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.
Historic Spaces: Honoring community, Celebrating legacy
Executive Director's Corner:
From Coastlines to Communities...
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
Save The Date: HVKBP Turns 80!
Get ready, Miami! The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is turning 80, and you’re invited to an unforgettable celebration from August 1-3, 2025. This isn’t just any beach party—it’s a vibrant homage to eight decades of rich history, cultural significance, and community spirit. Located just a stone’s throw from downtown Miami, this iconic park has been a symbol of resilience and unity since its establishment in 1945.
Here’s what’s going down:
*Day 1: Friday, August 1 | 10am – The weekend kicks off with the Museum Project Commencement Ceremony while officially celebrating Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Day, an exciting step toward preserving and sharing the park’s legacy for future generations. Free park entry with RSVP.
*Day 2: Saturday, August 2 | 12pm – It’s all about fun in the sun at the Community Fun Day! Cool down with icy treats, slide into excitement on the massive waterslide, and get creative with FREE fun activities like tours, oral histories and live mural painting—plus more surprises to keep the vibes high all day long.
*Day 3: Sunday, August 3 | 3pm– Wrap up the weekend with Poetry Potluck, a grassroots community gathering where voices, stories, and flavors come together in a powerful celebration of culture and connection.
Mark your calendars and be part of history at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s 80th Birthday!
We’re also looking for partners and volunteers… As we prepare to celebrate 80 years of legacy and community, we’re inviting local businesses, organizations, and community partners to be a part of this milestone event. Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are now available—join us in honoring the past while investing in the future of this historic landmark. Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click isit la for more information.
HVKBP Executive Director, Athalie Edwards, Presents at Invest Miami 10th Anniversary Leadership Summit
Miami’s transformation into a global business and innovation hub didn’t happen overnight. At the 10-year anniversary Invest: Miami leadership summit, industry leaders highlighted the initiatives, developments, and partnerships that have elevated the city to a new echelon.
The summit, held on Thursday, June 12, at Mr. C Coconut Grove, brought together 200 leaders from business, government, and academia for a morning of conversation, celebration, and strategic insight into the region’s past progress and future priorities.
In her opening remarks, Milena Mignone, senior executive director of caa, welcomed guests by reflecting on the significance of the day. “This is not just another edition of Invest: Miami,” she said. “Today is a celebration of a decade. This is where it all began.”
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s celebrates Black history at Juneteeth celebration
Most Americans don’t associate Miami with a key place in the civil rights movement, but Historic Virginia Key Beach aims to change that through its educational events and collaborations.
This past Saturday, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park hosted its 2nd Annual Beach Bash – and combined education with community celebration. The Beach Bash took place in honor of Juneteenth, a national holiday this Thursday, which was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
Juneteenth commemorates the day—June 19, 1865—when the last enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
“Typically, when we think of the civil rights movement, a lot of times Miami doesn’t come up in that national story, but right here at our site, it happened much earlier than many of the other protests that took place,” said Maya Forbes, volunteer and education coordinator for the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.
Black beach-goers were barred from the barrier island’s shorelines until 1945. After World War II, the local Black community advocated for Virginia Key to be designated a “colored beach.”
In 1945, Black residents from Overtown led a wade-in protest at Virginia Key and demanded access to the beaches they had long been barred from. Their efforts succeeded, and Virginia Key became Miami’s first ‘colored beach’ – years before Brown v. Board of Education or Martin Luther King’s Birmingham marches.
Ancestral Day of Remembrance: Honoring the Legacy of Those Who Came Before Us
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park recently hosted its annual Ancestral Day of Remembrance, a powerful and heartfelt gathering dedicated to honoring the memories, sacrifices, and enduring spirit of those who came before us. Set against the backdrop of the ocean, the day invited reflection, healing, and unity as community members joined together to pay tribute to our ancestors.
The program featured ceremonial blessings, drum circles, libations, and shared stories that spoke to the resilience and strength of those who paved the way. Attendees also participated in a symbolic walk along the shore, laying flowers in the water as a gesture of respect and remembrance.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who participated and helped make this day of reflection so meaningful.
Together, we continue to honor our ancestors while striving to preserve the rich history and cultural significance of Virginia Key Beach for generations to come.
Stay connected! Join us August 1-3 as we celebrate the park’s 80th Anniversary — a weekend filled with history, culture, and community spirit.
Time Out Magazine Lists HVKBP as Best Beach in Miami
The Best Beaches in Miami right now
Embrace the heat with an epic beach day in Miami. From Lummus Park Beach to Crandon and Haulover, these are our top picks.
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: Walter Scott Jr.
Walter Scott Jr. died at the age of 81 on Thursday, June 26 after a battle with cancer.
The R&B legend was famous for being one of the founding members of the vocal group The Whispers, releasing hits such as And the Beat Goes On in 1979 and Rock Steady in 1987.
According to multiple media outlets, including Billboard and the Los Angeles Sentinel, he died six months after he was diagnosed with cancer.
He was in Northridge, California, surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.
Scott was one of the original founding members of the iconic vocal group The Whispers, who cemented their place in R&B history after 15 of their songs landed in the Top 10 of Billboard’s R&B chart over the years.
Their greatest hits, And the Beat Goes On, topped the chart in 1980, while Rock Steady also reached No. 1 status in 1987.
The Whispers also landed eight of their R&B records on the Top 10 R&B albums chart.
The band’s music was widely sampled by many contemporary hip-hop artists in later years, including 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, J. Cole and Will Smith.
Upcoming Event: Remembrance of Dr. Enid Pinkney & Observance of Bahamian Independence Day
Event Details: We invite you to join us for a heartfelt morning of reflection and cultural pride as we honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Enid C. Pinkney and observe Bahamian Independence Day.
Featuring a vibrant Junkanoo Band Performance
This event is free and open to all – no registration required.
Together, let’s celebrate a trailblazer’s legacy and uplift the spirit of Bahamian culture with music, unity, and community.
Brought to you by The Curtis Foundation and The Church of the Open Door.
When:
Sunday, July 13, 2025
10 am – 11:30 am
Where:
Church of the Open Door
6001 NW 8th Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Upcoming Event: Stronger Together Family Fitness
Event Details: Get ready for a morning of fitness, family fun, and community building at the Stronger Together Family Fitness Challenge! This event is all about movement, wellness, and connecting with others in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
These fun challenges are open to all ages! Compete, laugh, and make memories with your family.
Cool Down & Community Hangout
After the workout, feel free to jump in the water or relax on the beach! We encourage everyone to bring a towel, a chair, snacks, and drinks. It’s a great time to relax, network, and enjoy the beautiful day together.
Family Participation:
There’s no minimum number of people per family—you can come solo or bring your whole crew. Everyone is welcome!
Tickets are FREE, so grab yours before they’re gone and join us for a fun-filled day of fitness, family, and community!
Vehicle Entry Fee $10.00 (Cash Only)
When:
Saturday, July 19, 2025
8 am – 12 pm
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: HVKBP Museum Project Commencement Ceremony
Event Details: Mark your calendars and join us August 1–3 for a historic celebration as Historic Virginia Key Beach Park turns 80! This milestone weekend will honor the park’s rich legacy as a cultural and community landmark that has stood the test of time.
The weekend kicks off with the Museum Project Commencement Ceremony, an exciting step toward preserving and sharing the park’s legacy for future generations. Free park entry with RSVP.
Mark your calendars and be part of history at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s 80th Birthday!
When:
Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10 am
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Kegkini Beach Cleanup
Event Details: Sun, sand, music, and sustainability—your new favorite beach festival awaits!
Join us on Saturday, August 2nd at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park for the Kegkini Beach Cleanup Festival—a one-of-a-kind event where giving back is as fun as it is meaningful.
We’re turning a typical beach cleanup into a full-on festival vibe! Help us protect our beautiful coastline while enjoying:
- Complimentary craft beer from The Tank Brewing (21+ ID required)
- Complimentary Kombucha from Mother Kombucha
- Live DJs spinning all day and dancing in the sand
- Raffles & prize giveaways
- Beach workouts & paddle board yoga
- Tacos & Tattoos on-site
- Local sustainable vendor village
- Live art made from repurposed trash
…and so much more!
Grab your crew, throw on your best beach ‘fit, and help us keep Florida’s beaches clean while celebrating sustainability in style.
When:
Saturday, August 2, 2025 12 pm – 5 pm
Where:
Virginia Key Beach Park Istorik
4020 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, FL 33149
Upcoming Event: Poetry Potluck
Event Details: Wrap up the weekend with Poetry Potluck, a grassroots community gathering where voices, stories, and flavors come together in a powerful celebration of culture and connection. Don’t miss this part of the milestone celebration as Historic Virginia Key Beach Park turns 80!
When:
Sunday, August 3, 2025 3 pm – 7 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!
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!!
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.
HAT 
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