News Summary
Filmmakers Andrew Lee and Tara Segall are set to launch a documentary titled ‘Razed’ that delves into the history and memories of St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant Neighborhood, an African American community erased by development for Tropicana Field. The film seeks community contributions, including photographs and memorabilia, and will premiere on February 22, 2025. A community conversation will occur on February 11, 2025, allowing residents to reflect on the neighborhood’s rich heritage.
Exciting Documentary Planned for St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant Neighborhood
St. Petersburg is buzzing with anticipation as local filmmakers Andrew Lee and Tara Segall embark on a deeply meaningful project titled “Razed.” This documentary shines a light on the rich history and the heartbreaking displacement of the Gas Plant Neighborhood, a once-vibrant African American community that faced significant changes with the development of Tropicana Field.
A Lost Community Resurfaces
Many residents remember the Gas Plant Neighborhood as a bustling area filled with families, businesses, and heartfelt connections. However, the dream of bringing a professional baseball team to the city led to the erasure of this community, which now lives on in memories. Filmmakers Lee and Segall are determined to capture those memories on film, emphasizing the stories of the people who called this neighborhood home.
Call for Historical Treasures
As part of their efforts, the filmmakers are reaching out to the public for help. They are on the lookout for old photographs, school yearbooks, and any memorabilia that showcases the beauty and spirit of the Gas Plant Neighborhood. This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to contribute to a project that aims to preserve and honor the community’s legacy.
Save the Date for the Premiere
The documentary is set to premiere on February 22, 2025, at a fantastic event hosted at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity. The screening is open to everyone, and attendees can grab free tickets via the Razed website. Mark your calendars because this is bound to be a moving experience, filled with stories that deserve to be told.
Community Conversation to Dive Deeper
In addition to the film debut, there will also be a Community Conversation on February 11, 2025. This event will provide a platform for sharing perspectives, discussing the history of the Gas Plant Neighborhood, and ensuring that the conversations around this topic continue to evolve. It’s a chance to engage with the community and reflect on the past that shaped many lives.
How to Contribute
Residents interested in sharing their treasures can reach out to Tara Segall via email at razed@gasplantfilm.com or by calling (727) 954-8880. For those who may have photos that need digitization, arrangements can be made at the Roundhouse Creative studio, located at 1935 1st Avenue South.
Unveiling Forgotten Histories
The film doesn’t just aim to chronicle the loss; it also seeks to delve into the profound sense of community that existed before the displacement. Through personal stories and shared memories, “Razed” will highlight the connections among families, local businesses, and community institutions that enriched the area.
Join the Movement
The project is not just about making a film; it’s about addressing the historical neglect and erasure that the African American community in St. Petersburg has faced over the years. This documentary stands as a beacon of remembrance, a means of respect for those who lived and thrived in the Gas Plant Neighborhood.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement is building in St. Petersburg. The chance to remember, reflect, and engage with the past is an opportunity everyone can be a part of. Don’t miss out on this remarkable chance to witness a piece of history being revived on the big screen!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Plans to Reconnect South St. Pete with Downtown
St. Petersburg Secures $1.4 Million for Gas Plant District Revitalization
Additional Resources
- The Weekly Challenger: Historic Gas Plant Documentary Requests Resident Photos
- Google Search: Gas Plant Neighborhood St. Petersburg
- Fox 13 News: Gas Plant District History St. Pete
- Wikipedia: Gas Plant Neighborhood
- St. Pete Catalyst: Rays Documentary Tells a Devil of a Story
- Encyclopedia Britannica: African American History
- Time: Bitcoin Mining Noise in Texas
- Google News: St. Petersburg Gas Plant Neighborhood
- HumAngle Media: Niger Delta Communities Grappling with Health Impacts of Gas Flaring
- Al Jazeera: Fighting for 40 Years in Texas
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.
