The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced the 2024 Florida’s 11 to Save, a list of the most threatened historic places in the state, at the 2024 Preservation on Main Street conference hosted in collaboration with Florida Main Street.
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the state’s nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Each year, the Florida Trust announces its 11 to Save sites, which are nominated by the public and reflect the historic places that matter to local communities. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, highlight the breadth of Florida’s unique history, inspire unique collaborations and empower local preservationists and community groups in their work to preserve Florida’s rich history.
The 2024 11 to Save represents endangered historic resources in Broward, Charlotte, Duval, Escambia, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Orange, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties, covering hundreds of years of history and a variety of cultural resources.
“The 2024 Florida’s 11 to Save reflect the extraordinary breadth and depth of stories that make up the cultural mosaic of our state,” said Florida Trust Board President Mike Cosden. “By safeguarding these sites, we’re not just preserving buildings and landscapes, but also the diverse histories and voices that contribute to our shared heritage.”
Inclusion in Florida’s 11 to Save is a starting point for the Florida Trust’s advocacy and education efforts and is intended to be part of a collaborative effort to identify custom solutions for each property. Listings are not in any order of importance.
Ancient Indigenous Burial Mounds on Tidy Island
Bradenton, Manatee County Established from 500 CE to 30 CE
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’ enduring presence before modern settlements and are crucial for understanding tribes such as the Calusa and Tocobaga. Despite preservation efforts, proposed nearby construction for over 500 single-family homes, 2,300 multi-family units, and extensive commercial spaces poses new threats by potentially disturbing centuries-old artifacts and compromising their historical integrity.
Blanchard House Museum
Punta Gorda, Charlotte County Built 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. It 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. Located at the former site of Gollman’s Bar, a vibrant gathering place for African Americans, the museum honors their contributions despite suffering significant damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Closed since September 28, 2022, due to roof damage and mold growth, the nomination for the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places seeks awareness and funding for its restoration.
Central Elementary School
Ocala, Marion County Built 1907
Historic Central Elementary School, built in 1907, was one of the very few brick-and-mortar schools of its time and the first in Ocala when it was constructed. Its name ‘Central’ originated from its location adjacent to the existing area in Downtown Ocala. Currently, Central Elementary, which houses the Marion County School Board, sits vacant. Due to the School Board outgrowing this space, they are seeking a new location. Various proposals have been put forth, including constructing new office buildings on the site
For years, the Marion County School Board has discussed developing and expanding this property to integrate with other nearby properties for a larger administrative complex. Concerns have arisen that the School Board may decide to demolish this historic property without adequate consultation or public notification. Therefore, there is hope that its placement on the 11 to Save list will raise awareness and ensure it receives the attention it deserves.
Greater El-Beth-El Divine Holiness Church
Jacksonville, Duval County Built 1911
The Greater El-Beth-El Divine Holiness Church stands as a testament to Jacksonville’s rich 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. However, over time, numerous 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 church’s once abundant stained art glass has been lost due to this roof deterioration.
John A Gibson School
Pensacola, Escambia County Built 1921
Born in Nassau, Bahamas, in 1827, John A. Gibson arrived in Pensacola in 1872 and became a leader in the city’s new post-war education system. He also served as a city alderman in 1879, 1882, and 1885. 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. However, its 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 feels that for too long, African American history has been neglected in this community. The building stands as a visual representation of what preservation and adaptive reuse can achieve, and the inspiration it can provide. More celebrations of African American history and culture are needed in this community.
Orange City Shuffleboard Club
Orange City Shuffleboard Club, Volusia County Built c. 1918
From 1918 to 1928, the building functioned as Orange City’s inaugural Town Hall, coinciding with the town’s first municipal votes by women. In 1944, the Orange City Shuffleboard Club was founded on land owned by the Village Improvement Association. By 1955, the building was moved to its current site to serve as the club’s clubhouse, undergoing expansion by 1975. In 1998, the land was sold to Orange County for senior recreation, now owned by the city. Recognized since 2004 as a contributing structure in the city’s National Register Historic District, discussions are ongoing regarding the city’s plans to demolish both the shuffleboard courts and the building for a parking lot. While talks of relocating the building and constructing new courts elsewhere continue, final plans are pending. The Orange City Historic Preservation Board denied a demolition permit in 2023, leading to an appeal, with a decision postponed to a later date following a March 2024 City Council meeting.
The nominator believes that listing on the 11 to Save will raise awareness because removing a contributing structure from a National Register Historic District diminishes its significance. The site has historically served as a social gathering place and recreational facility benefiting all Orange City residents, enriching the district’s heritage.
Orchard Villa Elementary School
Miami, Miami-Dade County Built c. 1948
Orchard Villa was the first elementary school in the entire state of Florida to begin integrating its students. Located in Miami, Florida, Orchard Villa is a small concrete elementary school nestled within a residential community. However, its existence is continually threatened by the 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, which faces ongoing challenges due to the proliferation of charter schools in the area.
Plumb House
Clearwater, Pinellas County Built 1896
The Plumb House is a two-story wood frame Florida vernacular home built in 1896. Originally serving as both a hardware store and apartments for the Belleview Hotel, it became unnecessary once the hotel opened in 1898. It was subsequently purchased by CS Reynolds, a Baptist priest and newspaper owner, who relocated it closer to downtown Clearwater. Reynolds transformed it into a single-family home for his sister, Jennie Plumb, a widow and teacher with three children. Jeannie Plumb notably 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 underwent changes in ownership and was leased out, leading to a significant decline in maintenance. As a result, it now requires extensive repairs. The City is reluctant to fund preservation efforts and favors demolishing the house. The Clearwater Historical Society, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, managed to buy some time through their hard work and limited resources, performing necessary repairs. However, they currently lack the funding required for comprehensive restoration to prevent demolition. The nominator aims to raise awareness and funds to enhance the home’s chances of survival through repair and restoration efforts.
Railroad Square Art District
Tallahassee, Leon County Built c. 1941
Railroad Square Art District in Tallahassee, a hub of local commercial arts and cultural establishments, along with creative local entrepreneurs housed in WWII-era warehouses (c. 1941), faces uncertainty after two EF-2 tornadoes struck on May 10, 2024. The tornadoes damaged iconic metal warehouses housing public art and affected about 100 businesses and artists. Compounding these challenges, owners of over 20 years can no longer privately manage the district and seek public or non-profit ownership to prevent it from being sold to developers.
The district’s future hinges on a blend of ownership involving non-profits, local government, and private entities. The listing on the 11 to Save list aims to raise awareness about these issues, as the potential loss of the Railroad Square Arts District would be irreplaceable and would diminish its status as Tallahassee’s cultural centerpiece.
Tarpon River Bend District
Ft. Lauderdale, Broward County Established c. 1922
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 and 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 the multifaceted development and vibrant community life in Fort Lauderdale during the early to mid-20th century.
Today, the Tarpon River District faces significant development pressure. The nominator hopes that inclusion on the 11 to Save list can mobilize resources, attract attention from preservationists, and galvanize community support to protect these sites.
Warm Mineral Springs Spa and Cyclorama
North Port, Sarasota County Built 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. 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, Category 4 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.