Jim Carchidi
June 10, 2026
Ten years have passed since 49 lives were lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting. Orlando is marking the milestone anniversary with a week of events meant to honor the victims, survivors and families, and to reflect on the lasting impact of the events of June 12, 2016.
Members of the community gathered in front of Dr. Phillips Center on June 13, 2016, to mourn the 49 lives lost the previous day. It was the first major community gathering in honor of the Pulse shooting victims. Photo by Jim Carchidi
Remembrance events began Saturday, June 6, with the annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run and continued Monday, June 8, when colorful prayer ribbons carrying messages of hope were placed outside Orlando City Hall. The ribbons will remain on display in the plaza through Sunday, June 14.
Prayer ribbons honoring the Pulse victims will be on display in the plaza at Orlando City Hall until June 14. Image courtesy of City of Orlando
The remaining schedule of events is as follows.
Lighting of the Pulse memorial site
The Pulse site will be illuminated from dusk until dawn each night from June 5 to June 15, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The area is illuminated despite the recent demolition of the nightclub building and serves as a peaceful tribute marking a decade of resilience.
Created in Community: Portraits of Pulse, opens June 11
Image courtesy of Orange County Regional History Center/Jeff Sonksen
Orlando City Hall Terrace Gallery will host a free exhibit titled Created in Community: Portraits of Pulse, featuring 49 portraits created in 2017. Images designed by local artist Jeff Sonksen were completed in a paint-by-number format by victims’ families, friends, and members of the community. The shared process helped transform grief into collective remembrance and healing. The exhibit opens Thursday, June 11, and runs through Sunday, August 23.
Day of Remembrance Blood Drive, June 12
In the days after the shootings, the outpouring of community support included hundreds of residents queuing up to give blood. OneBlood reported more than 28,500 units donated in just a few days. OneBlood will hold its Day of Remembrance Blood Drive outside Orlando City Hall on Friday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donation times can be reserved on the OneBlood website.
2026 Pulse Remembrance Ceremony, June 12
Image courtesy of Pulse Orlando
First United Methodist Church Orlando at 142 E. Jackson St. will host its annual event honoring the 49 lives lost, the families, and survivors. The evening will feature musical performances, a special presentation by City of Orlando Poet Laureate Camara Gaither, and the participation of Angel Action Wings: a volunteer group that has spent more than ten years spreading messages of love and acceptance. At the event's conclusion, the community will gather for a candlelight ceremony and reading of the 49 names.
For updates and information on future events, log onto the Pulse Orlando website.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates
Leave A Comment