TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Concerns are being raised about a proposed development on land owned by a Hillsborough County cemetery.  

Showmen’s Rest, which owns the cemetery, is looking to sell this piece of land that it owns, drawing fierce opposition from people like Aileen Henderson.

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“It’s not okay to build on top of human remains,” she said. “It’s just not okay.”

There are no gravestones in the area in question, but Henderson claims remains could be buried there. She told 8 On Your Side she first got involved with the cemetery when it first fended off development plans in 2021.

“My great-great grandparents sit very close to the Potter’s Field, which is where they wanted to develop,” she said.

At the Hillsborough County Planning Commission Monday, Matt Sienk brought light to concerns he’s heard.

“There’s always been talk, and I don’t know if it’s true or not,” he said. “It would be in Potter’s Field, and there’s concerns that should be preserved, as what it is.”

Tampa City Council prevented residences being built on this portion of land in 2022. Now that the land is at the center of attention again, Henderson is gearing up for another fight.

“I don’t want my great great grandparents who were expected to rest in peace and death to have to contend with development,” she said.

John Perzia, president of Showmen’s Rest, said the group bought the land from the city, and that if people are buried there, the city needs to deal with it.

8 On Your Side asked the city if it had conducted any inspections to confirm whether there were remains there. A spokesperson said they hadn’t inspected the land, which is private property.

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