The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, founded in 1978, is a non-profit organization made up of more than 1,600 members and statewide partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has announced its 2015 Preservation Awards at the 37th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference in Miami. A seven-member jury evaluates all nominations and makes final selections.
The award for Meritorious Achievement landed locally, for St. Petersburg African-American Heritage Trail. The trail is located at the intersection of 22nd Street and Ninth Avenue South and includes 22 interpretive markers along two historic sections of the community. The 22nd Street South Trail highlights Community, Culture, and Commerce; the 9th Avenue South Trail highlights Faith, Family, and Education.
If you're interested in visiting the trail, a companion website and virtual tour are available online.
Each year, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation solicits nominations for Restoration/Rehabilitation; Adaptive Use; Infill Design; Green Buildings; Archaeology; Historic Landscape; Preservation Education/Media; Organizational Achievement; Master Craftsman; Individual Distinguished Service.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2015.