ORLANDO, Fla. — Officials have set a timeline for the removal of the former Pulse nightclub, as the city works toward putting a permanent memorial in its place.
What You Need To Know
Orlando has set mid-March for Pulse nightclub demolition
Fencing to go up on Feb. 2 around the site, making the temporary memorial inaccessible
A small area will remain available for leaving flowers and other perishable items
In a statement on Thursday, officials said they will likely tear down the building in mid-March.
Additionally, fencing around the structure will go up on Monday, Feb. 2, which will render the temporary memorial inaccessible.
However, city officials say, a small area will be set aside so people can leave perishable items like flowers.
An update on design plans for the memorial will also be held on Thursday, March 5 at 4 p.m. where new renderings will be shared.
The meeting will take place online and in person. More information and links to attend the meeting will be available on the Pulse Orlando website.
Construction of the memorial is scheduled to begin in fall 2026, city officials said in December.
It will honor the 49 people who died and the 53 others who were injured on June 12, 2016, when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire during a Latin night at the nightclub. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in United States history. Mateen was shot dead in a gun battle with police just outside the popular gay nightclub.