ST. PETERSBURG - Florida has officially joined the majority of the country to do away with greyhound racing.

It’s a decision that was made in 2018. The last races at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg were on Sunday.

The family owned organization who hoped to see their centennial is saying goodbye after 95 years.

Marketing manager Alexis Winning told Spectrum Bay News 9, “It’s been very surreal for all of us here, it’s bittersweet.”

The end to the turnstile to be used, seats to be sat on, and the end at a chance for a photo op at the track. Like for the past several years, Roscoe Thomas and grandson Jason were the firsts in line. 

While waiting, Thomas said, “It’s been here a long time and a lot of people enjoy coming here and they are going to miss them.”

In 2018, Florida voters approved Amendment 13 which will phase out live greyhound races statewide by 2021, races Jason Howard enjoyed watching with his grandfather. 

Howard said, “This is special for me, I traveled down here on Christmas to spend Christmas with him. Because this is closing, I will miss this place, I will miss those cherish moments with my grandfather.”

The Derby Lane has seen everyone from Jim Thorpe to Babe Ruth. Now those cherished memories turned to canvases and on display for fans to take home. 

Fighting back tears, Winning added, “I’m a little sad I’m not going to see those dogs tail wagging every day.”

She continued to say that they are not sure what this will turn into after demolition but they do have a few interests. The poker club will still be in use and as for the dogs, they will continue to race where it is allowed, others will live on a farm with other former racers.