News Summary
USF St. Petersburg will host a screening of the documentary ‘RAZED,’ focusing on the displacement of residents from the historic Gas Plant District. Organized by The Crow’s Nest and the university’s Community Relations, the event will feature a Q&A with director Andrew Lee. Set for September 2, this screening aims to shed light on the historical context of community displacement as St. Petersburg faces rapid development. The documentary aspires to guide future urban planning in a culturally sensitive manner, inviting attendees to engage in important discussion about the impacts of urban development.
St. Petersburg will be the host city for an upcoming screening of the documentary “RAZED,” which focuses on the displacement of residents from the historic Gas Plant District. The event, organized by The Crow’s Nest at USF St. Petersburg and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Community Relations, is set for September 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the University Student Center ballrooms. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with director Andrew Lee, making this an engaging opportunity for students, staff, and the public to explore the topic in depth.
“RAZED,” debuting in early 2025, is directed by Andrew Lee, Gwendolyn Reese, and Tara Segall. The film shares the narrative of the Gas Plant District, a community that flourished until its residents were displaced primarily for the construction of Tropicana Field, which was completed in the late 1980s. Through historical context and personal accounts from those displaced, the documentary aims to shed light on a piece of St. Petersburg’s history that remains largely unknown to many outside the affected areas.
The roots of displacement in the Gas Plant District trace back to development initiatives initiated in the 1970s. As urban growth and expansion continued, more residents were pushed out, leading to a significant loss of community and cultural identity. The filmmakers aspire for “RAZED” to serve as a guideline for future urban development in St. Petersburg, particularly as the area is currently undergoing rapid growth.
The sixth showing of “RAZED” at USF St. Petersburg follows the film’s successful opening weekend, attracting 800 viewers across two screenings at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity. The documentary has garnered support from the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and is produced by Roundhouse Creative alongside Gwendolyn Reese, who is also the sitting President of the St. Petersburg African American Heritage Association and a former resident of the Gas Plant District.
The screening is not just an opportunity to watch the film but also to engage in essential conversations regarding community displacement as development continues in St. Petersburg. Reservations for the event are recommended, and information related to parking at the USF St. Petersburg campus can be accessed online.
As St. Petersburg experiences increasing development, the importance of understanding its historical context becomes vital. “RAZED” serves as a poignant reminder of the impact urban development can have on communities and the need for inclusive planning that respects the histories and identities of all residents.
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Additional Resources
- The Crow’s Nest
- Fox 13 News
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- I Love the Burg
- Google Search: Gas Plant District displacement St. Petersburg
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
