January 2025
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WITH NEWS AND UPDATES OF HVKBP
Learn the Story That Began in 1945
Welcome to Paradise Renewed!! Established on August 1, 1945 as Miami’s ‘Colored Only Beach’ immediately became a spot for social gatherings to tourists and residents who made trips to enjoy amenities such as the carousel, the dancing pavilion or the mini-train that would run through the enormous park.
Now, characterized by a unique and precious natural environment, the City of Miami’s largest recreational jewel serves as the ultimate recreational location for those who want to bask in the splendor of the sun and ocean
“A New Year at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: Celebrating 80 Years of History and Community”
Executive Director's Corner: Looking Forward
As we step into 2025, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all our patrons, supporters, and partners who made 2024 such an incredible year for the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Your unwavering dedication and contributions have helped us preserve this historic gem, allowing us to continue sharing its story and significance with the world.
This year is particularly special as we prepare to celebrate the park’s 80th birthday in August! Since its founding in 1945, Virginia Key Beach Park has been a beacon of history, culture, and natural beauty. As we reflect on this milestone, it’s f itting to remember the words and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who reminded us of the importance of unity, equality, and preserving spaces that foster community and connection. His legacy continues to inspire our mission to honor history and create a brighter, more inclusive future.
We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous occasion with exciting events and initiatives that highlight the park’s rich heritage and vibrant future. We invite you to join us throughout 2025 as we reflect on the park’s remarkable journey and look ahead to new opportunities for conservation, education, and community engagement. Together, we can ensure that Historic Virginia Key Beach Park continues to inspire generations to come. continues to inspire generations to come.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, prosperous New Year. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!
Warm regards,
Athalie
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA FEMA-APS
Executive Director / CEO Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
Thank you for joining us for Cookies & Cocoa
Thank you for making our annual Cookies and Cocoa event on December 14th such a wonderful success! It was a joy to share the holiday spirit with you, surrounded by community, laughter, and sweet treats.
Your presence truly warmed our hearts and made the event a memorable one. We look forward to welcoming you back for more gatherings as we continue to celebrate the history and legacy of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park included in Southern Living's 7 reasons to visit Key Biscayne
This little slice of paradise feels a bit like being in the Caribbean, but it’s right next to one of South Florida’s biggest cities. Located right across the water from Miami, Key Biscayne is filled with tranquil experiences in nature, delicious dining options with incredible views of the water, and even a little bit of history to explore.
A short drive along the Rickenbacker Causeway is all that separates Key Biscayne from Miami. If you want a break from beachfront serenity, you’re just minutes away from all the restaurants, shops, museums, and all of the other glitzy activities the South Florida metropolis has to offer. Key Biscayne’s proximity to Miami also means you’re very close to a major airport if you’re traveling by plane.
In the 1940s, beaches, along with many other places, were segregated in the South. After a “wade-in” protest in the water, Virginia Key Beach Park was legally designated as a Black-only beach. Many changes have happened since then, including the beach being added to the National Registry of Historic Places, and today, it is a popular spot with picnic areas, bike trails, a vintage carousel, and six cabins you can rent for the day, among other highlights.
Miami-Dade County Transit's Black History Tour
We’re thrilled to announce that Miami-Dade County Transit is launching a Black History Tour, and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is proud to be one of the featured stops!
This exciting new initiative highlights key locations that celebrate the rich heritage and cultural contributions of the Black community in Miami.
As part of the tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore our park learn about its historic significance, and connect with stories of resilience and progress.
Tour Dates
- Saturday, February 8, 2025
- Saturday, February 22, 2025
Stay tuned for more details on how you can join this unique journey through history. We can’t wait to welcome you and share this meaningful experience.
In the meantime, feel free to visit the Miami-Dade County Transit website for other transit related news and information.
Be Cool with a fan from Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Calling all local churches and faith based communities, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is excited to support our local faith communities by offering complimentary church fans for your congregations. These fans are a meaningful and practical way to stay cool during services while connecting with our shared history and community spirit.
If your church is interested in receiving a supply of fans, please sign up today! Simply click the link below or contact us directly to reserve yours.
Supplies are limited, so don’t wait! Let’s work together to keep our congregations comfortable and connected
Sunset Salute: Sam Moore
Habitat Restoration at Historic Virginia Key Beach
Seated behind his organ at Stax Records’ recording studio in Memphis in the Sixties, Booker T. Jones was a first-hand witness to musical history. As part of Booker T. and the MG’s, Stax’s house band, Jones played on soul landmarks by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas and especially Sam & Dave.
Two days ago, Jones heard, like most of the world, that Sam Moore had died at the age of 89, depriving American music of another legend. (His on-and-off musical partner Dave Prater died in 1988.)
Once Jones left Stax in 1970, the same year Sam & Dave broke up for the first time, Jones and Moore only worked together sporadically for the occasional tour or one-off performance (like at the White House soul tribute show in 2017). But nearly 60 years after their first sessions together, Moore continues to leave an indelible imprint on Jones, who spoke with Rolling Stone about the public and private Sam Moore.
Upcoming Event: Destination Herf Festival
Event Details:
Immerse yourself at the
Destination Herf Fest: Car Show Edition
Event Highlights:
- Old School Cars
- Food
- Music
- Vendors
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025
12 PM
Where:
Historic Virginia Key Beach
Park
4020 Virginia Beach Dr.
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: MUVE Volunteer Work Day
Event Details:
MUVE is excited to work alongside our community to care for our critical coastal habitats through nature-based volunteerism. On Saturday, January 18, we will remove invasive species and clean up the beach to enhance the coastal habitat.
We recommend:
- A reusable water bottle
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sun and bug protection
- Clothes you don’t mind
getting dirty
When: Saturday, January 18,
2025
9 AM – 11 AM
Where:
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
4020 Virginia Beach Dr.
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Board Meeting
Event Details:
We invite the community to attend the upcoming Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Board Meeting via Live Stream.
Your voice matters! Join us to hear about the latest initiatives, share your input, and be a part of shaping the future of this cherished landmark.
We look forward to seeing you there!
When: Thursday, January 23, 2025
12 Noon
Where: Via Live Stream (click link below)
Upcoming Event: Heritage Fest 2025
Event Details:
The annual Heritage Fest is an afternoon of free, fun-filled activities for the entire family. Enjoy performances by local artists, sample delicious food from a variety of vendors and jam to beats pumping onto the dance floor.
This free community event was designed to spotlight, celebrate and amplify Pan-African artists in our community. Families are welcomed!
When: Saturday, February 8, 2025 3 PM – 6 PM
Where: Adrienne Arsht Center 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Upcoming Event: HVKBP and Black Police Precinct Courthouse & Museum Presents: Historic Lunch & Learn
Event Details:
Come learn about the nation’s f irst & only Black Precinct and Courthouse, where true community policing began.
We invite you to:
- Learn the unique story of how Miami’s Black community shaped and was impacted by its legal system and law enforcement
- Enjoy a lunch provided by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
- Enter in a park raffle for a FREE pavilion rental
When: Friday, February 21,
2025
11 AM – 1 PM
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach
Park Office
4020 Virginia Beach Dr.
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: We Belong Here
Event Details:
Miami’s 21+ dance music festival, this boutique experience is refined for the world traveler, while paying homage to local culture.
Since its inception in 2021, We Belong Here events and festivals have only taken place in unique/scenic locations with a focus on room to dance, comfortable amenities, and community.
When: March 1-2, 2025
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL
33149
Upcoming Event: Stronger Together Family Fitness Challenge
Event Details:
Come join us for a fun-filled day of activities that will bring your family closer while getting fit together. Our challenge is designed to promote teamwork, health, and laughter for all ages. From relay races to yoga sessions, there’s something for everyone. Let’s strengthen our bonds and bodies together!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories and improve your family’s well-being. Mark your calendars and get ready to sweat, laugh, and bond with your loved ones. We can’t wait to see you at the Stronger Together Family Fitness Challenge!
Enjoy activities like calisthenics, yoga, and paved bike trail rides, with options for adults and kids alike. Families can also take advantage of the fun activities for the little ones.
Don’t miss this chance to stay active, bond with the community, and have fun in a beautiful outdoor setting!
Vehicle Entry Fee $10.00 (Cash Only)
When: March 8, 2025
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL
33149
We're Hiring... Join Our Team!
The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is looking for a Facilities Maintenance Manager to join our team.
If you or someone in your network is interested visit the link below to find out more information, email info@virginiakeybeachpark.net or call 305-960-4600
We are always here to help...
Teamwork makes the dream work at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park!
Every day the staff works hard to keep the beach maintained and to keep you safe while having fun!
Anytime you see us out and about in our Staff Shirts, give us a shout if you need assistance!
For more information on park rentals, click link below.
Strike, Pose, Share!
Tag us in your favorite photos outdoors. See past pics of photo ops we have been tagged in. Keep them coming in! You never know what might end up in the next newsletter.
Have a unique memory or iconic moment captured at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park?
Tag Us for a feature in the monthly newsletter.
Whether it’s a photoshoot, proposal or just a beautiful day at the beach, we would love to share your view of paradise renewed.
Be sure to tag us @VirginiaKeyBeachPark on Instagram or use #HistoricVirginiaKeyBeachPark #VirginiaKeyBeachPark #HVKBP #ISupportViginiaKeyBeachPark to Share
Show The World How Much You Love HVKBP!
Check out some of our iconic merchandise to present as a great gift. For more details on how you can purchase the iconic Historic Lifeguard t-shirt and other great items, call 305-960-4600 or click HERE.
Take a virtual field trip to #HVKBP
As you stroll through the sands of the beach or from the comfort of your home, you can listen to the lively and colorful stories of this unique Once “Colored Only” Beach.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (HVKBP) has an a multi-media interactive Virtual App.,
VK VIRTUAL that keeps you connected.
Log on to the FREE Virtual App today!!
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park – A Threshold 360 Virtual Tour brought to you by Greater Miami CVB.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located on a barrier island minutes from Downtown Miami, just north of Key Biscayne. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to Sunset (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). Picnic Pavilions, Cabanas and Barbeque grills are available throughout the park for picnics, birthdays, weddings, photoshoots and so much more.
Have an event you would like to host at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park? Volunteer or participate in the many programs and activities the park has to offer.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Main: 305-960-4600
Fax: 305-960-4620
info@virginiakeybeachpark.net
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