October 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.
Join us in Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Executive Director's Corner: A Moment of Gratitude
We are excited to welcome the month of October, a time filled with meaningful causes and community spirit. This month, we are proud to spotlight two significant observances: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Arts and Humanities Month.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to honor the strength of survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and rally together to support ongoing research and early detection efforts. Let’s wear pink, spread awareness, and encourage our loved ones to get regular screenings—it could save a life. In addition, National Arts and Humanities Month celebrates the richness of human expression. Whether through painting, music, theater, or writing, the arts continue to inspire, challenge, and connect us in meaningful ways. Let’s take this opportunity to support local artists, visit museums, or simply indulge in the creativity that surrounds us.
This October, we’re also emphasizing the importance of habitat restoration. As we witness changes in our environment, restoring natural habitats is more crucial than ever. Healthy ecosystems benefit us all—protecting wildlife, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a better planet for future generations.
Lastly, we extend a heartfelt thank you to all the incredible volunteers who participated in our beach clean-up last month. Your dedication made a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished together. The shores are cleaner, and the local marine life is a bit safer thanks to your efforts. Wishing you all a wonderful and meaningful October!
Ms. Athalie Edwards, MPA FEMA-APS
Executive Director / CEO
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust
Commissioner King & Exec. Director Edwards join MAST Academy students to discuss Museum at HVKBP
Commissioner Christine King joined Historic Virginia Key Beach’s Executive Director, Athalie Edwards for an engaging discussion with students at MAST Academy. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were contagious as they listened to the students share their fresh perspectives and creative ideas. They spoke with passion about what they would like to see represented at the Virginia Key Beach Park museum, offering valuable insights into how this historic and culturally significant site can continue to evolve.
It was a reminder of how important it is to involve the next generation in shaping the narrative of our shared heritage. We are excited to see how their innovative contributions could potentially be incorporated into future exhibits, making the museum a more inclusive and dynamic space for all. This experience highlighted the powerful role young voices can play in preserving and enriching our cultural institutions.
Habitat Restoration at Historic Virginia Key Beach
Virginia Key Beach Park Trust is committed to the preservation and ongoing maintenance of the barrier island’s natural eco-systems. The unique plant and endangered animal varieties that converge at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park give testament to some of the oldest surviving flora and fauna species in South Florida.
Join Miami Waterkeeper and the City of Miami Parks and Recreation for two volunteer events on November 23rd and December 14th at Virginia Key Beach Park. Help restore the natural beauty of this iconic location by participating in these hands-on habitat restoration efforts.
Volunteers will work together to remove invasive plants, such as Scaevola and Sansevieria, from the dune habitat. Participants must be comfortable using tools like loppers, hand clippers and spading forks. Due to the physical nature of the work, teenagers and older groups are encouraged to participate. Younger participants should be supervised by a responsible adult.
What to bring:
- Refillable water bottle
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- Hat and sunscreen Gloves (optional)
Important information: Nov 23, 2024 – Dec 14, 2024 Starting: 9:30 AM
Park Weekday Vehicle Entry Fees Resume Oct. 1
Give Miami Day 2024
Save the date for Give Miami Day 2024, happening on Thursday, November 21st! This is your chance to make a meaningful impact by supporting the long-awaited Black History Museum on Virginia Key Beach, a pivotal project preserving the rich cultural heritage of Miami’s African American community. Your contributions will also help sustain the vital programming and educational resources offered by the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, ensuring future generations can learn and engage with this important piece of history.
Every donation counts, and with your support, we can bring these initiatives to life and continue our mission of preserving this treasured landmark.
Sunset Salute: James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones, the prolific film, TV and theater actor whose resonant, unmistakable baritone was most widely known as the voice of “Star Wars” villain Darth Vader, died Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y., his rep confirmed to Variety.
Jones established himself as one of the pioneering Black actors of his generation, amassing a bountiful and versatile career spanning over 60 years, from his debut on Broadway in 1958 at the Cort Theatre — renamed the James Earl Jones Theatre in 2022 — to his most recent performance in 2021’s “Coming 2 America.” For that film, Jones reprised his role as King Jaffe Joffer from the 1988 Eddie Murphy comedy “Coming to America” — one of several roles, along with Darth Vader, that Jones revisited, including the voice of King Mufasa in Disney’s animated feature “The Lion King” in 1994, the 1998 direct-to-video sequel and the 2019 remake, and CIA deputy director Vice Admiral James Greer in three Jack Ryan movies, 1990’s “The Hunt for Red October,” 1992’s “Patriot Games” and 1994’s “Clear and Present Danger.”
When asked in 2014 by the New York Times about how he’d kept his career alive for so long, Jones’ response evoked the kind of plainspoken humility that he had so often brought to his performances as well.
“The secret is never forgetting that you’re a journeyman actor and that nothing is your final thing, nothing is your greatest thing, nothing is your worst thing,” Jones said. “I still consider myself a novice.”
Upcoming Events
Spooky Cleanup
Join us for another year of spooky fun and community impact at our Spooky Clean-Up event! This year, we’re thrilled to partner with The International SeaKeepers Society, FRUGA, and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park to bring you an even more exciting and festive experience.
Event Highlights:
- Clean-Up Effort
- Pumpkin Carving & Spooky Activities!
- Costume Contest
- FRUGA Beverage Tasting
- Marine Debris Weigh-In
Where: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Miami, FL 33149
RnB in the Park-Miami
Event Details: Join us for an enchanting day at RnB in the Park, a celebration of soulful melodies and rhythm, set against the backdrop of the historic Virgina Key Beach on November 16th. This festival brings together a diverse audience eager to immerse themselves in the soulful sounds of RnB while enjoying the lush surroundings and vibrant community atmosphere.
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
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.
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
Take A Virtual Fieldtrip 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.
Visit The Park
Events
Are You Helping Us?
Support the preservation of Virginia Key Beach Park—your donation helps protect its history, wildlife, and natural beauty for future generations!
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