ORLANDO, Fla. – When Mayor Buddy Dyer first proposed the plaza with the construction of the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, he billed it as a place where Orlando would come together.
Dyer's vision has been realized in the days following the deadly shooting rampage at the Pulse Nightclub just to the south.
Monday night, a crowd estimated at 10,000 strong by Orlando police, gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the 49 people who lost their lives.
Tuesday, a memorial in the grassy area of the plaza continued to grow.
News 6 watched as one man took it upon himself to relight each of the candles that had blown out.
Tony Backe is homeless, and he says he's lived on the streets of downtown Orlando since 2000.
Fighting back tears, he said he's feeling the same pain many residents are feeling.
"The pain of God you know? How much he really cares about us, and we don't even realize it," he said. "We're sharing one breath. We're all the same."
This memorial outside the performing arts center grew even more overnight. People laid candles, wreaths and flowers through the early morning hours. #orlandostrong #orlandounited
Posted by Erik Sandoval - News 6 on Tuesday, June 14, 2016
News 6 looked around the plaza and estimated there are hundreds of candles placed by well-wishers.
Backe says he's working to make sure they all stay lit.
More people are expected to experience the memorial and even add to it as the week progresses.
