GROVELAND, Fla. — A piece of Groveland history more than a century old is officially becoming city property.
The City of Groveland will take ownership of its historic downtown train depot during a ceremony Friday, Oct. 30, following years of efforts and negotiations to transfer the privately owned property.
The depot that stands today is 101 years old and helped connect Groveland to Sanford and St. Petersburg. The site was once used to export products including citrus, timber and turpentine.
The depot also has ties to one of Central Florida’s most significant civil rights cases. According to the city, Charles Greenlee, one of the Groveland Four, was arrested at the depot when he was 16 years old.
City officials said efforts to transfer ownership of the property have been underway since around 2007. The transfer will allow Groveland to begin restoration work.
The city has budgeted $500,000 for the first phase of restoration, which is expected to begin in 2027. Future plans include an event space and a historic brick pedestrian plaza surrounding the depot that would serve as a gateway and trail hub for downtown.
The ownership transfer ceremony is scheduled for noon Friday at the depot at 122 State Road 19.
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