New documentary, RAZED, shares the untold story of St. Pete’s Gas Plant neighborhood

a man stands in front of a large stadium with a closed dome
Carlos Lovett grew up in the Gas Plant Neighborhood and he shares his memories of playing there as a child. | Photo by Roundhouse Creative

A powerful new documentary, RAZED: Lies, Baseball, and the Price of Progress, will shed light on the untold story of St. Petersburg’s Gas Plant neighborhood—a lively Black community displaced to make way for Tropicana Field. The film, a must-see for all history enthusiasts, premieres on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity (2333 34th Street South).

Directed and produced by Andrew Lee and Tara Segall of Roundhouse CreativeRAZED is a powerful narrative that captures the essence of the Gas Plant District through first-hand accounts from former residents. With support from the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg and the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, the film delves into the lives of families, business owners, and community members uprooted by promises of economic development that never fully materialized, delivering a message that is crucial for our understanding of community displacement.

“This story is deeply personal for so many,” shared Gwendolyn Reese of the African American Heritage Association. “By sharing these voices and memories, we hope to honor the legacy of the Gas Plant Neighborhood and inspire thoughtful consideration about the future of development in St. Pete and beyond.”

two men speak to one another on a sidewalk near the will call ticket booths of a stadium
Russell Cato and William Graveley reminisce about growing up in the Gas Plant Neighborhood and the impact of neighborhood mentors. | Photo by Roundhouse Creative

Engage with a significant piece of St. Pete history

The premiere offers an opportunity to engage with the history of St. Pete and participate in meaningful discussions about displacement and equitable urban development. Add this info to your calendar:

  • When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Where: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg’s Center for Health Equity, 2333 34th Street South
  • Admission: Free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Register at gasplantfilm.com.

As St. Petersburg navigates future development plans for the Gas Plant District, RAZED serves as a historical record and a call to immediate action. Through archival footage and personal stories, the documentary underscores the urgent need to preserve cultural and historical integrity, sparking honest conversations and inspiring change.

Be among the first to witness this compelling narrative, connect with local filmmakers, and honor the voices of a community that played a vital role in shaping the city’s history.

For more information, visit gasplantfilm.com or watch the preview trailer.

a woman stands in front of bookshelves
Gwendolyn Reese, former resident of the Gas Plant Neighborhood and producer on the Razed film project, shares her personal experience of living in the neighborhood. | Photo by Roundhouse Creative
Made possible by Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete

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