The Brief A historic Black cemetery in Crystal River has fallen into disrepair after decades of flooding and neglect. Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery was established in 1884 as one of the area’s earliest burial sites for Black residents. READ: Shrimpers for life: A Tampa legacy on the lineWhat we know:In 2023, the McCrays launched the non-profit "Friends of the Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery." What they're saying:Andrea McCray, the president of Friends of the Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery, said the effort is deeply personal. This is a community cemetery, so it does not have a dedicated caretaker," McCray said.