TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa city leaders are taking steps to protect unmarked graves across the city.

During their Thursday morning meeting, they will discuss how they can help property owners find unmarked graves on their land, and how the city can protect the graves.

Nothing will be decided during the meeting, council will only hold a discussion.

This comes after an open field near Tampa’s Woodlawn Cemetery was thrown in the middle of controversy. The owners, The Greater Tampa Showmen’s Club, are trying to sell the land.

According to many, there are unmarked graves on the property, graves of people who were the backbone of the area.

“Woodlawn, the uniqueness here, they’re the laborers. They helped build Tampa,” said Aileen Henderson.

The land has been discussed before, in 2022, the owners tried to re-zone the property for single-family homes to be built. Three years ago, city council unanimously voted that down.

Now, groups like the NAACP are fighting back.

“It is time for the city to step in and take some action and understand the importance of preserving African American Cemeteries,” said Yvette Lewis, Hillsborough County NAACP President.

Aileen Henderson, with the Cemetery Society, said this is land where those who could not afford a headstone or proper burial have been laid to rest. She said that is the way the land should stay.

“There are bodies buried on that parcel that they want to develop on. I don’t care if it’s a townhouse, I don’t care if it’s one home. It doesn’t matter; development is development. There are bodies on the property. We are here to make sure we protect them,” Henderson said.

8 On Your Side reached out to the Greater Tampa Showmen’s Club last week, and did not get a response.

The meeting will be held at City Hall, beginning at 9:00 a.m.