What Happened to Orlando United?
Orlando United emerged as a powerful symbol of community solidarity and resilience following the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016. Initially a rallying cry and hashtag, it encompassed various initiatives, funds, and assistance centers aimed at supporting victims, survivors, and the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. After the dissolution of the onePULSE Foundation in late 2023, the City of Orlando assumed leadership for creating a permanent memorial, with construction anticipated to begin in September 2026 and an opening projected for late 2027.
Quick Answer
Orlando United represents the collective community response and enduring spirit of solidarity in Orlando, Florida, after the devastating Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. While initial efforts included the One Orlando Fund and the Orlando United Assistance Center, the primary focus today is on the development of a permanent Pulse Memorial. Following the dissolution of the onePULSE Foundation in late 2023, the City of Orlando took over the project, with the original Pulse building demolished in March 2026 and construction of the memorial expected to commence in September 2026, aiming for a late 2027 completion.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Pulse Nightclub Shooting Occurs
Omar Mateen kills 49 people and wounds 53 others at Pulse, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, Florida, marking a tragic event that galvanizes the community.
#OrlandoUnited Hashtag Emerges
The hashtag #OrlandoUnited becomes a widespread symbol of solidarity and community resilience, adopted by individuals, organizations, and sports teams.
Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC) Opens
A partnership between the City of Orlando, Orange County, and United Way, the OUAC opens to provide support and resources to those affected by the tragedy.
Orlando United Day Observed
Orange County and the City of Orlando, along with the onePULSE Foundation, observe the one-year remembrance as 'Orlando United Day | A Day of Love and Kindness'.
onePULSE Foundation Announces Memorial Plans
The onePULSE Foundation, founded by Pulse owner Barbara Poma, announces plans to build a permanent memorial and museum at the nightclub site.
Temporary Memorial Opens at Pulse Site
The onePULSE Foundation opens a temporary memorial at the Pulse nightclub site, which serves as the memorial for several years.
City of Orlando Purchases Pulse Property
The City of Orlando acquires the Pulse nightclub property for $2 million, taking over responsibility for the permanent memorial project after the onePULSE Foundation's plans falter.
onePULSE Foundation Dissolves
Facing financial difficulties and criticism, the onePULSE Foundation's board votes to dissolve the organization, transferring memorial responsibilities to the city.
Orlando United Pulse Memorial Fund Created
The City of Orlando establishes a new fund, the Orlando United Pulse Memorial Fund, within its nonprofit Strengthen Orlando, to finance the permanent memorial.
Pulse Building Demolition and 30% Design Update
The original Pulse sign is removed and preserved, and the demolition of the nightclub building begins. The 30% design milestone for the permanent memorial is presented, detailing key features.
60% Design Milestone for Memorial Unveiled
The City of Orlando unveils the 60% completed plans for the Pulse Nightclub Memorial, showcasing updated concept images.
10th Anniversary of Pulse Shooting
The community observes the 10-year anniversary of the Pulse shooting, with ongoing discussions about the memorial's progress and the enduring impact of the tragedy.
Anticipated Start of Memorial Construction
Construction on the permanent Pulse Memorial is anticipated to begin, transforming the site into a dedicated space for remembrance and healing.
Anticipated Memorial Opening
The permanent Pulse Memorial is expected to be completed and open to the public, offering a lasting tribute to the victims and a space for the community.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The phrase "Orlando United" became a poignant symbol of unity and resilience in the wake of the Pulse nightclub shooting on June 12, 2016, which claimed 49 lives and injured 53 others in what was then the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history and the deadliest hate crime targeting LGBTQ+ people. The community's immediate response saw thousands gather for vigils, donate blood, and offer support, with the hashtag #OrlandoUnited quickly gaining traction across social media and local sports teams.
In the immediate aftermath, the One Orlando Fund was established to provide financial assistance to victims and their families, raising significant donations. The Orlando United Assistance Center (OUAC) also opened its doors on June 23, 2016, as a partnership between the City of Orlando, Orange County Government, and the United Way, offering a navigation point for resources including mental health counseling, financial aid, and legal advice to those affected.
A key turning point in the memorialization efforts came with the formation of the onePULSE Foundation in 2017 by Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma. The foundation aimed to build a permanent memorial and museum at the site of the tragedy. However, the foundation faced increasing costs, declining donations, and internal issues, leading to its eventual dissolution in late 2023. Critics, including the 'Pulse Families and Survivors for Justice' group, had long called for transparency and accused the foundation of mismanaging funds.
Upon the onePULSE Foundation's dissolution, the City of Orlando stepped in, purchasing the Pulse property for $2 million in October 2023 to ensure the creation of a permanent memorial. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer emphasized the city's commitment to transparency and involving victims' families and survivors in the design process. A new fund, the Orlando United Pulse Memorial Fund, was created within the city's existing nonprofit, Strengthen Orlando, to support the construction.
As of 2026, significant progress has been made on the permanent memorial. The Pulse sign was carefully removed and preserved in March 2026, followed by the demolition of the original nightclub building to prepare the site. The design-build team, including Gomez Construction and Borrelli + Partners, presented the 30% design milestone in March 2026, showcasing elements like an 'Angel Ellipse' with pillars for each victim, a reflection pool, and a survivor's common. The 60% design milestone was unveiled in May 2026. Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2026, with the memorial projected to open in late 2027. The memorial aims to be an inclusive, life-affirming space that honors the 49 lives lost and provides a place for reflection and remembrance.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Orlando United made different choices?