News Summary
A recent City Council meeting in St. Petersburg became heated as discussions centered around the future of Lincoln Cemetery, a site integral to the city’s Black community. Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. faced backlash over accusations of misrepresentation and called for a committee discussion about the cemetery, which led to a contentious exchange with other council members. Despite the tensions, stakeholders expressed a commitment to the cemetery’s maintenance and future plans. A cleanup event is scheduled, emphasizing the importance of honoring this historical legacy.
St. Petersburg witnessed an intense exchange during a City Council meeting focused on the controversial future of Lincoln Cemetery, a historical site significant to the city’s Black community. The meeting turned contentious as Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. faced backlash from fellow council members over accusations of misrepresentation.
The conflict arose when Givens requested a committee discussion regarding the cemetery, which is currently managed by Gulfport. However, tensions escalated as it was noted that Councilmember Gina Driscoll had already scheduled a committee meeting on the same subject. This led to a heated debate among council members.
Councilmember Deborah Figgs-Sanders voiced her support for Lincoln Cemetery, highlighting her efforts to collaborate with stakeholders regarding the potential annexation of the cemetery into Gulfport. Givens, expressing frustration, took to social media to criticize his colleagues, claiming they did not support his agenda item and labeling the situation a “sad day for Black history in St. Pete.”
In response, Figgs-Sanders disputed Givens’ claims, labeling his remarks as “intentionally incorrect.” She insisted that elected officials are expected to uphold a higher standard of accountability and transparency. Councilmember Mike Harting commended Figgs-Sanders for her courage in addressing Givens’ comments effectively.
The dispute regarding Lincoln Cemetery is not merely a matter of political theater; it touches on a significant historical legacy. Established in 1926, Lincoln Cemetery is the final resting place for numerous Civil War veterans and local historical figures. Unfortunately, the cemetery fell into disrepair over the years and is now overseen by Cross and Anvil Human Services, which took responsibility for its maintenance in 2023. With around 8,000 graves present, only about half have been properly identified.
During the meeting, Givens engaged with Gulfport Mayor Karen Love and Rev. Clarence Williams to discuss maintenance and future plans for the cemetery. However, he reiterated that St. Petersburg would not allocate any tax dollars for the cemetery, given its current location in Gulfport. Givens emphasized that the leadership within St. Petersburg had been transparent about this decision.
Concerns were also raised regarding the possibility of re-annexing Lincoln Cemetery into St. Petersburg, a process that was reversed in the 1960s. Givens referred to the back-and-forth between council members as “childish,” arguing that it detracted from the urgent discussions surrounding the cemetery’s upkeep and preservation.
The discussion about Lincoln and Greenwood Cemeteries has been postponed for over a year, with a committee meeting now scheduled for December. Despite the tensions, Givens announced a cleanup event for the cemetery on October 25, urging council members who are genuinely committed to the cemetery’s future to participate.
In light of recent events, Givens expressed his embarrassment regarding the council’s lack of recognition for Lincoln Cemetery’s historical and future significance. As discussions continue and events draw nearer, stakeholders and council members alike will need to navigate these challenges while honoring the legacy of this important site.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTSP: Lincoln Cemetery Re-Annexation Debate
- The Gabber: A New Era for Lincoln Cemetery
- St. Pete Catalyst: Likely Graves Found at Tropicana Field
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cemetery
- WFLA: Unmarked Graves Detected at Tropicana Field
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.
