Jon L. Christensen: “H.R. 2109, which was introduced by my friend and our colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), would…”

“H.R. 2109, which was introduced by my friend and our colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), would authorize a special resource study of the historic Virginia Key Beach Park located on Biscayne Bay in Florida. Virginia Key Beach derives its importance from its history more so than from its natural or recreational qualities, although there are those as well. It was the first beach in south Florida to be opened to African Americans, and for many years it was the only beach available to us. Encompassing just 77 acres, the beach was a popular recreational area for local African American families, churches and other organizations, and as we have heard, it was a site of many important private and public events. At the hearing before the Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, the National Park Service testified in support of a park study of this important area. It is important that we look for ways to commemorate and preserve not only the history of this site but also the natural and recreational qualities as well. I want to commend the sponsor, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), for her leadership on H.R. 2109. I am pleased to support this study legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do likewise.”