The Brief
- Dr. Walter L. Smith Library and Museum was heavily damaged during Hurricane Milton, which tore off the roof of the 117-year-old building.
- Community members gathered at the annual “Fish, Grits, and Black History” event to raise funds and support rebuilding efforts.
- Construction on a redesigned campus is expected to begin within two months and take about a year and a half to complete.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Dr. Walter L. Smith Library and Museum, located on Dr. Walter L. Smith Avenue in Tampa, sustained major damage during Hurricane Milton.
According to owner Walter L. Smith II, the storm “tore the roof clean off,” leaving collapsed ceilings and electrical damage inside the historic structure.
Timeline:…