Owner hopes to show 'Pulse is alive' with street party

(Google Earth / Maps / MGN)

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – The owner of the Orlando nightclub where a gunman fatally shot 49 patrons is hosting a street party to show that “Pulse is alive.”

Pulse owner Barbara Poma is hosting the block party Thursday evening in a neighborhood in downtown Orlando.

The party will have a Latin theme, since it was “Latin night” at Pulse on June 12, when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. In addition to those killed, another 53 patrons were wounded.

Spokeswoman Sara Brady says Poma wants to show that Pulse’s mission continues and that the club is moving forward.

Poma hasn’t decided if the club will ever reopen.

Mateen died in a gun battle with police. In a 911 call from the club, he pledged solidarity with the Islamic State group.

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