MONTHLY NEWSLETTER WITH NEWS AND UPDATES OF HVKBP
Learn the Story That Began in 1945
This July, as we celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, we’re reminded of the vital role parks like Historic Virginia Key Beach Park play in strengthening our communities, preserving our history, and connecting us to nature. Parks are more than just open spaces — they are places of belonging, healing, and shared memories.
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as HVKBP marks 80 incredible years of resilience, joy, and community. Since 1945, our sacred shoreline has stood as a symbol of inclusion, resistance, and cultural pride. As we reflect on our rich legacy, we also look ahead with excitement to the next chapter — one where we continue to honor our past while building a vibrant future together.
We invite you to join us August 1-3 for a special 80th birthday celebration — a weekend of history, culture, and community at the place that means so much to so many. Let’s come together to honor the past and inspire the future.
Here’s to 80 years — and many more to come!
With gratitude and purpose,
Athalie
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA FEMA-APS
Executive Director / CEO
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
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.
Historic Spaces: Honoring community, Celebrating legacy
Executive Director's Corner: A Legacy in the sand...
As we reflect on this past month, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude to Chairwoman Commissioner Christine King, Commissioner Pardo, Commissioner Rosado and to everyone who joined us in celebrating the 80th birthday of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Whether you attended, volunteered, performed, shared your story, or helped spread the word—thank you. Your presence and support made this milestone truly unforgettable.
This year’s celebration held even greater meaning as August 1st marked both the park’s birthday and Emancipation Day—a day commemorating the abolition of slavery in parts of the Caribbean and a moment that continues to symbolize freedom, resilience, and hope for people of African descent around the world. Emancipation Day reminds us not only of the struggles endured but also of the unyielding spirit that has carried generations forward. To honor this history on the same day we celebrated the founding of Virginia Key Beach Park—Miami’s only historically designated beach for Black families during segregation—was a powerful and poignant connection to the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Watching generations gather to honor the past while embracing the future was deeply moving.
As we continue to honor that legacy, we’re excited to invite you to our next signature event—Business Link Up at the Beach—happening Friday, August 29th from 2–5 PM at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. This special gathering will celebrate Black Business Month by spotlighting and supporting entrepreneurs, visionaries, and innovators who shape our communities and drive economic empowerment.
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park has long been a place for empowerment and enterprise, and together, we can ensure it remains a vibrant space for history, healing, and hope.
With gratitude and purpose,
Athalie
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA FEMA-APS
Executive Director / CEO
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park's 80th birthday party brings intergenerational joy
At Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s 80th birthday party on Aug. 1, seniors who went to the beach as children celebrated alongside kids visiting for the first time.
Virginia Key Beach Park Turns 80!
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust celebrated 80 years as Miami’s beloved Black beach and cultural landmark! A dynamic 3-day celebration honored its rich history and vibrant future. 🌊✨ @virginiakeybeachpark #HVKBP80 #MiamiHistory #CulturalHeritage #BlackHistoryMiami
I still remember the fun at Virginia Key Beach. We must bring that back | Opinion by B. Hines
On summer days, we’d take a ferry over to Virginia Key Beach, 25 cents for kids and 50 cents for adults. It was our beach, writes Bea Hines
The Black Family Reunion Isn’t Dead: EBONY Editors On How They Keep Theirs Alive
The family reunion has been an important part of Black American culture, an opportunity to connect with loved ones dispersed across the nation, indulge in our shared heritage, culture and traditions and savor delicious food. But now, the internet has unleashed a claim that Black family reunions have decreased by 47% since 1997, due to a myriad of reasons.
Before you take to TikTok to express your displeasure at this drop, there’s no credible source to date to support this seemingly random number, a point noted by podcaster David Ford of DavidFordProductions. (EBONY also did its due diligence and could not find verified data of this claim.)
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: Roy Ayers
Roy Ayers, the legendary jazz vibraphonist behind the iconic hit “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” has passed away at the age of 84.
Mary J. Blige’s “My Life” (1994) heavily interpolates the song, while Common’s “The Light” (2000), produced by J Dilla, prominently samples the track. Mos Def also paid homage in “Sunshine” (2004), incorporating Ayers’ track, while Brand Nubian’s “Wake Up (Reprise in the Sunshine)” (1990) flips the song into a socially conscious anthem. More recently, in 2015, he appeared on Tyler, The Creator’s track “Find Your Wings” and performed at the rapper’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival two years later.
In 2017, Ayers recalled to The Guardian that “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” came to him spontaneously on a hot day while recording at Electric Lady Studios in New York, a space once owned by Jimi Hendrix.
Upcoming Event: Business Link Up On The Beach - Hosted by Chairwoman Christine King
Event Details: Don’t miss an afternoon of connection, collaboration, and celebration during Black Business Month! The Business Link Up at the Beach hosted by VKBPT Chairwoman, Commissioner Christine King, will bring together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and innovators for networking, resource sharing, and inspiration—all in the beautiful setting of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
Let’s build together—on the beach!
When:
Friday, August 29, 2025 2 pm – 5 pm
Where:
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park4020 Virginia Beach DriveMiami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park International Coastal Cleanup - ICC2025
Event Details: Join us for the 40th anniversary of the International Coastal Cleanup, the world’s largest, one-day volunteer effort for our oceans and waterways, and show your commitment to reducing marine debris, along with millions of volunteers from across the globe!
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, a historical and ecological gem located only minutes from downtown Miami, welcomes all volunteers to help preserve and maintain the park.
Registration below is required to participate in the cleanup. You can also make a per-pound-pledge to support HVKBP!
For the cleanup, garbage bags, gloves, and data collection cards will be provided. *Community Service hours are also provided*
- Please bring water in a reusable container. Let’s reduce waste and refuse single-use disposable plastic water bottles.
- Download the Ocean Conservancy’s CleanSwell app to participate in the Citizen Science activity to log, tally and measure the impact of your cleanup.
- Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. This is a beach/park site, and you should wear closed toed shoes, long sleeve shirt, and long pants.
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
- If you have your own reusable working or gardening type gloves, bring them. We will be providing gloves but cannot guarantee they will be in your size.
- Some volunteers like to use a bucket during a cleanup. Ask your local Chinese, Burger or Bakery/Donut shop if they get food service items in 5-gallon buckets that they would like to donate for use during your cleanup!
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025
10 am – 12 pm
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park 4020 Virginia Beach Drive Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Stronger Together Family Fitness Challenge
Event Details: Start the day with wellness, movement, and community vibes. All ages welcome.
- 8:00 AM – Check-in & Stretch
- 8:30 AM – Calisthenics Workout 9:00 AM – Group Jog/Walk + Bicycle Trail Ride
- 10:30 AM – Wellness Cool Down & Activity Zones
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Open Play, Networking & Refreshments
- 12:00 PM – Kickoff + DJ set begins 12:30 PM – $USH Token Overview & Ecosystem Talk
- 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM $USH Token Launch Party An afternoon of celebration and real community energy.
- 2:00 PM – Giveaways + Exclusive Merch Drops Airdrop Raffle
Enjoy activities like calisthenics and stretching with options for adults and kids alike.
Participants will receive access to The Arena SocialFi platform to earn rewards (an X account is required), and an exclusive digital collectible as a keepsake.
Complimentary snacks and beverages will also be provided to keep everyone energized throughout the day.
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:
Saturday, September 27, 2025
8 am – 12 pm
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Miami Waterkeeper Morning Yoga & Beach Clean-Up
Event Details: Self-care meets ocean care! Ready to flow into environmental action? Our Yoga Marine Debris Clean-up combines the best of wellness and conservation in one beautiful morning by the sea!
Learn, stretch, and make waves of positive change with us Sept 27th!
Free + Service Hours
P.S. don’t forget a yoga mat or towel!
When:
Saturday, September 27, 2025
9:30 am – 12:00 pm (arrive early!)
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Virginia Key Beach Park Trust Board Meeting
Event Details: The Virginia Key Beach Park Trust meets regularly to discuss the park’s future, ongoing projects, and community initiatives. We invite you to tune in, stay informed, and be part of the conversation that helps preserve and enhance this treasured landmark.
Your input and engagement help guide decisions that impact the park for generations to come. Together, we can protect the history, beauty, and community spirit of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
When:
Thursday, October 9, 2025
12 pm
Where:
Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
Upcoming Event: Stink + Dutty Miami Carnival
Event Details: The treasure has been uncovered… Claim yer piece of the plunder before it’s all gone!
Secure ye booty and batten down the hatches lads as we get ready to storm MIAMI CARNIVAL!
PIRATES ready yuh rags, ready yuh flags… It’s time to wine like a true buccaneer!!!
When:
Monday, October 13, 2025
8 am – 2 pm
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
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!!
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
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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