Grand Reopening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Open House to Showcase New Options for Pinellas Families
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (January 16, 2026) – A cornerstone of the St. Petersburg community for more than 70 years, Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes is renewing its commitment to the families it has long served. On Friday, January 23, 2026, the Anderson-McQueen team will be joined by Mayor Kenneth T. Welch to unveil a nearly $1 million reinvestment in the Tyrone Family Tribute Center at 7820 38th Avenue North. The project preserves the funeral home’s trusted legacy while ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of Pinellas County families – delivering dignity, choice and affordability at life’s most difficult moments.
While the renovation was initiated to address damage caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024, Anderson-McQueen viewed the effort as more than a repair. The project became an opportunity to thoughtfully strengthen the facility for the future – reflecting a responsibility to the community that extends well beyond restoring what was lost.
“This was an opportunity to honor both the past and the future,” said Thomas Matthews, area vice president for Orlando-based Foundation Partners Group, which has proudly supported Anderson-McQueen since 2017. “Anderson-McQueen has earned the trust of this community over decades, and with that trust comes responsibility. Rather than simply restoring the building, we invested with intention – creating welcoming, flexible spaces that support gathering, reflection and remembrance in ways that feel personal and meaningful to every family.”
The renovation introduces a cohesive design approach to finishes and furnishings, resulting in an environment that is durable, consistent and purpose-driven – aligned with how families gather and grieve today. Matthews said the redesigned spaces go far beyond what residents would expect in a traditional funeral home including:
- A thoughtfully designed area for children of all ages, offering comfort and space for younger family members during services.
- Improved facilities for pet cremation services, including a refreshed chapel that allows families to grieve beloved pets in a supportive, healing environment.
- An upgraded care and cremation viewing center, providing families with the option to witness the cremation process in a way that honors cultural traditions, personal preferences and transparency.
“Our cremation viewing room has been completely reimagined to meet the needs of families who ask to be present,” Matthews said. “For many, witnessing the cremation is an important step in the grieving process. This space allows families to say a final goodbye privately, comfortably and surrounded by love – an experience rooted in respect and care.”
Community members and local business and civic leaders are invited to tour the newly renovated facility during the grand reopening celebration and open house on January 23rd from 3 to 6 p.m. At 3:30, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Chris Steinocher will join Mayor Welch and Anderson-McQueen leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and brief remarks. The event also will include a silent auction to help the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care expand services to Pinellas County – underscoring Anderson-McQueen’s ongoing commitment to community partnership and compassionate care.
“Funeral homes don’t have days off; they serve the community 24/7, 365 days a year and this renovation will ensure Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes can continue their excellent standard of service for years to come,” said Mayor Welch. “While families are navigating grief and loss, they can come to this space and be met with kindness, compassion and respect. The City of St. Petersburg is proud to support the reopening of the Tyron Family Tribute Center and their ongoing work in the community.”
Throughout the event, Anderson-McQueen’s community partners will be on site, offering resources and conversation around healthcare, grief support and end-of life planning. Local Anderson-McQueen preneed funeral and cemetery advisors also will be available to schedule future planning appointments, helping families make informed decisions on their own terms.
“We are deeply proud of this investment in Pinellas County,“ Mathews said. “As part of the Foundation Partners Group, Anderson-McQueen is able to reinvest locally – ensuring families have access to meaningful choices, clear pricing and compassionate care, from the most personalized celebrations of life to the simplest, most affordable cremation options. We are honored to serve veterans by helping them understand and access the benefits they have earned, and we look forward to serving this community with purpose, transparency and care for generations to come.”
ABOUT ANDERSON-MCQUEEN
Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes has set the gold standard in compassionate care and exemplary service to families in the Greater Tampa -St. Petersburg area since 1952. Led by local professionals and supported by Foundation Partners Group, Anderson-McQueen’s two locations are part of a network of funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries, dedicated to offering personalized, transparent and affordable services that reflect the values and wishes of every family. For more information visit https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/funeral-cremation/florida/st-petersburg/anderson-mcqueen-tyrone-family-tribute-center/flamt.html
