This comes after the addition of Sarasota’s majority Black district to the National Register of Historic Places.
By Ramon Lopez
Original Air Date: July 5, 2024
Host: Sarasota’s historically African American neighborhood was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. And now Newtown is getting more recognition. Ramon Lopez reports.
Ramon Lopez: Newtown Community’s recent listing in the National Register of Historic Places has earned it the Florida Archeological Council Stewards of Heritage Award. Much of the credit goes to Sarasota City Senior Planner, Dr. Clifford Smith.
A vibrant sign welcomes visitors to Newtown, as the Newtown Historic District is now the single largest historic district within Sarasota and the largest Black historic district in the state of Florida. The district includes Galilee Cemetery, churches and other structures. One of the historic buildings in the district is the Leonard Reid house, now a cultural center and museum. Senior archeologist Lee Hutchinson says only one other city has been so honored.
Lee Hutchinson: This award is a testament to the significant efforts made by Sarasota citizens, commissioners, mayors, and staff to protect archaeological resources over the last 50 years. Only one other city has ever received this award, that being St. Augustine. The addition of Dr. Clifford Smith as a city planner in 2006 really spurred the advancement of the city’s preservation program. Dr. Smith has demonstrated a strong devotion to preservation and works daily with concerned citizens and elected officials to educate them about the process and the benefits of historic preservation.
RL: During Monday’s Sarasota City Commission meeting, the archeological group delivered the award to the city commissioners, citing Smith’s efforts to get the Newtown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. It was back in May that Newtown was so honored with the historic listing.
District One City Commissioner Kyle Battie, who grew up in Newtown, said “the important history and special character of Newtown will be preserved for future generations. Buildings significant to our history will not be demolished. There’s no downside for residents, no negative impact” he added.
Doctor Smith was pleased to accept the award for the city of Sarasota, as was Mary Butler, a Newtown community leader and president of the Amaryllis Park Residents Association.
Clifford Smith: This is just a supreme effort by the citizens of Newtown. As well as city staff to make this happen. We could not have had this happen, it wouldn’t have worked without the citizens of Newtown’s support and drive behind this effort.
Mary Butler: Dr. Cliff, you have done an amazing job and you have just been here for us, with us, and we’re just so happy that this is happening to Newtown, and not just Newtown, the city of Sarasota. So today we’re preserving our history, our heritage, and our culture.
RL: This is Ramon Lopez for WSLR
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