St. Petersburg Council Discusses New Findings of Possible Graves at Tropicana Field

Recent ground-penetrating radar surveys at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg have uncovered at least ten possible graves, believed to be from the historic Oaklawn Cemetery, which was established in 1905 and later condemned. These findings, which include both identified graves and additional areas of interest, have reignited local discussions about the site's history and the city’s redevelopment plans. Community members and city council members, including those with personal family connections to the site, are urging the city to acknowledge and responsibly address the presence of these graves, with calls for increased engagement with descendant communities and stakeholders. There is concern that city officials withheld news of the findings for several months after the report’s completion in November, leading to criticism about transparency. Experts and residents emphasize the importance of honoring the history and lives represented by the graves, and city leaders are now planning meetings to determine appropriate next steps. The discoveries have prompted broader conversations about memorialization and how best to recognize the site's historical significance.