submitted by David Jones, City of Groveland
After years of efforts and negotiations, Downtown Groveland’s historic train depot will be officially handed over to the City in a ceremony honoring the significance of the site and featuring both dignitaries and invested members of the public.
The train depot was built more than a century ago and has played a pivotal role in the development of Groveland. The first depot was built as the City, originally called Taylorville, became part of the Orange Belt Railway System in the early 20th century. The second depot, which still stands today, is 101 years old and has (up until now) always been privately owned.
Groveland became connected to both Sanford and to St. Petersburg with this train depot. It was the site of the export of crops and materials like turpentine, citrus and timber.
The depot was also the site of the arrest of a member of the Groveland Four: Charles Greenlee, who was just 16 years old at the time. The name “Groveland Four” would later become synonymous with racial injustice as the 1949 incident of wrongful accusation, arrests, and prosecution of four Black men in South Lake County took place.
Proclamations from both the City and Lake County would acknowledge the history and importance of the Four, and recent legislative efforts resulted in reparations for the descendants of the Groveland Four.
“This handoff is a momentous occasion for the City of Groveland as we take a huge step forward in preserving history,” said Groveland Mayor Keith Keogh. “Our community’s honest and real history should be recognized as we work to create a more engaged and informed City.”
Since around 2007, efforts have been made to press for and negotiate the transfer of ownership to the City, which would allow for restoration efforts to commence. After working with our partners at the Avalon Group and Carabao International, the City is prepared to take possession of the train depot site.
“So many individuals have been involved in making this dedication a reality,” said Groveland Interim City Manager Tim Maslow. “We want to thank our private partners who have worked with the City to transfer ownership, and we look forward to opening the newly renovated and reimagined train depot property to the public.”
The City has budgeted $500,000 toward the first phase of the restoration, which is slated to commence in 2027. An additional phase, including an event space, will be an immediate next step shortly after restoring the existing structure. There will also be a historic, brick pedestrian plaza surrounding the train depot to serve as a gateway and trail hub entering Downtown Groveland.
