Stories of Relocated Cemeteries in Florida
FLORIDA
Florida — Rediscovered Burial Grounds
In Florida, numerous burial sites have come to light during construction and development projects, revealing a complex history of cemetery relocation, incomplete records, and, in some cases, graves that were never fully moved.
A 1993 report by the South Florida Sun Sentinel described the discovery of human remains during construction in Fort Lauderdale. Louis Benton, son of the founder of the areas first black funeral home in 1923, noted that the area had once contained a cemetery that was relocated in 1926 to make way for a sewage treatment plant. While known graves were transferred to North Woodlawn Cemetery, it was acknowledged that some burials may have been unmarked and unintentionally left behind.
Other cases suggest that not all relocations were carried out as intended. In some instances, markers were moved while underlying graves remained undisturbed.
In Clearwater, investigations into the former St. Matthews Cemetery site—later developed into a parking lot and building—revealed that many burials had not been relocated despite records indicating otherwise. Archaeological work, including ground-penetrating radar, suggests that several hundred individuals may still remain at the site. Nearby, additional graves have been identified beneath former school property and surrounding structures, indicating that multiple historic burial grounds in the area may have been similarly affected.
Comparable findings have been documented across the state. At Oaklawn Cemetery in Tampa, records suggested removals had taken place, yet ongoing investigations continue to identify remaining burials. In Jacksonville, the Eastport Cemetery site was rediscovered during road construction near Interstate 295. In Leon County, several locations—including areas now used for recreational purposes—are under study to confirm the presence of historic burial grounds. In Tampa, Zion Cemetery, rediscovered in 2019 beneath the Robles Park Village housing complex, revealed more than 100 burials that had remained in place following mid-20th century development.
Many of these sites were associated with vulnerable communities, where burial locations were not always formally recorded or consistently protected. As a result, some cemeteries were lost to time, only to be rediscovered decades later.
Efforts are now underway in several locations to preserve these sites, establish memorials, and ensure appropriate recognition of those who were buried there.
Due to the number of rediscoveries—particularly in areas such as Clearwater—some records may overlap or reflect the same sites identified at different times.
