TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa city leaders are taking steps to protect unmarked graves across the city.
In their Thursday morning gathering, they plan to talk about assisting property owners in locating unmarked graves on their properties and ways for the city to safeguard these graves.
Nothing will be decided during the meeting, council will only hold a discussion.
This discussion arises after a contentious issue surrounding an open field near Tampa’s Woodlawn Cemetery. The current owners, The Greater Tampa Showmen’s Club, are attempting to sell the property.
According to many, there are unmarked graves on the property, graves of people who were the backbone of the area.
“Woodlawn, the uniqueness here, they’re the laborers. They helped build Tampa,” said Aileen Henderson.
Previously, in 2022, there was a proposal by the owners to re-zone this land for the construction of single-family homes. However, three years ago, the city council unanimously rejected this plan.
Now, groups like the NAACP are fighting back.
“It is time for the city to step in and take some action and understand the importance of preserving African American Cemeteries,” said Yvette Lewis, Hillsborough County NAACP President.
Aileen Henderson, with the Cemetery Society, said this is land where those who could not afford a headstone or proper burial have been laid to rest. She said that is the way the land should stay.
“There are bodies buried on that parcel that they want to develop on. I don’t care if it’s a townhouse, I don’t care if it’s one home. It doesn’t matter; development is development. There are bodies on the property. We are here to make sure we protect them,” Henderson said.
8 On Your Side reached out to the Greater Tampa Showmen’s Club last week, and did not get a response.
The meeting will be held at City Hall, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
