TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State Sen. Tom Leek has filed laws to determine the Florida Museum of Black Historical past in St. Johns County, advancing the state’s dedication to preserving and sharing the contributions of Black Floridians to the state’s historical past.
SB 308 would create a board of administrators to supervise the fee, building, operation and administration of the museum. The invoice builds on the work of the Florida Museum of Black Historical past Process Pressure, which beforehand chosen St. Johns County as the popular location.
“I firmly imagine that we can not inform the historical past of Florida with out additionally telling the historical past of Black Floridians,” Leek mentioned in an announcement.
“The museum can be constructed on the previous web site of Florida Memorial College, which has historic significance right here in St. Johns County, and I sit up for working with our group and our state in furtherance of this important designation,” Leek mentioned.
The invoice additionally directs that the newly fashioned board collaborate with the Basis for the Museum of Black Historical past Inc., and the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners, which is able to present administrative help till the state completes the museum’s organizational framework.
Earlier this 12 months, St. Johns County hosted a celebration marking the state’s $1 million appropriation for planning and design of the museum in West Augustine. The occasion honored the efforts of state and county leaders, group members and advocates who helped advance the challenge.
On Oct. 8, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners unanimously permitted a decision authorizing a floor lease settlement with the Florida Memorial College Basis Inc., permitting use of the college’s former campus web site in St. Augustine as the house of the long run museum.
If handed, SB 308 would take impact July 1, 2026.
