Legacy in Motion: The Heritage Brief (May 2026 Edition)
Community, Leadership, and Celebration
FCMGC celebrates 40 Years with the United Way of Citrus County
Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery is honored to stand alongside organizations and leaders dedicated to preserving history, serving our community, and building a stronger future for Citrus County.
Congratulations to the United Way of Citrus County on four decades of extraordinary work, service, and meaningful impact within our community.
Pictured are Vicki Sawyer Lindo, Owner of BraLonni’s Estate and Premier Event Venue and Treasurer for Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery; Gerry Mulligan, Publisher Emeritus of the Citrus County Chronicle and Co-Founder of the United Way of Citrus County; and Andrea K. McCray, President of Andrea K & Co and President/CEO of Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Together, we celebrate the power of leadership, partnership, preservation, and community service.
Active Preservation Initiatives
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Survey
The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Study has officially begun at the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, established in 1884. This important preservation initiative — $30,000 funded through partnership and support from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources — represents a major step forward in documenting and protecting one of Citrus County’s historic African American cemeteries. The Gulf Archaeological Research Institute (GARI) is conducting the study.
Over the coming weeks, the cemetery’s entire 3.17 acres of active burial grounds will be surveyed using non-invasive Ground Penetrating Radar technology. The purpose of this work is to accurately identify burial locations, document gravesites, and help establish more complete historical burial records for future generations. Several important updates regarding the project:
1) Due to additional requirements recently requested by the State of Florida, the GPR field survey has become far more extensive than originally anticipated.
2) The GPR Survey started with the back, right quadrant (near the area where remains were previously un-interred). Preliminary findings reveal that this entire section is FULL of sunken burials. We believe this may represent one of the oldest portions of the cemetery.
3) We also want to provide important context regarding the scale of this initiative. A Ground Penetrating Radar study of this magnitude — including field survey work, historical research, data analysis, project management, mapping, and documentation — would typically cost approximately $85,000.
Through extraordinary partnership and shared commitment to historic preservation, a significant portion of the services, expertise, labor, and resources necessary to complete this project have been generously donated by our partners.
Headstone and Monument Assessment
At the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery (est. 1884), we conducted a comprehensive Headstone and Monument Assessment across all 3.17 acres of the active burial grounds today — and made several meaningful discoveries along the way.
1) Given the age and historic nature of the cemetery, the existing monuments and headstones are in remarkably good condition overall. While some repairs and preservation work are needed, the number of severely damaged markers was relatively small.
2) During the assessment, we identified quite a few more headstones of people born in the 1800s.
3) For many of the broken headstones identified, the original fragments and pieces were located nearby, which is encouraging from a preservation standpoint, as many of these markers may be repairable and restored.
Every survey, assessment, and preservation effort continues to deepen our understanding of the history, legacy, and significance of the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery. This work matters — not only for our community today, but for future generations who deserve to know and honor those who came before them.
Flood Mitigation Study Update – Project Postponed
The Ground Penetrating Radar study has become significantly more extensive than originally anticipated, requiring us to reallocate the funds that had originally been designated for the cemetery’s flood mitigation initiative.
The findings thus far have been truly remarkable. The survey team is identifying a substantial number of burials throughout multiple sections of the cemetery — particularly within areas we believe may represent some of the oldest burial grounds on the property. T he magnitude, density, and historical importance of what is being uncovered far exceeds our initial expectations.
Because of the extensive nature, urgency, and cost associated with these discoveries, the decision was made to redirect the flood mitigation funding toward the continuation and expansion of the GPR survey efforts.
At this stage, documenting, protecting, and preserving burial locations has become the immediate priority. This work is critical not only for Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, established in 1884, but also for the preservation of African American history and historic burial records within Citrus County and the State of Florida.
We remain deeply grateful to the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, Gulf Archaeological Research Institute (GARI), and all partners supporting this extraordinary preservation effort. Additional updates will be shared as the project progresses.
National Black Cemetery Network Conference | St. Pete, FL
From Sacred Ground to National Recognition: Andrea K. McCray Highlights Historic Preservation Efforts at the National Black Cemetery Network Conference
Andrea K. McCray was honored to serve as a Spotlight Speaker at the National Black Cemetery Network Conference, held in St. Petersburg, FL at the University of South Florida, May 21-22, 2026.
She had the privilege of presenting the work of Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery and sharing the preservation initiatives currently underway at the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, established in 1884.
What began as a local preservation effort has grown into something far greater — meaningful archaeological discovery, historical documentation, community engagement, veteran recognition, and the protection of sacred ground for future generations.
The ongoing work at Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery continues to reveal the profound historical significance of this treasured site and the importance of preserving the stories, lives, and legacies resting within its grounds. Andrea shared her deep appreciation for the dedicated team, volunteers, partners, archaeologists, supporters, and community members whose collective efforts are helping move this important mission forward.
Preservation matters.
History matters.
People matter.
Honoring History Through Leadership: Rep. Fentrice Driskell Addresses the National Black Cemetery Network Conference
We were honored to welcome Representative Fentrice Driskell as our Keynote Speaker for the National Black Cemetery Network Conference.
Her legislative leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in helping provide critical resources, visibility, and support for historically Black cemeteries throughout Florida. Through her efforts, important conversations surrounding preservation, cultural heritage, historical documentation, and the protection of sacred burial grounds continue to move forward in meaningful and impactful ways.
As stewards of the Historic Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, established in 1884, we deeply appreciate leaders who understand that preserving these historic spaces is not simply about land — it is about honoring history, protecting legacy, and ensuring that the stories of our communities are never forgotten.
Thank you, Representative Driskell, for your commitment to preservation, advocacy, and service. Your leadership continues to make a lasting difference for historic cemeteries and communities across Florida.
Stand With Us in Stewardship
Together, we are preserving history, honoring lives, and protecting sacred ground. Make your gift today and help carry this mission forward and/or join our volunteer community and help safeguard a place of history and reverence.
Be Part of the Work That Matters.