The city of Groveland is taking ownership of its historic downtown train depot, a 101-year-old landmark tied to the city’s railroad past and one of Florida’s most notorious cases of racial injustice.
The transfer comes after nearly 20 years of efforts to bring the depot under city ownership. Leaders say it clears the way for restoration and future public use of the building.
“You know, there are moments in a community’s life when a building becomes more than brick and mortar,” Groveland Vice Mayor Barbara Gaines said. “It becomes a symbol, a symbol of what we have been, what we have endured, and who we choose to honor.”
The depot was privately owned for decades, most recently by the Avalon Group and Carabao International. It once served as a major connector between Sanford and St. Petersburg.
For longtime residents, the building remains a reminder of Groveland’s early growth and the role rail travel once played in the community.
“When I stepped into it today, it just brought back not specific memories, but it also brought back the importance of the depot to the community,” Groveland resident Janet Baysinger O’Steen said.
The depot’s history extends beyond the railroad.
In 1949, 16-year-old Charles Greenlee was arrested there. Greenlee was one of the Groveland Four, four Black men whose case became a defining example of racial injustice in Florida.
“He was convicted of a crime he did not commit,” Gaines said. “He was tortured and he was sent to prison for 11 years.”
Gaines also read a statement from Greenlee’s daughter, who said her family is grateful for those who have worked to preserve the site’s history.
“His spirit has been here for every key moment in the journey to justice,” the statement said. “Today, the Greenlee family is so thankful to so many people.”
The city has budgeted $500,000 for the first phase of restoration. Work is expected to begin in 2027.
City leaders say the long-term vision includes restoring the depot, creating a future event space and building a historic brick plaza. The project is also expected to create a new gateway to downtown Groveland and connect the area to nearby trails.
“This just brings back beautification and life and the history of Groveland, Florida,” Baysinger O’Steen said, “and that it will be appreciated for its history, not just some little rundown town.”
The next step is moving the restoration plans forward, with the first phase of work scheduled to start in 2027.