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Neighbors worry about lost graves, development
Jennifer Kveglis reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - The historically designated Marti Colón Cemetery in West Tampa is known as the final resting place of many of the pioneers of the city. But for years, neighborhood activists have voiced concerns that the one-acre, grassy property next to it also deserves recognition.
They believe it contains unmarked burial sites.
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The backstory:
The Marti Colón Cemetery is where many of the city's early Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, African, Afro-Cuban and White pioneers are buried. It sits next to a one-acre parcel that has long raised preservation concerns.
Local activists said ground-penetrating radar detected 75 "anomalies" on the lot – some shaped like graves.
Dig deeper:
The current owner, Patrick Thorpe, purchased the property in 2018 with the stated goal of protecting it after concerns that it could be developed. In 2023, a Tampa Chabad group explored building a mausoleum there, but backed out after the radar findings.
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Thorpe is now seeking to split the land into four parcels and rezone it for both residential and commercial use. Public notice signs are posted.
What they're saying:
Advocates like Aileen Henderson, the founder of The Cemetery Society, argue that the area should remain protected out of respect for those potentially buried there.
What's next:
Residents hope the City of Tampa, which already owns the cemetery, will purchase the adjacent lot. The city released the following statement to FOX 13:
"Since the request is basically to approve a lot configuration, the decision is made by zoning administrator. But residents can appeal that decision to city council if they wish.
The city is not looking at buying the property and does not know of bodies there, other than being aware that’s what some people suspect."
The community has until August 21 to submit comments to the city’s zoning administrator at FormalDecision@tampagov.net.
The Source: Information in this story comes from on-the-ground interviews with neighborhood activists, public zoning notices, and city records. FOX 13 has reached out to the property owner and the City of Tampa for comment.