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Search stalls for erased Black cemetery in Odessa

"They're dead. It's done, and I don't need this kind of aggravation,” said Carolyn Wilson, who owns land where researchers believe there could be graves.

Emerald Morrow

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Published: 4:16 PM EDT March 13, 2024
Updated: 6:42 PM EDT March 13, 2024

Descendants of a tight-knit Hillsborough County community established by African Americans newly freed from slavery say they are hopeful a local developer and major donor to the University of South Florida will reconsider a new search for an erased cemetery.

It's believed to be on the woman's Odessa property, and she has said the investigation is over.

“I am hoping that a conversation does happen, that we can come to an agreement that the family will be pleased with,” Christina Arenas said of the Keystone Memorial Park Cemetery.

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