Orlando City Council to decide on funding agreement for Pulse memorial

ORLANDO, Fla. – After many years of anticipation, Orlando city officials are set to vote on a funding agreement Monday to establish a permanent memorial for the 49 lives lost in the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Monday’s vote could finally set the Pulse Memorial in motion. If the $12 million plan passes, the design phase could start within weeks.

This initiative is a collaboration between the city and Orange County, with Orlando contributing $7 million and Orange County committing $5 million through three annual installments.

[WATCH PREVIOUS COVERAGE BELOW: Orlando City Council on key steps for permanent Pulse memorial]

“It’s time. It’s time that there is a memorial. It’s time,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

Renderings already show features families have asked for; a welcome center, tribute wall and 49 columns for the 49 killed.

The memorial will be designed and constructed by Gomez Construction Company, which previously participated in creating the Pulse memorial garden at Orlando Health in 2016. If the agreement is approved on Monday, design work is slated to start by October, and actual construction would commence in 2026.

[WATCH BELOW: Orange County agrees to $5M request for Orlando Pulse Memorial]

Earlier this summer, Orlando city officials assured county commissioners that the project is progressing properly. The aim is to conclude construction by the end of 2027.

The memorial’s proposed design has resulted from extensive planning by the Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee and incorporates public feedback. Officials intend it to serve as a lasting tribute to the 49 victims, provide support for survivors, and showcase the community’s resilience.

[WATCH BELOW: Plans revealed for Orlando Pulse memorial]

This meeting follows recent controversies surrounding the removal of the rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse and the painting over of artwork on some city storm drains.

Monday’s meeting is set to begin at 2 p.m.

[WATCH BELOW: Gov. Ron DeSantis addresses controversy over rainbow crosswalk near Pulse]