Nearly a dozen historic sites across Florida are in jeopardy, sparking a movement to keep them alive, according to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
In a release, the group announced its “11 to Save” sites, which are historic spots across Florida that are at risk of being shut down or destroyed.
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“The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, highlight the breadth of the state’s unique history, inspire collaborations and empower local preservationists and community groups in their work to preserve Florida’s rich history,” the release reads.
These sites can be found in various cities across the state, including two in Central Florida: one in Ocala, and another in Orange City
Below are the locations that have been placed on the “11 to Save” list, as well as an explanation of why they’re at risk.
1. Blanchard House Museum — Punta Gorda (1925)
“The Blanchard House, a Florida Craftsman bungalow built in 1925 for local fisherman Joseph Blanchard and his wife Minnie, is a symbol of Punta Gorda’s cultural heritage. Located at the former site of Gollman’s Bar, a gathering place for African Americans, the museum honors their contributions and celebrates African American history and culture in the region.
Acquired in 1997 by Bernice A. Russell, who envisioned a local African American history museum, the house became the Blanchard House Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County in 2004.
The site suffered significant damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Closed due to roof damage and mold growth since September 28 of that year, the nominator hopes inclusion on the 11 to Save will promote awareness and funding for its restoration.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
2. Central Elementary School — Ocala (1907)
“Built in 1907, Historic Central Elementary School was one of the few brick-and-mortar schools of its time and the first to be constructed in Ocala. Named Central due to its location adjacent to the existing area in downtown Ocala, the school currently is vacant. The School Board, who until recently occupied the space, has now outgrown it and is seeking a new location.
There have been ongoing conversations on the development and use of this property, including construction of new offices. Currently, community members are concerned the building could be demolished without community engagement.
The nominator hopes that its placement on the 11 to Save list will raise awareness and stimulate the public to support preservation efforts.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
3. Greater El-Beth-El Divine Holiness Church — Jacksonville (1911)
“The Greater El-Beth-El Divine Holiness Church is a testament to Jacksonville’s cultural and historical heritage, particularly within the African American community.
Constructed in 1911, this church has served as a cornerstone in the old Hanstown community, which, along with Sugar Hill, fostered vibrant African American life for over a century. Originally built with rusticated block walls crafted by its own members, the church symbolizes the community’s self-reliance and determination during its formative years.
The Church continues to play a pivotal role in the community, with ongoing efforts to preserve its architectural integrity and historical significance. Over time, repairs have altered its original architectural features. The structure’s roof has suffered significant deterioration, allowing water ingress that damaged interior plaster and acoustic ceiling tiles.
Additionally, much of the building’s once abundant stained art glass has been lost due to this roof deterioration. The nominator hopes that inclusion on the 11 to Save will increase efforts to stabilize the structure and encourage more community support to save and restore it.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
4. John A. Gibson School — Pensacola (1921)
“Born in 1827 in Nassau, Bahamas, John A. Gibson arrived in Pensacola in 1872 and became a leader in the city’s new post-war education system, also serving as a city alderman in 1879, 1882 and 1885. Named in his honor, the John A. Gibson School opened in 1921 to serve Pensacola’s African American community.
After closing in 1974, the school became the headquarters of the Escambia County Head Start Program. The last tenant, the Community Action Program Committee’s Head Start program, ceased operations there in December 2023 due to severe damage from Hurricane Sally. The nominator hopes to raise awareness of African American history in the community and promote the restoration and adaptive use plan.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
5. Orange City Shuffleboard Club — Orange City (1918)
“Built in 1918, the building functioned as Orange City’s inaugural Town Hall, coinciding with the town’s first municipal votes by women. Now owned by the City, the building was moved to its current site to serve as the Orange City Shuffleboard Club’s clubhouse, founded in 1944. Recognized since 2004 as a contributing structure to the National Register Historic District, there are ongoing discussions regarding the future of this site.
Last year, these discussions included options to demolish the shuffleboard courts and the building for a parking lot. Earlier this year, the City postponed this option to provide opportunities to conduct more analysis for parking needs and site restoration. The site has historically served as a social gathering place and recreational facility benefiting all Orange City resident and enriching the district’s heritage, as it tells so many of the community’s stories.
The nominator hopes inclusion on the 11 to Save will increase community awareness of this historically designated site to create momentum toward restoration in place.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
6. Orchard Villa Elementary School — Miami (1948)
“Orchard Villa was the first elementary school in the entire state of Florida to begin integrating its students. Located in Miami, Orchard Villa is a small concrete elementary school nestled within a residential community.
Its existence is threatened by the development and growing number of competing charter schools in the city. Unlike several neighboring elementary and K-8 magnet schools, Orchard Villa is small and tucked away in a residential neighborhood, not easily visible from main streets. The nominator hopes that listing it on the 11 to Save will raise awareness of this historic school.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
7. Plumb House — Clearwater (1896)
“The Plumb House is a two-story wood-frame vernacular home built in 1896. Originally serving as both a hardware store and apartments for the Belleview Hotel, it became unnecessary once construction of the hotel ended in 1898. It was subsequently purchased by C.S. Reynolds, a Baptist priest and newspaper owner, who relocated it closer to downtown Clearwater. Reynolds transformed it into a singlefamily home for his sister, Jennie Plumb, who became the first paid teacher in what is now Pinellas County.
A member of the Plumb family resided in the home until 1983. In that year, the home was donated and moved to a city park, where it remains today. Over the years, the house has faced maintenance challenges and needs repair. Currently, the City is considering demolition of the house. The nominator hopes listing will help raise awareness about the house’s significance and build momentum for a comprehensive restoration project.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
8. Railroad Square Art District — Tallahassee (c. 1940)
“Railroad Square Art District in Tallahassee is a hub of local commercial arts and cultural establishments, along with creative local businesses housed in WWIIera warehouses. The district faces uncertainty after two tornadoes struck on May 10, 2024, significantly damaging buildings around the city.
The tornadoes impacted the iconic metal warehouses that display public art and affected about 100 businesses and artists. Compounding these challenges, the owners can no longer privately manage the district after 20 years and are seeking a public or nonprofit entity to adopt this endeavor, a preferred alternative to a private development.
The district’s future hinges on a blend of ownership involving nonprofits, local government and private entities. The nominator aims to raise awareness about these challenges and the potential loss of the Railroad Square Arts District.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
9. Tarpon River Bend District — Ft. Lauderdale (c. 1920)
“The Tarpon River Bend District is home to a significant concentration of historic structures dating from Fort Lauderdale’s South Side development period, spanning 1922 to 1955. The district holds importance in education, community planning and development, entertainment, recreation and commerce, underscoring its role in Fort Lauderdale’s growth south of the New River.
Notable public facilities of historic significance within the district include Florence C. Hardy Park, the South Side School, the city’s second fire station and the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant. The diverse array of facilities and structures within the district exemplifies the Spanish Eclectic and Mediterranean Revival architectural styles, showcasing community life in Fort Lauderdale during the early to mid-20th century.
Today, the Tarpon River District faces significant development pressure. The nominator hopes inclusion on the 11 to Save list can mobilize resources, attract attention from preservationists and galvanize community support to protect these sites.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
10. Ancient Indigenous Burial Mounds on Tidy Island — Bradenton (450-1500)
“The Ancient Indigenous Burial Mounds on Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay are sacred archaeological sites dating back to the Weeden Island Period (450-1000 CE) and the Safety Harbor Period (1000-1500 CE).
They provide tangible links to Sarasota Bay’s ancient inhabitants, offering insights into burial practices, rituals and social structures through preserved artifacts like ceramics, animal bones and shells. These mounds are poignant reminders of Native peoples’ presence before European settlements and are crucial for understanding tribes such as the Calusa and Tocobaga.
Despite preservation efforts, the proposed nearby construction of over 500 single-family homes, 2,300 multi-family units and extensive commercial spaces poses a new threat. This activity could disturb centuries-old artifacts and compromise the ability to gain insight into the area’s Native occupation.
The nominator hopes to raise awareness of the site’s importance, increase resources for documentation and protect the mounds from encroaching development.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
11. Warm Mineral Springs Spa and Cyclorama — North Port (1960)
“Designed by noted Architect Jack West for Florida’s quadricentennial celebration, the Warm Mineral Springs Spa and Cyclorama was completed in 1960. Originally intended as exhibit space, the Spa and Cyclorama later served as a bathhouse, gift shop, real estate office and restaurant. Warm Mineral Springs holds significant archaeological, recreational, historical, geological and cultural importance for the community.
It is locally listed as a historic landmark and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1977. In late September 2022, Hurricane Ian damaged the Warm Mineral Springs Spa and Cyclorama. Following the storm, options for restoration were explored; however, the City Commission strongly objected to the associated costs and voted to investigate demolition.
The nominator hopes that increased awareness will foster discussion and encourage solutions that prioritize the building’s restoration and preservation.”
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
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