Bartow may use eminent domain to retake historic cemetery
“The Evergreen Cemetery in Bartow has fallen into such a sad state that city leaders have decided to pursue an effort to take the property by eminent domain.
City council members say the cemetery, along HWY 60 at the western edge of Bartow, is historically a burial site for black residents, and in the 1800’s was deeded to a group of trustees who would oversee the property.
But as those trustees have died off, the cemetery has reportedly fallen into a sad state: broken headstones, weeds and a lack of maintenance.
Volunteers do some of the work, but not enough, and the city finds itself sending in workers anyway to maintain it as best they can.”
Glasser, Eric. WTSP News 26 July 2013.