KISSIMMEE, Fla. — As Osceola County leaders unveil plans for a tribute for the victims, family and survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting eight years ago, we’re learning more about the artist behind the plans. Osceola County leaders announced plans for the tribute in May. 

Artist Jefre Manuel is based in Orlando, and known for his works of art in Central Florida, across the country and around the world. He’s currently involved in the installation of dozens of pieces of white aluminum on AdventHealth’s Innovation Tower garage. Each one of the pieces represents a thank you note. In his case, the thank-you notes are to the doctors and nurses who’ve helped keep him alive. Jefre had a heart attack at just 35 years old. 

After that health scare, Jefre quit his job in city planning and decided to work full time on creating large works of art. His vision for his propensity to design larger-than-life works of art led to his involvement in the Pulse tribute.

“I’ve been blessed (...) being able to give back and donate my time and my creative process to an artwork that will hopefully honor the 49 that were lost on that day,” said Jefre.

Jefre says the structure planned for Brownie Wise Park in Kissimmee will show 49 angels soaring to the sky.

“We were looking to create an artwork where the family can come and feel at rest to celebrate the lives of the people that were lost that day,” he said. “And being in the setting here of nature is one step to the healing process. It’s disconnected from the location of where that tragedy happened.”

The tribute will rise to 49 feet tall, one foot for every one of the lives lost at pulse.

When Jefre got his stark brush with mortality, it gave him a new perspective on life.

“One of the things I did learn is to value time. You don’t know how much time you have. And for me, it was trying to create these moments, and icons,” said Jefre.

While one part of the Pulse tribute will stand tall, other parts of it will give families a way to connect.

“Within the space of the park we’ll be able to have the individuals that were composed together into a single art form be separated so that the families will be able to have one-on-one opportunities with their loved ones,” said Jefre.

Jefre says the park is an ideal one for the tribute because it has lots of space to expand. He says the tribute will eventually include a section dedicated to Pulse survivors and first responders.