror attack that killed 49 people, the city purchased the Pulse nightclub property and adjacent land and established a Pulse memorial advisory committee to guide planning. The advisory committee and city leaders have overseen design competitions, contractor selection, and fundraising efforts during the multi-year process to create a permanent memorial.
Next steps
If council and county approvals are finalized, the project will proceed into design, then into construction according to the timeline in the agreement. The city will manage future operations and upkeep and is required to meet the milestone dates outlined in the funding arrangement with Orange County.
Meeting details
The city leaders’ meeting on the funding agreement and pre-construction matters is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday. The agenda includes formal action on the county funding arrangement and review of the design and pre-construction contract documents.
FAQ
- What will city leaders vote on Monday?
- They will consider a funding agreement with Orange County and review the pre-construction and design agreement needed to move the Pulse memorial project into design and construction phases.
- How much will the memorial cost?
- The estimated total cost for design and construction is $12 million.
- How much is Orange County contributing?
- Orange County has agreed to contribute $5 million, to be paid in three annual installments of $1.6 million starting on November 1, 2025.
- What are the key project deadlines?
- The agreement requires design to start by October 1, 2025, construction to begin no later than October 1, 2026, and the project to be completed by December 31, 2027. City leadership has also expressed a goal of finishing by summer 2027.
- Who was selected to build the memorial?
- The city selected Gomez Construction Company of Winter Park following negotiations among three firms.
- What features are planned for the memorial?
- Planned features include a memorial space on-site, a survivor’s wall, a reflection pool, and an angel ellipse with 49 columns to honor the victims.
Quick reference: Project key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated cost | $12 million |
| County contribution | $5 million (three payments of $1.6M starting Nov 1, 2025) |
| Design start | By October 1, 2025 |
| Construction start | No later than October 1, 2026 |
| Target completion | Contract: December 31, 2027; Mayor’s stated goal: Summer 2027 |
| Selected contractor | Gomez Construction Company (Winter Park) |
| Design highlights | Memorial space, survivor’s wall, reflection pool, angel ellipse with 49 columns |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outrage in Florida Over Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks
Protest Erupts Over Removal of Rainbow Crosswalk in Orlando
Protests Erupt in Orlando Over Rainbow Crosswalk Removal
Dispute Over Rainbow Crosswalk at Pulse Memorial Sparks Protests
Removal of Rainbow Crosswalk Sparks Outrage in Orlando
DeSantis Vetoes Funding for Central Florida Community Programs
Orange County Increases Budget for Visit Orlando Amid Rising Tourism
Orlando City Council Votes for Pulse Memorial
Governor’s Budget Cuts Impact Local University Programs
CFX to Implement Toll Rate Increases for Central Florida Roads
Additional Resources
- Click Orlando: Orlando City Council to Vote on Pulse Memorial Funding Deal
- NBC News: Pulse Memorial Rainbow Crosswalk Removed in Orlando, Florida
- Fox 35 Orlando: Defiant Protesters Repaint Pulse Memorial Crosswalk Rainbow Colors
- BBC News: Pulse Memorial and Community Response
- CNN: Pulse Memorial Rainbow Crosswalk Removal
- Wikipedia: Pulse Nightclub Shooting
- Google Search: Orlando Pulse Memorial
- Google Scholar: Orlando Pulse Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pulse Nightclub Shooting
- Google News: Orlando Pulse Memorial
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
