Eminent Domain Used to Preserve History

In Bartow, Florida, city leaders are pursuing an effort to take historic Evergreen Cemetery in an eminent domain proceeding because it has fallen into such disrepair. Broken headstones, weeds, and a general lack of maintenance are threatening to overtake the cemetery.

Historically, black residents of Bartow were buried at the site, and in the 1800s a group of trustees were deeded the land and agreed to oversee the care of the property. However, those trustees have long passed and the maintenance job was left to a few volunteers who cannot keep up with its care.

With eminent domain, the city can acquire the property and make sure it is well maintained. Since no one is left of the original trustees to compensate for the taking, the city should be able to take the property at little or no cost.  

If you are facing an eminent domain proceeding, please call 800-914-8661 or contact The Florida Property Rights Law Firm today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Florida eminent domain attorney. We help clients throughout the state of Florida get just compensation from the government for their property.