Diciembre de 2024
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.
Compliments of the Season to You
Executive Director's Corner: Reflecting on a Wonderful Year Together
As 2024 draws to a close, I am f illed with gratitude and pride as I reflect on the incredible year we’ve had together at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. This year has been a testament to the power of community, the importance of preserving our shared history, and the beauty of this unique space that we all cherish.
From our engaging educational programs to our vibrant cultural events, we’ve welcomed visitors from all walks of life, sharing the rich history and natural beauty that make Virginia Key so special. We’ve worked together to protect this precious landmark and to ensure its stories continue to inspire generations to come.
Your unwavering support—whether as a visitor, volunteer, partner, or advocate— has been the driving force behind every success. It’s because of you that we’ve been able to expand our programs, enhance our park facilities, and deepen our commitment to conservation and community engagement.
As we look ahead to 2025, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and confident in our collective ability to continue building on this year’s achievements. Together, we will ensure that Historic Virginia Key Beach Park remains a beacon of history, culture, and natural beauty for all to enjoy
Thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA FEMA-APS
Executive Director / CEO Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
Thank you for your support on Give Miami Day
Thank you for standing with Historic Virginia Key Beach Park during Give Miami Day! Your generous support will directly enhance our park programming and help us bring the vision of the upcoming museum project to life.
Every contribution you made strengthens our mission to honor the history of this sacred space, preserve its legacy, and create meaningful experiences for our community. Together, we are ensuring that the stories of resilience, culture, and progress continue to be shared and celebrated for generations.
We are truly grateful for your partnership and commitment to this important cause. Your impact is immeasurable, and we look forward to sharing updates on the incredible progress your generosity makes possible.
Celebrating a Legacy: Honoring Dr. Enid Pinkney
On November 22, 2024, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Executive Director, Ms. Athalie Edwards along with members of the HVKBP staff, proudly attended the street naming ceremony for Dr. Enid Pinkney.
This significant event celebrated the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Pinkney, a trailblazing historian and community leader whose efforts have preserved South Florida’s rich cultural heritage.
The dedication of this street is a lasting tribute to her unwavering commitment to justice and education.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park featured in the New York Times
For her first solo museum show, Calida Rawles invited residents of a historically Black neighborhood in Miami into the pool and ocean — and ultimately, the museum.
The Pérez Art Museum Miami, overlooking Biscayne Bay in the city’s downtown, is just a few miles from Overtown, a historically Black neighborhood once known as the “Harlem of the South.”
Yet many residents of Overtown — which has experienced mass displacement and gentrification over the decades — have never been to the museum nor the nearby Virginia Key Beach on an island in the bay. That beach was once designated for “colored only” and was one of the limited coastal spaces accessible to Black people for swimming and leisure during segregation.
“A lot of us don’t believe water belongs to us because of the residual effects of segregation laws — it goes to the next generations that we don’t belong,” said Calida Rawles. A 48-year-old Los Angeles-based artist, Rawles is known for her paintings of Black people f loating, often singly or in pairs, in rippling watery landscapes, at once hyper-realistic and dreamily abstracted.
The sparkly element symbolizes a space of both historical trauma — recalling the death and drowning of so many enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage in the Atlantic — and healing.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park named among 1 Fun Miami birthday ideas for celebrating In the 305
Got a birthday coming up? From gorgeous beaches to thriving nightlife, there’s plenty to do in Miami on a special day. So, if you’re having trouble deciding how to spend your next birthday, allow us to shed light on the subject with our favorite Miami birthday ideas.
Included in our list are a few incredible Miami birthday party incredible Miami birthday party venues available to rent through Peerspace.
Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals and makes it easy to uncover and book unique venues for all of your special moments. Read on to discover these fun and exciting Miami birthday ideas that will take your day to the next level!
TCLF names HVKBP as site with political histories in Landslide 2024: Demonstration Grounds, a thematic report and digital exhibition
In a break with tradition, The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), in its annual Landslide report, has chosen to raise awareness about 13 sites where important protests took place around the U.S. The Washington, D.C. based nonprofit listed these sites in a report and digital exhibition, Landslide 2024: Demonstration Grounds.
TCLF noted that these particular sites are different from what they typically have called attention to in the past 20 years because these 13 sites are politically charged spaces, not just serene grasslands, or city parks without any particular political significance.
Increased visibility needed to commemorate historic Biscayne Bay "Wade-ins" & the desegregation of Miami's Beaches
Civil disobedience associated with the Civil Rights movement included “wade ins” by African Americans at whites only beaches. A 1945 “wade-in” led to the creation of an African American beach south of Miami. Another in 1959 brought about desegregation of Miami’s beaches. There are no interpretive markers at the sites of these two “wade-in” to tell visitors about their historic significance; by contrast the African American beach created following the 1945 “wade in” is well interpreted.
How to increase visibility: Support the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust; call for Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces to add interpretive markers to the sites of the 1945 and 1959 “wade-ins”; advocate for the Miami-Dade website to include the “wade-in” history; add the “wade-in” sites to the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network; and support the Bridge Initiative’s efforts to create a feasibility study to have the U.S. Congress declare the region a National Heritage Area.
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: John Amos
Actor John Amos, known for his roles in the acclaimed miniseries “Roots” and the CBS sitcom “Good Times,” has died. He was 84 years old.
Amos’ publicist confirmed his death to CBS News and shared a statement from the family. No details about his death were immediately available.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned,” his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in the statement. “He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold… and he was loved the world over.”
“Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life,” the statement continued. “His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor. My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life… most recently in ‘Suits LA’ playing himself and our documentary about his life journey as an actor, ‘America’s Dad.’ He was my dad, my best friend, and my hero. Thank you for your prayers and support at this time.”
Amos’ career in television, film and theater spanned over five decades. He played weatherman Gordy Howard on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and starred as James Evans Sr. for three seasons of CBS’ “Good Times.”
Upcoming Event: The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust COOKIES & Cocoa
Event Details:
Join us for another year of cookies, cocoa and community at our annual COOKIES & Cocoa event! This year, we’re thrilled to welcome you to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and to bring you an even more exciting and festive experience.
Event Highlights:
- Free Games
- Amusement Rides
- Kid-friendly Activities + MORE
- Santa Photo Experience 4 pm – 6 PM
When: December 14, 2024 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park – Concession Stand 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Brushes with the Street: The Art of Purvis Young - Exhibit Opening Reception Brunch
Event Details:
Join the Majory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center for the opening reception brunch of Brushes with the Street: The Art of Purvis Young.
This captivating exhibit honors the life and work of Purvis Young, a visionary artist whose bold and evocative creations transformed the streets of Overtown into a canvas of social commentary. Experience his unique blend of storytelling and urban artistry while enjoying a delightful brunch with fellow art enthusiasts. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity and cultural expression!
Event Highlights:
- Guest Speaker – Barbara Young (2 PM)
- Exhibit Open Daily from 9:00am 3:00pm
When: December 15, 2024 Noon – 3 PM
Where: MSD Biscayne Nature Center, Crandon Park – North Beach Entrance 6767 Crandon Blvd., Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Kiko Franco - New Year Des Weekend Miami
Event Details:
Ready for the best New Year’s Eve experience in the USA? Deseo Weekend is synonymous with joy, sharing moments, and living the best experiences with the ones we love the most.
Join us at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. This year, we are preparing an even more incredible celebration to welcome 2025 with the best vibes!
Event for All Ages. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
When: December 31, 2024 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
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: January 18, 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!!
Parque histórico de Virginia Key Beach
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.
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