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Clearwater business will scan for graves from forgotten black cemetery

An exact search date hasn't yet been set.
Credit: 10News WTSP

CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Clearwater staffing firm that owns property where an African American cemetery once existed has agreed to scan its property for lost graves.

Zebbie Atkinson, president of the Clearwater/Upper Pinellas NAACP, said on Tuesday that a meeting with the FrankCrum staff was positive and that the company was understanding of the need to search for any graves that might remain on site.

“They said they open and receptive to the plight of African Americans, and want to do whatever they can do to right a perceived wrong,” said Atkinson.

Atkinson is working with the Clearwater Heights Reunion Committee, a group dedicated to finding the lost cemetery. Atkinson said they are hoping to work with archaeologists at USF to do the scanning.

Angie Garcia, a spokesperson for FrankCrum, confirmed that the company will allow access to its property to search for graves.

A search date has not yet been set.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available. 

RELATED: Forgotten African American graves could be buried at MacDill Air Force Base

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