SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. — Terri Lipsey Scott, director of St. Pete’s Woodson Museum, confirmed first to 10 Investigates her resignation from a new state task force charged with making recommendations for a proposed Florida Museum of Black History.
The reason, she says, is due to a possible conflict of interest.
“I resigned from the Black History Museum task force as a result of a potential conflict of interest,” she told 10 Investigates. "It appeared that there were some who were concerned about me being a part of the decision-making process as it relates to where the museum may ultimately land. And with that, I choose not to be a distraction where there’s even the potential of a conflict. The work is far too important.”
Questions about conflicts came up during a December task force meeting where Scott made a pitch for the museum she oversees to be the site of the proposed state museum.
In her resignation letter to the task force, she said her presentation was a surprise to neither the chair nor the staff.
“Both had provided clear instructions regarding the presentation and formally introduced me as the presenter,” the letter reads. “However, the ensuing discussions took an awkward turn, leading me to believe that my continued participation on the Task Force might inadvertently become a distraction. Recognizing the significance of the Task Force's mission, I am unwilling to be a hindrance in the pursuit of its objectives.”
10 Investigates reached out to Sen. Geraldine Thompson, chair of the task force for comment. Legislative Aide Brien Michael said, “She has an owning stake in a museum, so she had to step down for that reason.”
Controversy around the museum’s direction has already been brewing, with some proposals including potentially housing Confederate monuments at the site. There have also been questions regarding whether the museum will give an accurate depiction of Black history in Florida, given Republican-led battles over Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Oversight of the task force falls under the Florida Department of State. 10 Investigates has asked if legal counsel officially determined a conflict of interest, and who will serve in Scott’s place. Scott said a replacement has been selected.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
Emerald Morrow is an investigative reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. Like her on Facebook and follow her on X. You can also email her at emorrow@10tampabay.com.