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Charlotte Street now open after excavation but research on ancient burial not over

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — After four years of on and off excavation on Charlotte Street, construction crews are packing up and moving out.

But for city archaeologist Andrea White, the work is far from over.

"We're going to have to do a lot more investigation once we've been pulled out of the field," said White.

Beneath the dirt and rubble, more than 60 burials and 25 architectural features were documented.

It's all part of the story of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, the first catholic parish in St. Augustine built, in 1574.

"It is such a significant site not just to St. Augustine but to Florida and the nation," said White. "All of the parishioners would've been interred or buried in the floor of the church."

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White and University of Florida scholars will soon begin work to find out more about the people who were likely some of the first St. Augustinians.

For White, it's a humbling experience to be a part of.

"There was one day that we were working sort of on the lower feet section of several individuals and you're thinking, ‘These are the same people that walked the same streets that were walking today,'" she said.

Under state law, White and her team have roughly two years to put together a report on their findings.

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