Orlando council approves steps to secure Pulse memorial site, ranks design-build firm

The Orlando City Council voted on July 14 to move forward with purchasing land adjacent to the Pulse nightclub site and to rank Gomez Construction Company as the highest‑ranked design‑build firm to develop and construct a permanent memorial. The actions came as part of the council’s consent agenda and were approved by unanimous voice vote.

The measures advance a multi‑step effort to build a permanent memorial to the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. Mayor Buddy Dyer and council members said the city intends for the design developed by the Pult Memorial Advisory Committee to be turned into construction documents and to be built under a design‑build contract. City officials anticipate construction could be finished by mid‑2027.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan reviewed the history of the memorial effort during the meeting, describing earlier private fundraising and the decision path that left the city to acquire property adjacent to the Pulse parcel. Sheehan said the 1Pulse Foundation raised funds but “failed to build anything,” and she thanked a local businessman, Craig Mateer, who bought and temporarily held the adjacent parcel until the city could complete a municipal purchase. Sheehan said, “It is the only appropriate use for the site, the only appropriate aftermath of the tragedy,” and urged continued progress. She later closed her remarks with, “Let’s get this done.”

Mayor Dyer noted that the city and Orange County had each committed funding toward a permanent memorial; the county’s contribution of $5 million was acknowledged during remarks. City staff said Gomez Construction will take the advisory committee’s conceptual design into detailed plans and be responsible for construction once a final contract is negotiated. The mayor said he hopes the memorial will be complete by summer 2027.

No separate public hearing or extended debate occurred during the consent vote. Commissioners spoke in support and raised related operational questions: Commissioner Geraldine “Geri” Gray and others asked staff to ensure long‑term maintenance funding and operational planning, and Commissioner Jim Gray emphasized the need for operating and maintenance budgeting for the eventual memorial site.

The council’s action at the July 14 meeting authorized staff to proceed with the property purchase and to move forward with the design‑build procurement process under the ranking. Additional contract terms, final pricing and a construction schedule will be brought to council for approval in future agenda items.