John Hansen: “H.R. 2109, introduced by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to…”

“H.R. 2109, introduced by the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek) would authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a resource study of Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami, Florida, to determine the suitability and feasibility of including this site as a unit of the National Park System. Virginia Key Beach Park, located just off the coast of Miami between Key Biscayne and Fisher Island, was for decades the only beach in South Florida where African Americans were permitted during the days of segregation. This beach was very significant in the local community for its numerous gatherings, which included baptisms and religious services, courtship and honeymoons, organizational gatherings, visiting celebrities and family recreation. However, in 1982 the city of Miami, citing the high cost of maintaining and operating the park, closed the beach. Since that time, the city of Miami has explored various options regarding ownership and the future of the beach, although nothing has yet come to fruition. Nevertheless, it is my understanding that the local community continues to be very interested in the fate of the park due in large measure to its historical significance.”