Hillsborough County planning commissioners on Jan. 12 unanimously found a proposed local historic landmark designation for the Waimama Memorial Cemetery consistent with the county comprehensive plan.

Colleen Marshall of the county’s development services team told the commission the cemetery, at 6012 and 6014 Adena Street in the Bethune/Waimama neighborhood, spans about 4.75 acres and “lies within a historically African American neighborhood.” Two ground‑penetrating‑radar surveys in 2023, Marshall said, revealed numerous unmarked graves that are now identified with silver crosses to ensure recognition and protection.

The designation, Marshall said, would protect the cemetery from disturbance, ensure stewardship of graves and honor the site’s cultural and spiritual significance. Staff also noted the site meets multiple Hillsborough County landmark criteria and is consistent with comprehensive‑plan objective 3.5 and related policy language supporting preservation of historically and archaeologically significant resources.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about ownership and site features; staff confirmed portions of the property, including a church parcel where burials exist, remain owned by the First Prospect Missionary Baptist Church and that physical changes to the church building itself were not being recommended for inclusion in the landmark. After questions, Commissioner Lauck moved to find the designation consistent with the comprehensive plan; Commissioner Kugler seconded. The commission voted by voice and the motion carried unanimously.

The planning commission’s consistency finding is an advisory determination to the jurisdictions involved; any additional procedural steps required for local landmark designation will follow the county’s established review and adoption process. The commission also submitted the consultant report and analysis to the clerk for the public record.