Help update the Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery

Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery in Apopka is owned and operated by the City of Apopka, yet individuals own the plots. Sadly, people do not abide by the covenants of the deed they signed, abandon the care of the plots when they move away, or have no descendants to the interred.

Some of the graves have become derelict.

The greatest problems for the caretakers are the beautiful and extraordinary decorations that cover some of the graves and are left to fade, blow in the wind, and shatter, causing danger to visitors and the caretakers. Many items are unsecured, made of ceramic, glass, or fabric, or are pendulous, becoming eye sores, damaged, or jagged.

Keith Tincher and Terry Griffin, the caretakers of the cemetery, work diligently to maintain the plots but have so much more to do. They have been very busy for the last month. Not only have they been cleaning up from our huge storm, but the holidays resulted in large numbers of floral decorations left by family members from both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Families are required to pick up the arrangements within two weeks of the holiday, but did they? We had Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Wreaths Across America, then Christmas, and now another holiday comes Monday.

To top it all off, there is always an increase in deaths at the holidays. During New Year’s week, they had a surge in the number of families selecting plots, preparing sites, and cleaning before and after burials. Then, there was their normal maintenance to conduct.

The time has come for the firm enforcement of the cemetery code. With over 6,200 of the 11,000 sold plots occupied, the caretakers can’t mow between the graves or and the funeral homes cannot maneuver backhoes or vault hoists between the rocks, fences, hanging decorations, and flowerpots.

The City Clerk's office mailed letters explaining the new enforcement policies last summer. Unfortunately, almost half of the plot owners had not maintained current addresses or had given false addresses. Subsequently, the violation notices were returned.

Starting January 11, 2024, the caretakers and some volunteers will start in Edgewater III cleaning the plots. They will remove the glass, loose materials, rocks, and fences yet permit acceptable items within twelve (12”) inches of the monument.

The point is safety for the guests and caretakers and the accommodation of caretakers and funeral workers in performing their duties as the cemetery fills. Families will still be able to decorate the graves. They will have 12” at and on the headstone to decorate with stable, permanent items that won’t break or cause injury and can leave up any special holiday decorations for up to two weeks following the respective holiday.

Contact the City Clerk Susan Bone to arrange for a plot in Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery at 407-703-1704 or Recreation (ironic—you will be resting once you get there) to contact the caretakers at 407-703-1641.

Dr. Phyllis Olmstead

Dr. Phyllis M. Olmstead is an Apopka resident, Historian, Publisher, and Educator. She is a frequent contributor to The Apopka Voice.