After months of interviewing, reporting, writing, and illustrating, the Gas Plant Reporting Project is ready for reveal.

Entirely produced by Pinellas Journeys in Journalism students, the project examines the impact the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field could have on residents and businesses within its proximity and how the reimagining of the area will address injustices enacted 40 years ago when the former predominately Black Gas Plant neighborhood was razed to become home for the Tampa Bay Rays.

The public event on Wednesday, April 24 from 6pm-8pm at the SPC Midtown campus will give residents and community stakeholders the chance to ask questions and to consider how the students’ voice and perspective can make a difference in what happens with that land.

Please join us!

The stories come to life through the eyes of student journalists at Melrose Elementary, John Hopkins Middle, and Lakewood High schools, all located in nearby neighborhoods:

* Grades K-5 students will take photographs and create artwork for installation at the school, online and at other local venues.

* Middle school students will interview longtime residents, civic and business leaders, and students, staff and teachers at the school to generate oral histories to be shared via podcast.

* High school students will research, write and produce a short documentary on the history of the Gas Plant area and its redevelopment.

For more information please contact Tara Newsom at newsom.tara@spcollege.edu