Historic Preservation

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," architect Jerel McCants gives his perspective on what it will take to transform the landmark — which has fallen into disrepair — into a museum, as well as how he first became interested in the project.

If you asked Florida natives to describe what exactly old Florida is, you may not arrive at a single definition. It's a combination of space, culture and community.

With drought spreading across north Florida, water levels are quickly falling, exposing creek beds and shorelines where many of these once submerged relics now sit.

The fate of a more than century-old downtown Sarasota building could be headed to court following a last-ditch effort from a preservation group trying to stop it from being razed for luxury condos.

The historical park and museum is launching the “Power of Place” oral history program.

Some wonder if the Hillsborough County neighborhood will be swallowed up by development, but leaders are taking action to protect it through funding and seeking historic designation.

Officials for the Levy County island hamlet hope the new recognition from National Trust for Historic Preservation brings needed attention and financial help to protect its piece of "Old Florida."

The show at Legoland started in the 1940s, when the theme park was known as Cypress Gardens. The park is ending the show with plans to focus on new projects like the Sea Life Aquarium opening in the spring.

A developer bought the Colson and wanted to tear it down, saying the structure would require millions to fix. But a local company with another plan bought the structure after building an alliance of local leaders.

Anand Pallegar, the founder of Dream Large, which aims to drive social change in communities, says a coalition of groups is working to buy and revitalize the century-old structure.

Known originally as the Colson Hotel for Negroes, the building at 1425 Eighth St. was one of the few places in southwest Florida where Black people could stay during the Jim Crow era.

Some people are worried that extended construction will hinder businesses and residents in Ybor City; Tampa officials are working to try to limit any possible negative impacts.