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
Executive Director's Corner:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we enter an exciting new season at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, we are proud to share meaningful updates that reflect our continued commitment to preservation, culture, and community stewardship—especially during this historic year of reflection and celebration.
We are pleased to announce that the bid process for the new Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Museum is officially underway. This long-anticipated project represents a major milestone in preserving and interpreting the park’s powerful legacy as one of the South’s most significant African American historic sites. As we commemorate 100 years of formally recognizing and celebrating Black history, this museum will serve as a vital space for education, reflection, and storytelling—ensuring that the voices, experiences, and contributions rooted here continue to inspire future generations. We look forward to keeping our community informed as this important vision moves forward.
This year also marks the centennial of Black History observance, first established in 1926 as Negro History Week. This milestone invites us to reflect on a century of honoring Black resilience, achievement, and cultural impact. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park stands as a living testament to this history—a place born from segregation yet sustained through strength, joy, and community. Throughout the month and year ahead, our programming will continue uplifting the stories, traditions, and legacy that define this sacred and historic space.
Our ongoing preservation efforts—including shoreline cleanups and educational programming—are essential to protecting both the natural environment and the cultural legacy of the park. These initiatives help ensure that this historic shoreline remains a living classroom where our Black history programming continues to honor the resilience, advocacy, and collective action that established this beach as a symbol of access, dignity, and belonging. Volunteer dates and educational opportunities are available, and your participation plays a vital role in safeguarding this irreplaceable site for generations to come.
Programs such as the HVKBP & Florida Humanities Historic Lunch & Learn series and our Black History Month Cultural Bus Tours continue to activate Historic Virginia Key Beach Park through engaging educational and cultural experiences that celebrate community, heritage, and the rich traditions of the global Black diaspora. These initiatives welcome new and returning audiences alike, deepening public understanding of the park’s historic significance while fostering meaningful connections to its stories, landscapes, and legacy. Together, they strengthen our mission of preservation, education, and cultural stewardship for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support, stewardship, and love for Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. During this landmark year in Black history, we are especially grateful to move forward together—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and building a strong, inclusive future. Please stay tuned for more updates, volunteer opportunities, and milestones ahead.
With gratitude and hope,
Athalie
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA
Executive Director / CEO
Virginia Key Beach Istorik Konfyans
Remembering M. Athalie Range’s Lasting Impact on Miami and Virginia Key
Remembering M. Athalie Range’s Lasting Impact on Miami and Virginia Key
Before Eileen Higgins, Miami had another woman at the helm: Athalie Range
Before Eileen Higgins, Miami had another woman at the helm: Athalie Range
M. Athalie Range was a pioneering civil rights leader and public servant whose impact on Miami’s history continues to resonate today. Long before Miami elected its first woman mayor, Range served on the Miami City Commission and became the first woman to perform mayoral duties, breaking barriers during a pivotal time in the city’s history. A fearless advocate for equity and community empowerment, she championed civil rights, supported Black-owned businesses, and later became the first African American woman to lead a Florida state agency. Her legacy is deeply connected to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, as her leadership and advocacy played a critical role in preserving the park—once the only public beach accessible to Black residents during segregation—ensuring its protection and remembrance for future generations.
Sunset Salute: Rev. Jesse Jackson
Sunset Salute: Rev. Jesse Jackson
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84
The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a pivotal figure in the modern civil rights movement and two-time presidential candidate, has died at 84. A close ally of Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson spent decades advocating for racial and economic justice, founding organizations such as Operation PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to expand political and economic opportunities for marginalized communities. His legacy helped reshape national politics and advance the fight for equality. Click to read more about his life and lasting impact.
Sunset Salute: Thelma Gibson
Sunset Salute: Thelma Gibson
Miami trailblazer Thelma Gibson dies at 99
Miami trailblazer Thelma Gibson dies at 99
Miami trailblazer Thelma Gibson, a pioneering nurse and community leader whose work spanned health care, civil rights and civic empowerment, has died at the age of 99. A native of Coconut Grove, Gibson broke barriers in nursing during segregation, founded Miami-Dade County’s first Women’s Chamber of Commerce and helped launch initiatives to rebuild and strengthen Black communities after the Liberty City riots, leaving a legacy of service that touched generations. Click to read more and learn how her remarkable life shaped Miami’s history and inspired lasting change.
Coconut Grove Street Renamed to Honor Trailblazing Black Physicians George and Dazelle Simpson
Coconut Grove Street Renamed to Honor Trailblazing Black Physicians George and Dazelle Simpson
Pioneering Black physicians honored with Coconut Grove street
Pioneering Black physicians honored with Coconut Grove street
A street in Coconut Grove has been officially renamed to honor pioneering Black physicians Dr. Dazelle Simpson and Dr. George Simpson, recognizing their decades-long work breaking racial barriers in medicine and expanding health-care access for underserved communities in Florida; the one-block stretch in front of their longtime home now bears the name George and Dazelle Simpson Way, marking a celebration attended by family and community leaders who highlighted the Simpsons’ professional achievements and lifelong commitment to service, equality, and community uplift.
The 5,195 invasive green iguanas were removed from the ecosystem
The 5,195 invasive green iguanas were removed from the ecosystem
Over 5,000 iguanas captured in Florida during 2-day cold weather roundup: FWC
Over 5,000 iguanas captured in Florida during 2-day cold weather roundup: FWC
During a rare and historic cold snap in Florida, unusually low temperatures left thousands of invasive green iguanascold-stunned and falling from trees as their cold-blooded bodies temporarily lost muscle control, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to issue a temporary executive order on Feb. 1–2 allowing residents to collect and transport the immobilized reptiles without permits; as a result, more than 5,000 iguanas were turned in at FWC drop-off sites across the state, where many were either humanely euthanized or transferred to permit holders — part of wildlife officials’ effort to reduce the harmful impact of this non-native species on Florida’s ecosystems and infrastructure.
Notice: Park Closure
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park will be closed to the public Friday, February 27th to March 1st, 2026, and will be reopen the following day.
We thank you for your continuous support and understanding.
For more information, please contact us at (305) 960-4600 or email info@virginiakeybeachpark.net.
MLK Day of Service Recap
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was proud to host a meaningful MLK Day of Service with an incredible turnout of 150+ students and community volunteers who came together in the spirit of service and stewardship.We were honored to welcome participants from the University of Miami, Miami Dade College, and even a friendly reunion between UM rival Indiana State students who later faced off in a football game that evening—proving that teamwork and community come first. Thanks to the collective effort, important progress was made to care for this historic shoreline.We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who showed up, lent a hand, and made the day a success.Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming exotic plant removal efforts and beach cleanups as we continue this important work together.For more Information:Call: 305-960-4600 |
Upcoming Event: HVKBP & Florida Humanities Historic Lunch & Learn
Event Details: Come learn about the Southern Road to Freedom, the nation’s first Underground Railroad established in Florida in the late 17th century. Learn the unique story of enslaved Americans’ road to freedom via Florida’s Underground Railroad.Enjoy a lunch provided by the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.
Enter in a park raffle for a FREE pavilion rental
When:
Friday, February 20th 2026
Time:
1PM-4PM
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
For more Information:
Call: 305-960-4600
Email: info@virginiakeybeachpark.net
Upcoming Event: Tremendous Annual Meeting and Work Day Volunteer Picnic
Event Details: Join TREEmendous Work Day, Annual Meeting, and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic celebrating community and coastal conservation
When:
Saturday February 21
Time:
2:30 PM – 5 PM
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
For more Information:
Call: 305-960-4600
Email: info@virginiakeybeachpark.net
Upcoming Event: We Belong Here Miami
Event Details: This February, We Belong Here returns to Historic Virginia Key Beach Park for its 5-year anniversary — now expanded to a full three-day festival from February 27 to March 1, 2026. Expect upgraded immersive stages, enhanced production, and a re-imagined layout at all three festival venues (the 360 Stage, Beach Stage, and Lost Village) with new lighting, art installations, beachfront lounges, and interactive touches.
True to its roots, the festival’s vibe remains community-centered, with a lineup blending fan favorites and local talent — delivered in that same intimate, welcoming beach-club atmosphere that fans love.
When:
Friday February 27 to Sunday March 1, 2026
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Be Cool with a fan from Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Calling all local organizations and faith based communities, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is excited to support our local communities by offering complimentary hand fans for your congregations. These fans are a meaningful and practical way to stay cool during services while connecting with our shared history and communityspirit.
If your organization 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.
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!
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 360 Virtual Tour
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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