PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson says the city is looking into renaming Lee Square, named for the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Florida Square.
Robinson said he is pushing for the renaming to be addressed at the July 16 Pensacola City Council meeting. The area was once known as Florida Square before being renamed Lee Square years ago, Robinson said.
A Confederate monument stands in Lee Square, which is located in downtown Pensacola. The city is looking into what can be done about the monument as well.
Robinson has suggested adding other items, so everyone’s history is included at the square.
A petition has been started calling for the removal of the monument. As of Wednesday afternoon, it had more than 12,000 signatures.
However, some residents believe the monument should stay.
“Without learning from history, we’re bound to repeat it, especially with times right now,” said Matt Colville, a Pensacola resident and city employee. “It’s like we’re not learning from things we’ve learned in the past.”
Robinson said Wednesday regardless of the decision made by the council, more has to be done to make sure everyone’s history is included at the square and throughout Pensacola.
“The main thing is that everybody feel comfortable and represented,” Robinson said. “That has to happen.”
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