Nine years after 49 lives were tragically taken in what was then the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, the doors of Pulse nightclub in Orlando have opened once more, but this time, not for dancing. Instead, survivors and families of those killed have returned for a final farewell, visiting the shuttered building ahead of its demolition as the city prepares to construct a permanent memorial on the site.
A Final Visit to Sacred Ground
Over the past week, groups of survivors and victims’ loved ones were invited to walk through the nightclub for the first time since the June 12, 2016, tragedy. The somber visits, coordinated by the City of Orlando, provided an emotional opportunity for closure in a space many consider sacred.
“They’ve said very clearly we want to see it one last time before it’s gone,” said Donna Wyche, the city’s outreach and engagement coordinator. “It’s part of the journey of grief.”
Walls painted black and emptied of furniture, the nightclub served as a stark reminder of the horror that unfolded during a Latin night celebration when a gunman opened fire, killing 49 and injuring 53 more. Survivor Joshua Hernandez, who was held hostage in a bathroom for hours, described the visit as a crucial step in healing. “It’s time to close the chapter of my life,” he said.
Honoring the Lost with a Memorial
The city of Orlando acquired the Pulse property in late 2023 for $2 million after a troubled nine-year effort by the onePulse Foundation failed to deliver on earlier promises to build a memorial and museum. A new plan, led by the city, envisions a more modest yet deeply meaningful tribute.
The proposed memorial, scheduled to open in 2027, will include a reflection pool, a survivors’ tribute wall, rainbow-accented columns honoring each victim, a healing garden, and a private space for contemplation. Admission will be free, and officials hope the site will offer both comfort and remembrance.
“This will be a place to reflect, to honor, and to never forget,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We knew from the beginning that the memory of what happened at Pulse needed to be preserved, and we believe this new vision will finally deliver on that promise.”
9 years since Pulse. Remembering them all today pic.twitter.com/rLkTXeJXQV
— cam (@odasacci) June 12, 2025
The Wounds Left Behind
Not everyone agrees on how the memorial should take shape. Some community members and families of the victims have voiced concern that the current design could stray from the intimate, reflective environment they envisioned.
“It’s not a somber, dignified space,” said Zachary Blair, co-founder of Pulse Families and Survivors for Justice. “We want a place where people can simply stop by, remember, and reflect—without the feeling of spectacle.”
Brandon Wolf, a survivor and now a national LGBTQ+ advocate, said the delays and disputes surrounding the memorial have prolonged the community’s trauma. “The building may come down, and a memorial may finally rise—but the scars remain,” he said. “We need this space not just to remember the people we lost, but to remind ourselves why this fight for justice continues.”
Today marks the 9-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando. We remember the lives that were lost that night, stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, and push for commonsense gun control reform like my Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act.
We cannot sit…
— Dina Titus (@repdinatitus) June 12, 2025
Looking Ahead With Resolve
Despite the emotional divisions and past setbacks, many now feel that the city’s renewed commitment to building a permanent memorial marks a turning point.
“We are finally at a place where forward movement is possible,” said Nancy Rosado, an advisory committee member and former grief counselor for victims’ families. “This memorial will speak to the resilience of Orlando’s LGBTQ+ and Latino communities. It’s time to create a lasting tribute that truly honors their lives.”
This year’s anniversary includes a remembrance ceremony held at First United Methodist Church in downtown Orlando, continuing the tradition of gathering in unity and reflection. Declared Pulse Remembrance Day in Florida in 2018, June 12 now carries solemn weight across the state and beyond.
As the building that once housed joy, celebration, and ultimately tragedy prepares to come down, Orlando takes a meaningful step forward, grounding grief in memory, and pain in purpose.
9 years since the massacre at Pulse.
49 lives lost. ⁰I think about them every day but especially in June. Especially during Pride.⁰I stand here, still queer, still loud.⁰This month isn’t just a celebration, it’s a memorial. A protest. A promise to never forget.— Jean Marie 𓃱 (@BubblyyBeann) June 12, 2025
Today is the Anniversary of the Pulse Night Club shooting
Remembering all the Beautiful People that brought joy and love pic.twitter.com/yRz1IV4Tam
— Dreams🥥🏝️☀️ (@Stallioncowboy_) June 12, 2025
