Tropicana Field: St. Petersburg to Search for Unmarked Graves Under Stadium
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — City leaders in St. Petersburg, Florida, have authorized a significant investment to investigate the potential presence of unmarked graves beneath a parking lot adjacent to Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. The , decision allocates $378,896 for archaeological excavations prompted by radar scans indicating “grave-like anomalies.”
The area in question is believed to be the former site of Oaklawn Cemetery, one of several historically Black cemeteries that served the city’s African American community during the segregation era. These cemeteries predate the construction of Tropicana Field by decades, and their existence has long been a matter of local historical record.
The funding approval follows a series of ground-penetrating radar scans that identified potential burial sites. City officials have stated the upcoming archaeological digs are intended to confirm whether these anomalies represent actual graves and, if so, to recover any remaining artifacts. The work is expected to commence after the conclusion of the baseball season to minimize disruption.
Councilman Corey Givens Jr. Emphasized the importance of extending the investigation beyond the immediate area of the identified anomalies. Historical records suggest the possible presence of two additional adjacent cemeteries beneath the surrounding grounds, and Givens argued that these sites deserve equal consideration. “This matters as well to descendants,” Givens said, adding that a thorough investigation is necessary to ensure “we have done our due diligence to find out if in fact We find remains underneath those grounds.”
The discovery and subsequent investigation reflect a growing national reckoning with the often-overlooked histories of marginalized communities and the locations of their burial grounds. Across the United States, similar investigations are underway in cities grappling with the legacies of segregation and racial injustice, often revealing forgotten cemeteries that were lost to development or neglect.
The situation in St. Petersburg is particularly sensitive given the prominent location of the potential burial sites – directly adjacent to a major sports venue. The presence of a professional sports stadium built on or near former cemetery land raises complex questions about land use, historical preservation, and the respectful treatment of human remains.
The archaeological investigation will be conducted by professional archaeologists, who will carefully excavate select areas identified by the radar scans. The process is expected to be meticulous and time-consuming, with a report on the findings anticipated within approximately 90 days of the completion of the work. The city’s planning director, Derick Kilborn, discussed the purpose of the investigation, though specific details of the methodology were not immediately available.
The historical context of Oaklawn Cemetery and the other potentially affected sites is rooted in the segregationist policies that characterized much of the American South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Black communities were often relegated to less desirable land, including areas unsuitable for conventional cemeteries. These cemeteries frequently lacked proper maintenance and record-keeping, leading to their eventual obscurity and, in some cases, their unintentional encroachment by subsequent development.
The decision to fund the archaeological digs represents a significant step towards acknowledging this history and honoring the individuals who may be buried beneath the surface. The investigation is not only about uncovering physical remains but also about providing closure and recognition to descendants who may have lost track of their ancestors’ final resting places.
The city council’s unanimous approval of the funding demonstrates a commitment to addressing this sensitive issue and ensuring that the investigation is conducted with the utmost respect and diligence. The outcome of the archaeological work could have far-reaching implications, potentially leading to the re-interment of remains, the creation of a memorial, and a broader re-evaluation of the historical landscape of St. Petersburg.
While the immediate focus is on the area surrounding Tropicana Field, the investigation could also prompt a wider review of other potential burial sites throughout the city. The discovery of unmarked graves is often a catalyst for further research and a renewed commitment to preserving the historical memory of marginalized communities.
The situation in St. Petersburg underscores the importance of proactive historical research and the need to consider the potential impact of development projects on culturally sensitive sites. As cities across the United States continue to grapple with their pasts, investigations like this one serve as a reminder of the hidden histories that lie beneath the surface and the importance of honoring those who came before.