Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Miami’s only former Colored beach, celebrates its 80th anniversary with a three-day event from August 1–3. The celebration includes a museum project launch, community activities, tours, art, and a Poetry Potluck honoring the park’s cultural legacy. The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust invites the community to join in commemorating eight decades of history and resilience.
Endangered sea turtles on Virginia Key face growing threats not only from climate change and beach erosion, but also from a surge in raccoon populations. MORAES found that over 60% of nests were disturbed in 2023, with an estimated 2,000 hatchlings lost. To protect the turtles, the nonprofit plans to humanely relocate raccoons to areas in the Everglades where their numbers have sharply declined, while continuing to monitor and assess the local population.
Endangered sea turtles in South Florida face growing threats from climate change and beach erosion — and now, a surge in raccoons. On Virginia Key, raccoons raid sea turtle nests each season, with MORAES reporting that over 60% were disturbed in 2023. The group estimates more than 2,000 hatchlings have been lost to predation.
Just minutes from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne is a five-mile island paradise known for its pristine beaches, lush parks, and elegant seaside dining. Enjoy skyline views from the Rusty Pelican, savor global flavors at Costa Med Bistro + Wine, or unwind at The Ritz-Carlton’s six dining spots. Adventure seekers can windsurf at Hobie Beach, explore Virginia Key Beach Park, or catch sunsets at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Families will love the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center with its interactive nature exhibits and trails.
When the beach opened on Aug. 1, 1945, I was 7. Too young to know about the brave men who staged a “wade-in” at the then whites-only Haulover Beach, protesting how Blacks weren’t allowed to go to beaches in South Florida.
The beach celebration mirrored many that came before it — full of food, laughter and music
MORAES started observing raccoon populations after they received an official sea turtle permit for Virginia Key in 2022.
Sunbathing, sandbars, watersports and breathtaking nature—the best beaches in Miami serve it all.
ES 
EN 
HAT