TAMPA, Fla. — MacDill Air Force Base officials received an initial draft report of findings on the base from an archaeologist team Friday.
New South Associates addressed findings from an extensive site survey on base grounds in search of a historic burial site. It is assumed to be the Port Tampa Cemetery.
On Feb. 18 2020, an archaeologist team began a physical survey of a speculated area on base. The speculated area was based on archival research from numerous sources, including historical documents and eye witness testimony, the release said.
Information regarding the site originated from a 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) report.
MacDill officials are consulting with stakeholders in the community that includes the City of Tampa, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and local Native American tribes. Those groups will review the initial draft report and determine the next steps to be taken.
