ICYMI: Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub to Become Memorial

ORLANDO, FL — The city of Orlando has announced big plans to honor the memories of those who lost their lives in the June 12 terrorist attack on the Pulse nightclub. The popular gay bar that became the site of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history will someday soon become a memorial.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on Tuesday announced the city’s plans to purchase the South Orange Avenue property.

“I believe that it’s important that our community is a part of determining the future of the Pulse site,” Dyer wrote on Facebook. “It has great significance to everyone who lives in Orlando and everyone who loves Orlando.”

Dyer said the city has entered into a contract to buy the building and land.

See also: Pulse Shooting Survivors Won’t Face Hospital Bills

“I think it’s very important the city take control of the site,” Dyer said.

At present, the plan is for the city to maintain the property as-is for about 12 to 18 months to allow mourners and others to visit the site. After that, a process will kick off to obtain community input on how a memorial should take shape.

The reported purchase price is $2.25 million, which is more than the $1.65 million appraised value, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The Pulse nightclub was thrust into the international spotlight when Omar Mateen, 29, walked into the packed establishment in the early morning hours of June 12 and opened fire. A total of 49 people were killed and 53 injured before Mateen himself was shot and killed by law enforcement.

The federal government has described Mateen’s assault on the nightclub as an act of terror. Mateen placed 911 calls during the attack pledging his support of the Islamic State.

Since the attack, the outpouring of support for Orlando, the families of victims and survivors has been steady. In August, two of the hospitals that treated patients in the hours, weeks and months after the shooting announced their intention to waive bills.

The total write-off in patient care related to the June 12 mass shooting is estimated at $5.5 million, several media outlets have reported.

Orlando Health’s Orlando Regional Medical Center treated 44 survivors after the attack. Nine people died shortly after arriving. Florida Hospital’s Orlando facility treated the other survivors in the attack that was launched on a near-capacity crowd at the popular gay nightclub.

See also: Orlando Shooting Victims Arrived in ‘Truckloads,’ Doctor Says

“During this very trying time, many organizations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support,” said Orlando Health CEO and President David Strong, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward.”

Families of the nine Pulse victims who died will also not be charged.

Florida Health made a similar announcement in August. That hospital treated 12 of the Pulse survivors.

“It was incredible to see how our community came together in the wake of the senseless Pulse shooting,” Daryl Tol, Florida Hospital’s CEO, was quoted by ABC as saying. “We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando.”

Photo courtesy of the Orlando Police Department