There is a new effort underway in Hillsborough County to preserve the area's African-American history. 

  • Hillsborough Comission approves council to target preservation of black history sites
  • Commissioner Victor Crist leading effort
  • Landmarks could include Jackson House in downtown Tampa

County commissioners have given preliminary approval to the formation of a council that would identify sites that in need of protection. 

The group could identify up to 50 sites with ties to the black community. Money for the group to use would come from private funds and taxpayers. 

Targeted landmarks could include the historic Jackson House on Zack Street in downtown Tampa, a century-old former rooming house where black entertainers and important figures stayed while visiting Tampa.

Commissioner Victor Crist has been working on the proposal for three years. 

"I believe there's an untapped resource," Crist said. "That could and would have a genuine interest in protecting, preserving and growing black history and black culture in Tampa and Hillsborough county and throughout our cities."

Commissioners also approved a measure paving the way for a new black history museum to built in the future.