The Oak Tree Union Colored Cemetery of Taylorville, a historical Black cemetery recently rescued from decades of neglect, celebrated its official reopening and dedication in Groveland. According to Spectrum Local News, the cemetery saw tears, hugs, and smiles from community members and descendants of those interred, including 10 Army veterans who were finally given a formal military funeral.

Descendant of a World War I veteran buried at the site, Cassandra Brown-Davis, recounted the challenges her family faced in locating her grandfather's grave. "Oftentimes we pass this, but we didn’t have any idea what was behind this except my mother said to us that her father was buried somewhere in this area,” Brown-Davis stated, as per ClickOrlando. A state restoration grant of nearly $500,000, coupled with tireless local efforts, led to the successful renovation, rendering the cemetery accessible and allowing Brown-Davis and others to visit their ancestors' final resting places easily.

Groveland Fire Chief Kevin Carroll spearheaded the restoration project in 2021. Carroll emphasized community involvement as a galvanizing force for the successful restoration. "Suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore. I had the men and women of the fire department, Groveland Police department. I had an entire city, but a community came together and supported all of us," Carroll told the crowd during the dedication ceremony, as reported by Spectrum Local News. Volunteers and local businesses contributed significantly to the project, bringing it from conception to fruition.

The city of Groveland has taken ownership of the cemetery and will ensure its maintenance in the future.