Orlando's Pulse Nightclub Purchase Nixed by Owner

ORLANDO, FL — Orlando’s plans to turn the Pulse nightclub into a memorial have been sidelined. The owner of the site where the worst mass shooting in modern American history took place over the summer has changed her mind about a sale.

“We’ve been informed by the Pulse owners that they don’t plan to sell the location,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced by Twitter Monday morning.

Dyer announced the city’s plans to buy the South Orange Avenue property in early November with a $2.25 million price tag attached. The city’s offer was an estimated $1.65 million above the appraised value.

Pulse’s owner Barbara Poma on Monday released a statement explaining she could not walk away from the club that “means so very much to my family and to our community." Poma said she intends to “create a space for everyone, a sanctuary of hope, and a welcoming area to remember all those affected by the tragedy," the Orlando Sentinel reported.

Dyer’s office also issued a statement saying the city understands and respects Poma’s decision. Dyer remains “hopeful the Pulse site continues to be a place of hope and healing that honors the victims.”

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