Author: pcast086

Paola Castro is a senior majoring in Computer Science at Florida International University. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, and later coming to pursue higher education in south Florida, she was able to meet other people of various cultural backgrounds and learn more about the vibrant communities of south Florida. As someone who is interested in the history, art, writing, and politics of the Caribbean and south Florida, she is eager to explore more of Miami.

Geography

Coconut Grove as a whole is located between Biscayne Bay and Lejeune Road to the east and west, and boxed in between US 1 and North Prospect Drive to the north and south, covering a grand total of 5 square miles. Coconut Grove, or “the Grove” as it is often referred to as, is a small town that provides just a bit of everything Miami has to offer. Enjoy picturesque views, beautiful parks, bustling city centers, reliable public transportation, and a thriving sailing community – all present at the Grove. Despite having so much going on in just one place, the neighborhood doesn’t ever seem too hectic or busy. This is largely because Coconut Grove is one of the most pedestrian friendly neighborhoods in all of Miami. Even when there are many people in the Grove, traffic is never loud or imposing and the many plazas that can only be accessed on foot remain peaceful. Overall, it has managed to strike an impressive balance between buzzing city centers and peaceful nature trails and parks, giving both visitors and residents the best of both worlds.

History

Coconut Grove, as the oldest permanent settlement in Miami-Dade County, flaunts a rich and vastly independent history than that of the rest of Miami. 

Beginning in the early 19th century, Biscayne Bay was a hotspot for mariners to stop and get water from its freshwater springs just off the coast. Noticing that the bay was receiving a lot of boat traffic due to these springs, the Cape Florida Lighthouse began construction, finishing in 1825 when the lighthouse became operational. The lighthouse then attracted more people to what is now known as Coconut Grove, although most were just lightkeepers, their assistants, and various ship salvagers. 

This is when one of the first residents of Coconut Grove, Dr. Horace Porter, applied for a post office there, naming it ‘Cocoanut Grove’ after seeing coconut palm trees nearby. Around this same time, slaves escaping from northern states likely passed through Coconut Grove and sailed from its bay towards the Bahamas in what is now known as the Saltwater Underground Railroad – getting around 200 slaves their freedom between 1821 to 1827. 

Later, during the 1870s, people migrated to south Florida because of the Homestead Act – which stated that a person would receive 160 acres of land if they agreed to live there and grow crops on that land for five years. By the early 1880’s the Peacocks and Ralph Munroe, both of whom would later go on to have parks named in their honor, settled into the area. Both parties quickly became friends and started to work on building a community they could live in for the long run. The Peacocks opened what would later be known as the Peacock Inn, which attracted both Bahamian workers in need of a job and visitors to the area. The Bahamian staff then started to build a community on Charles Avenue, and the visitors that loved the Grove settled into the area permanently. Later, Munroe would go on to found the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Isabella Peacock would begin Sunday school classes for the children of the Grove. By 1890, Coconut Grove had 100 residents. 

In 1896, as Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway extended into Miami, the Grove’s residents began to fear the influx of people may ruin their pristine natural neighborhood and its small community. Later in 1919, for the same fear of development ruining the Grove, ‘Coconut Grove’ incorporated as a town – notably dropping the ‘a’ from its name. After six years of being its own town, though, Coconut Grove was annexed by the City of Miami, despite its residents not agreeing with the ruling.

After its annexation, Coconut Grove has retained its own unique culture among the many other neighborhoods in Miami and is now considered a great tourist spot with many historical sites, such as Ralph Munroe’s home and Charles Avenue, still being intact. 

Demographics

Coconut Grove, seeing as it’s one of the oldest inhabited neighborhoods in Miami, has quite a large community of residents. Latest census data taken of the neighborhood puts its current population at a whopping 26,815 current residents. Of these residents, there are a wide variety of people – with around 36% of people being Hispanic or Latino, 30% being Black, 26% being White and the rest being a mix of everything else. On top of being fairly diverse, Coconut Grove is quite affluent as well. In fact, the median household income in the neighborhood is more than double what it is for the rest of Miami. As for how old the average resident is, the Grove is not too old of a community, with residents’ average age being 30-35 years old. Overall, Coconut Grove is a thriving community with young, affluent people from all walks of life choosing to call it their home.

Interview

Evelyn Smith

“How long have you lived in Coconut Grove?”

Evelyn: “I’ve lived here for about 20 years, long enough to see my two sons grow up and graduate college.”

“What do you like most about living here?”

Evelyn: “I like that it’s calm, but not boring. There’s always something to do but you never feel overwhelmed like you do in some places in Miami. It’s also a great place for families, so raising my kids here was just wonderful.”

“What do you think makes Coconut Grove unique from other neighborhoods in Miami?”

Evelyn: “Definitely the nature, and the fact that it’s very walkable. You don’t need a car to get around, and the park trails near the water are just to die for at sunset.”

Landmarks

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which officially finished construction in 1922, was previously the home of well-known industrialist and socialite James Deering. Deering’s many Bahamian workers forged this lavish home and its lush, beautiful gardens over the course of nearly a decade, and the interiors were later styled by renowned designer Paul Chalfin. Over the course of the he spent time living in Vizcaya, James Deering used his impressive home to entertain many guests – frequently hosting film nights and big parties in his courtyard. Nowadays, the gardens and main house are preserved and are open to the public as a museum where guests can pay to see the luxurious interiors, stroll the gardens, and even grab a bite to eat at the museum cafe.

Coconut Grove Playhouse

The Coconut Grove Playhouse was built in the 1920’s for the Grove’s first mayor Irving J. Thomas, and had its official debut on January 1, 1927. With its Spanish Rococo style architecture and the largest capacity in Miami, the playhouse was a big success in its time. However, even though it was bought by Paramount Enterprises and hosted their offices, the playhouse hit a rough patch in the 1930’s and closed down. Nowadays, the building is undergoing renovations, with plans to open once they’re finished. However, even when they’re closed for renovations, just walking around the building to admire its architecture is a sight you do not want to miss!

Charles Avenue

Charles Avenue, formerly known as Evangelist Street because of all the churches there, was a thriving Bahamian community during the time of mass migration of freemen from the Bahamas. Many houses along this avenue were built in the same way as ones from the Bahamas, using native coral limestone and lime mortar rather than cement – which has helped them withstand many hurricanes. A few of these houses are historical sites on their own, such as the Mariah Brown House and E.W.F Stirrup House. The Mariah Brown House is believed to be the first house owned by an African American woman in the late 1800s, whereas the E.W.F Stirrup House was owned by one of the principal landowners of Coconut Grove, a Bahamian who rented his properties out to other Bahamians in the area for a decent price. And even further along the avenue you may see the cemetery that inspired the Thriller music video by Michael Jackson! Overall, the avenue is rich with history and sites still standing from the time of Coconut Grove’s inception.

Green Spaces

The barnacle historic state park

The Barnacle Historic State Park is a small, five acre park that is home to the oldest house in Miami still standing on its original site. The house, named ‘The Barnacle’ by its original owner Ralph Munroe, has lived up to its name by withstanding multiple hurricanes and still holding on to its foundations as stubbornly as a barnacle since its construction in 1891. Besides the house, the park includes an unobstructed view of the bay, a boathouse also built by Munroe, and a well believed to have been built before Munroe even bought the property. Aside from its historical sites, however, the park also provides a roofed sports court and a few seating areas for lounging about.

Peacock park

Named after the famous Peacock Inn and located on the same acres of land it stood on back in the day, nowadays Peacock Park is filled with beautiful greenery and many spaces for enjoyment. Not only does this park have a beautiful view of the water, but it also provides multiple sports fields for people to enjoy all along its 9 acre wide plot. 

Regatta park

Regatta Park, named after the sailing regattas that often take place within its view, is a wonderful place for sailing and boat enthusiasts as well as general park fun. For those that love the sea, the park offers boat ramps and water rentals. And for everyone else, Regatta Park is filled with amenities such as picnic tables, bike racks, and wonderful bayside views.

Transportation

Metrorail

The Metrorail’s orange line runs through Coconut Grove, stopping at the intersection of South Dixie Highway and West 27th Avenue. The Metrorail can be used by purchasing a metrocard, either in person at a machine or through the Go app, for a very low price. The Metrorail is ideal if you’re traveling far, and is widespread enough to take you all over Miami from whatever station you enter from.

METROBUS

The Metrobus is also a great alternative if you’re traveling long distances to or from the Grove. The buses make a few stops in Coconut Grove, from SW 27th Street all the way to Bayshore Drive. Getting on these buses is easy, as there are many forms of payment – from buying an EASY card or ticket, to using the Go app, or even paying right there on the bus with cash or contactless payment methods.

TROLLEY

To travel within the neighborhood, the Coconut Grove trolley is a great option. The trolley stops all along the Grove and is completely free to use, within its operating hours – which usually run from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

CITI BIKES

Another great alternative for exploring the charming neighborhood of Coconut Grove is renting Citi bikes. These rental bike stations are found around the Grove and can be rented hourly or by the day. 

Food

MR 01

Mr. 01 is a restaurant chain that originated in a small office building just off Lincoln Road, and now has spread its locations out to Coconut Grove. They offer comfortable outdoor seating, friendly service, and unique and delicious pizza combinations that brought it its fame. Out of all their stellar pizza recipes, the most recommended has to be the Star Luca pizza – which got its name from the star shape that the folded crust full of ricotta cheese resembles.

KRUS KITCHEN

Krus Kitchen’s atmosphere and dining experience are what sets it apart from other restaurants in the area. The restaurant offers both novelty and convenience to all its customers, due to the fact that they have a unique rotating menu that changes from week to week as well as a pantry that customers can buy ingredients from as they check out. In addition to that, by making the layout of the restaurant appear as casual as a house’s living room, they provide visitors with the same feeling of comfort and familiarity as a home cooked meal.

Atchana’s Homegrown Thai Restaurant

Located at the corner of the Commodore Plaza, this family owned Thai restaurant serves a variety of authentic and delicious meals – the most recommended of which being the house special ‘Satay’, that comes with various meats and its own small grill brought to your table. With its comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, friendly service, and large aquarium to help the ambience, this restaurant is a must-try!

Businesses

BOOKS & BOOKS

Books & Books is a Miami-born bookstore chain with a location in Coconut Grove, right next to Krüs Kitchen. The bookstore offers patrons a cafe, two stories of fully stocked, floor to ceiling bookshelves, and even a table highlighting books written by authors from Florida in order to support the local writing community. In addition to that, the bookstore often hosts and participates in local events to engage with their community and inspire young community members.

LOVESHACKFANCY

At the corner of a commercial center at the heart of Coconut Grove, LoveShackFancy boasts a unique clothes and shopping experience through their luxurious and distinctive decor and amazing service. Through its large windows, you catch a glimpse of baby pink covering every wall inside the store, as well as frilly, lacey accents to every piece of furniture inside. Walking inside feels as though you’ve stepped into a little girl’s fever dream, but the service is so attentive and individualized that to call LoveShackFancy anything less than extravagant would be a lie. With its individualized fittings, comfortable furniture, and never ending snack trays, it is an experience akin to visiting a personal tailor with every piece you try on.

THE BLONDE TULIP

Sitting on the block by Mary Street in Coconut Grove, this florist shop offers the right flowers for any occasion. Whether you’re just stopping by to get some freshly cut flowers for decoration in your house, picking up a bouquet for a special someone, or arranging the flowers needed for a giant event such as a wedding or ball – they have just the right arrangement for you. In addition to offering multiple flower arrangement packages, it also allows for curbside pickup and local delivery options for the busy customer on the run.

Summary

Overall, Coconut Grove is a thriving community with a rich history that has managed to strike a balance between bustling city life and the quiet, calm life of the suburbs. In a city full of highways and ever decreasing greenery, the Grove has maintained a walkable neighborhood that protects and preserves its parks and natural historical sites.

On the other hand, while businesses in the neighborhood are on the whole a good thing, the stores opening up in the Grove are becoming more and more high end and unaffordable for even the fairly wealthy residents living in the area. Not to mention many of the Bahamian residents who inherited their homes from generation to generation since the neighborhood’s inception are being slowly but surely pushed out of the neighborhood as it gains prestige and attention. 

Coconut Grove has really struck a balance between being a great tourist attraction as well as a resourceful and pleasant neighborhood for its residents thus far, but it must continue to put its atmosphere over profits if it does not want to run the risk of having its rich niche culture overrun by gentrified skyscrapers and immensely expensive business that will drive out the residents of the area.

Works Cited

Overall, Coconut Grove is a thriving community with a rich history that has managed to strike a balance between bustling city life and the quiet, calm life of the suburbs. In a city full of highways and ever decreasing greenery, the Grove has maintained a walkable neighborhood that protects and preserves its parks and natural historical sites.

On the other hand, while businesses in the neighborhood are on the whole a good thing, the stores opening up in the Grove are becoming more and more high end and unaffordable for even the fairly wealthy residents living in the area. Not to mention many of the Bahamian residents who inherited their homes from generation to generation since the neighborhood’s inception are being slowly but surely pushed out of the neighborhood as it gains prestige and attention. 

Coconut Grove has really struck a balance between being a great tourist attraction as well as a resourceful and pleasant neighborhood for its residents thus far, but it must continue to put its atmosphere over profits if it does not want to run the risk of having its rich niche culture overrun by gentrified skyscrapers and immensely expensive business that will drive out the residents of the area.

Paola Castro is a senior majoring in Computer Science at Florida International University. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, and later coming to pursue higher education in south Florida, she was able to meet other people of various cultural backgrounds and learn more about the vibrant communities of south Florida. As someone who is interested in the history, art, writing, and politics of the Caribbean and south Florida, she is eager to explore more of Miami.

Who

I volunteered at two institutions in April of this semester, one being Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and the other one being the Deering Estate. Both Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and the Deering Estate (in partnership with the Deering Foundation) dedicate themselves to preserving and protecting the natural ecosystems of their area – with Bill Baggs placing a stronger emphasis on protecting native species of flora and fauna above the rest. 

At Bill Baggs Park, I participated in helping maintain the greenery of the park by spreading mulch around native species of trees at the park’s entrance. On the other hand, at the Deering Estate, I was part of a Mangrove forest cleanup where we ventured into the forest to collect trash that had washed up into it due to the high tide. Much like both of these institution’s mission statements state, I participated in both preservation and protection of the natural environment through these two service projects.

Why

Both the volunteering projects I took part in this semester were done by the entire Miami in Miami class, as they were part of our class curriculum and organized by professor John Bailly. As a class, we managed to spread mulch over the entire entrance of Bill Baggs State Park and cleaned up the Mangrove forest, both over the span of two days. 

Although these service projects were organized for the entire class as part of our expeditions, it was truly an honor to be a part of these conservation efforts and see how these beautiful green spaces in Miami are managed and improved on a daily basis. I’ve always had an interest in helping environmental cleanup and upkeep efforts, so these projects were very rewarding to me on a personal level. In fact, back in my highschool years in Puerto Rico, I participated in yearly beach cleanups as well as helping out the school greenhouse management efforts, so these projects really reminded me of those days. 

When we were done with the cleanup and spreading the mulch, seeing the drastic difference from before we started to the results afterwards filled me with pride and the satisfaction that we made a real difference that day. Despite the projects not directly relating to my field of study, this feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction in the fact that I know I made a small but meaningful difference is the same. I first started studying Computer Science to be able to make widespread change, even just by myself and my own efforts. At the click of a button, my app or website would be able to help thousands or even millions of people and that feeling of helping others kept me going through the hard hours of intense studying. When I saw the results of our hard work at the Deering Estate and Bill Baggs Park, that same familiar feeling of helpfulness flowed through me. So in general, although I did not choose them myself, I think these projects really spoke to me as an individual, and aligned with my values and interests very well.

How

Throughout the course of the two days these volunteering opportunities took place, I gained a new perspective on many things. Most notably, I found a hope for the future I had not felt in a long time.

In the age of social media, it feels like one is constantly being bombarded with all of the issues of the world again and again, day after day. The forests are burning, the coral reefs are dying, political corruption is rampant, and it seems like everything is hopeless. When the problems are so big and widespread, I and many other people my age tend to think that our small contributions won’t make a difference in the long run. It’s easy to settle into a feeling of dread for the future, and become pessimistic of things ever improving.

However, in the span of two afternoons, one class of students managed to make a noticeable difference to the environment around them. It may not solve the overarching problems of mass pollution or the slow extinction of native flora and fauna right away, but at least our efforts made a dent in the area we chose to work in. 

It filled me with hope. It may not be a huge difference, but if this much was accomplished in one day, how much could be accomplished in a year or two – maybe even a decade? Instead of trying to care about every issue, and becoming depressed over the state of everything, it’s much more productive to pick a cause and do your best in working to improve things. In general, I think I learned that, although my contributions can only go so far, if I choose just a few causes and get to work on them, I can make quite a difference over the course of my life. If other people my age begin to think this way too, well, the future may not be as bleak as I thought.

Where & What

On the day we spent at Bill Baggs State Park, we began the day early and, after a brief explanation of the park’s mission, were provided with gloves, rakes, and bags of mulch to begin spreading across the trees at the park’s entrance. After setting the bags of mulch on the ground at regular intervals throughout the park’s entrance, our class began emptying out the bags and spreading out the pile of mulch using rakes. After about three hours, all the bags were used up and the trees in the entrance were surrounded by enough mulch to help them continue to thrive.

As for the day we spent at the Deering Estate, we began the day a little later – around 11:30 a.m. After grabbing two empty bags to collect trash in, we all put on our water shoes and entered the Mangrove forest. After two hours of collecting trash and dodging spiders that lived in the Mangroves, we emerged with full bags and mud up to our knees. 

When

Summary

Overall, I would say that both service projects were a huge success – not only due to our efforts as a class but also because of the expertise of these institutions. While we were prepared to work hard, if we had not been given materials and detailed instructions by park rangers and our professor, these volunteering opportunities would not have been half as successful. For example, we wouldn’t have had the foresight to work early in the morning before the heat was unbearable, and would not have thought to bring materials such as rakes and gloves with us that made the work easier and quicker to do.

Given that we were less experienced and thus were not used to the environments of the Mangrove forest or the rough texture of mulch, many students came ill prepared for the elements. Overall, no injuries occurred, but many shoes were ruined or lost, and a few left with itchy ankles due to not wearing long socks when working with mulch.

In general, however, under the guidance of more experienced service members and park rangers, we were able to complete our missions and leave a positive impact at both sites.

Student Bio

Paola Castro is a senior majoring in Computer Science at Florida International University. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, and later coming to pursue higher education in south Florida, she was able to meet other people of various cultural backgrounds and learn more about the vibrant communities of south Florida. As someone who is interested in the  history, art, writing, and politics of the Caribbean and south Florida, she is eager to explore Miami in this course.

Geography

Little Haiti is located in Miami, just above the famous Design District and to the left of Biscayne Boulevard, spanning from 54th Street to 79th Street. Although the neighborhood is only a few miles in diameter, the bustling cultural and entrepreneurial spirit really makes one feel the sense of thriving community and vigor at the heart of Little Haiti. From the kompa music blasting outside of local businesses to the smell of tasty authentic Haitian food and children speaking animated Haitian Creole as they play in one of the neighborhoods’ few parks, the community comes to life and showcases Haitian culture in many ways – not least of which through the residents who contribute and connect with this culture.

However, due to a certain geographical facet of this community – namely, the fact that it has an elevation of around 2.13 meters above sea level – these immigrant communities are being pushed out by gentrification resulting from the wealthy moving further inland to escape rising tides. Already you can begin to see the signs of drastic change in the community, one of which being the approval to build the Magic City Innovation District in Little Haiti. This 17 acre luxury living and shopping complex has the potential to change the neighborhood – and its inhabitants’ livings – in one fell swoop, accelerating the already occurring suburbanization of Little Haiti exponentially (Iannelli).

History

Before the incorporation of the city of Miami, the area now known as Little Haiti went by a different name. At the time, there was an influx of squatters that later applied for homestead grants and eventually created a sort of community. They did this by erecting a library, churches, schools, and the first U.S. post office in the area, called “Motto”. This office was so important for the community at the time that the neighborhood adopted its name for the community at large, henceforth known as “Motto”. Later on, in 1893, the neighborhood changed its name and became known as “Lemon City”. Lemon City was overshadowed by the rest of Miami, however, and only began the process of becoming the Little Haiti we know today beginning in the 1970s.

The beginning of the 1970s is when the first mass arrivals of Haitian refugees arrived in south Florida. They came to south Florida largely to escape the militaristic rule of the Duvalier dictatorship, which lasted from the 1950s to the mid 1980s. The peak of this migration came in 1980, when upwards of 20,000 Haitians came seeking political asylum (Goyanes). Despite the support for Cuban refugees coming to Miami at the time, the Haitian refugees were not given the same treatment and were largely deported after coming to seek asylum in the United States. Viter Juste, a Haitian activist and a man referred to as ‘the father of Little Haiti’, was troubled by this and enlisted the help of Msgr. Bryan O. Walsh and the Catholic Church in helping Haitian refugees come to America to build a community (Goyanes). Thus, with the Haitian refugees together and safe in south Florida, Little Haiti was born.

Demographics

To help paint a better picture of what kinds of people live in Little Haiti in the present day, we can look at its demographic data. Currently, there are about 12,791 residents living in Little Haiti, with 50.32% of them being women and the rest being men. The median age in Little Haiti is 36, and the median income is $40,948. As of right now, 65.65% of housing units are rented, not owned, making Little Haiti residents particularly vulnerable to displacement due to the rent increases that come with gentrification (“Little Haiti Demographics”).

Interview with Resident Business Owner: Madam Saint Fleur

Q: “How old are you, and how long have you lived in the area?”

A: “I’m 64 as of this year, and I moved to south Florida in 2008.”

Q: “How long have you owned your shop in Little Haiti?”

A: “Well, this shop actually belonged to a friend of mine, who later passed it onto her daughter. Sadly, her daughter passed away, and I took over the ownership of the shop afterwards. So this shop has been here since 2008, but I only acquired ownership in 2019. It was then that I renamed it Saint Fleur Family Boutique.”

Q: “What do you sell at your shop?”

A: ”I mostly sell imported Haitian goods, which can be hard to find anywhere else in Miami. That ranges from imported food to imported clothes, hair and makeup products.”

Q:“Have you seen the demographics of Little Haiti change in the last few years? Does this translate to a change in your customer base?”

A: ”Slowly I have definitely seen a change in the people in Little Haiti. Every year, there are less and less Haitians here. As for my customers, since I mostly sell Haitian products, rather than seeing a change in my customers I am just losing business as more Haitians are pushed out of Little Haiti.”

Landmarks

Little Haiti Cultural Complex

The Little Haiti Cultural Complex, while it includes a thriving art gallery and museum, is a community center first and foremost. The complex offers event space in its community venues for rent, and also offers a variety of classes on Haitian dancing and art in their educational classrooms. The Complex itself throws events as well, such as ‘The Sounds of Little Haiti’, a free outdoor concert that is held on the third Friday of each month (“The Best Things”).

Caribbean Marketplace

Right next door to the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, local vendors sell their goods at the Caribbean Marketplace. The Caribbean Marketplace is a modern replica of Haiti’s colorful Iron Market where Afro-Caribbean cuisine, entertainment, and fashion is showcased for any visitors to Little Haiti (“The Best Things”). If you’re lucky, you may even catch the bi-monthly Black Roots Marketplace, which is a variation of the market that aims to support local African-American owned businesses and give them some publicity.

General Toussaint L’Ouverture Statue

While passing through Little Haiti, be sure to make a stop at the monument to the leader of the Haitian revolution General Toussaint L’Ouverture. As leader of the revolution, he fought to overthrow the French and free Haiti from slavery, pulling off what is considered to be the most successful slave revolution in history. In 2005, this statue of his likeness was commissioned by the city of Miami as a symbol reminding the community of its strength and of the importance of continued activism (Shulman).

Green 

In general, Little Haiti does not have many green spaces due to it being in the heart of Miami (meaning it largely has an urban landscape) and also because of all the new construction going on due to its gradual gentrification. However, the few green spaces it has are the following:

Athalie Range Park

Athalie Range Park, which is located on 62nd Street and named after civil rights activist Marie Athalie Wilkinson, is a wonderful green community space. It offers outdoor recreation and open spaces under the maintenance of the city’s parks department. Not to mention, it has begun to dabble in nature preservation efforts recently (“Athalie Range Park”).

Lemon City Park

Lemon City Park, which was named after the Little Haiti area’s old namesake, is located on 58th Street. It has a playground for children, and even offers different camps throughout the year in its resident recreational center. In addition to that, it allows pets to roam around the park as well, as long as they’re restrained in some way with either a leash or harness.

Earth N’ Us Farm

Located on 79th Street, Earth N’ Us farm is an urban ecovillage and learning space for children and adults. Visitors can learn about sustainable living, volunteer in the garden, participate in a community mentor/mentee program, and much more. Not to mention that the farm hosts many events, including but not limited to a vegetarian potluck, drum circles, volleyball games, and hosts pop up vegan restaurants from time to time (Shulman).

Transportation

Little Haiti has many different public transportation options thanks to recent years’ efforts to provide the community with more support. As of right now, the forms of transportation available to Little Haiti’s residents are the bus, subway, trolley, and newer Citi bike rental stations. According to data regarding how the residents of Little Haiti travel for work, it was found that 12% used the bus or trolley to get to work, 2% walked, and around 2% biked while 84% still used their cars (“Little Haiti Demographics”). This data clearly shows that although there are many options for moving around Little Haiti, they may not offer the routes needed to serve the community best, since most still default to using their own vehicles instead of using public transit. 

Food

Chef Creole

Chef Creole, located on 54th Street, offers an incredibly delicious authentic taste of Haitian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Despite its casual environment and beach stand-like decoration, the restaurant has won much critical acclaim. In fact, Chef Creole has gained so much acclaim over its amazing dishes that there is an entire photo wall filled with famous people that have dined there in the past. Thanks to the longtime owner and famous Chef Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour, the beach shack-like restaurant is a staple of the community (“The Best Things”).

Lakay Tropical Ice Cream

Located just off of 54th Street, this local Haitian bakery is well known for its rich and creamy ice cream desserts. Offering ice cream in tropical flavors like pineapple, passionfruit, and coconut, their sweet treats are a must have on a hot and sweaty day in Miami. Besides their delicious desserts, however, the establishment also offers delicious meat patties, stuffed with your choice of either chicken, beef, or herring. Overall, this bakery is a great place to go for a quick treat during your visit to Little Haiti!

Piman Bouk Restaurant

Located on 2nd Avenue near the Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Piman Bouk is a cash-only local Haitian eatery, serving the tried and true classics such as fried goat, oxtail, and stewed pork in a traditional way. Overall, the restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with wooden tables, low ceilings, and ceiling fans to keep you cool – giving the impression that you’re stepping into a home rather than a restaurant. With the homegrown feel and the delicious dishes, Piman Bouk is a place you don’t wanna miss.

Businesses

Libreri Mapou

Libreri Mapou is a local bookstore containing the largest collection of French and Creole literature in Florida, with over 3,000 rare books.  Not to mention that they also have a vast selection of international newspapers. In addition to having an extensive rare book and newspaper collection, the store holds a number of events – from panel discussions to poetry readings and even small concerts (Shulman). The bookstore, located on 2nd Avenue,was opened in 1986 by Jan Mapou, a Haitian playwright and activist, and continues to be a great place to visit while in Little Haiti. 

Sweat Records

Sweat Record, located on 2nd Avenue, is an indie record shop bursting with original vinyls, indie music, and merchandise. It also houses a coffee shop, so you can get a cup of coffee as you browse through their selection of music ranging from hip hop to punk to jazz and more, with no genres left out. Additionally, Sweat Records throws a number of events, such as concerts, summer block parties, and comedy shows (Shulman).

Saint Fleur Family Boutique

Saint Fleur Family Boutique is a small family shop selling food, clothing and beauty products imported from Haiti. It is owned by Madam Saint Fleur, who I interviewed previously and who has run the shop since 2019. Not only does it offer homegrown products, but it offers them all at a bargain price, considering that most products had to be shipped over. If you want to support a local small business, give this boutique a try.

Summary

Overall, Little Haiti is home to a vibrant community of people, who have formed a close-knit community from what once was an insignificant area of Miami. Over time, they have maintained their cultural identity, and continue to actively contribute to and connect with their heritage and neighbors despite all the hardships the community faces. However, they still have a fight ahead of them, with special interests and wealthy landowners slowly transforming the neighborhood to fit their own needs, profiting off the work the longtime residents there put in to make a home out of their neighborhood. Only by visiting, supporting the local businesses, and raising awareness of the problem can we be allies to this community and help them preserve this colorful, lively corner of Miami as it is now.

Citations

“Athalie Range Park – Miami, FL (Address and Phone).” County Office, https://www.countyoffice.org/athalie-range-park-miami-fl-04d/. 

Goyanes, Written by Rob. “Big History of Little Haiti.” The New Tropic, 1 Feb. 2016, https://thenewtropic.com/history-little-haiti/. 

Iannelli, Jerry. “Little Haiti Activist Sues to Stop Massive, Controversial Magic City Development.” Miami New Times, Miami New Times, 20 May 2021, https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/little-haiti-miami-activist-sues-over-magic-city-innovation-district-development-11231715. 

“Little Haiti Demographics.” Point2, https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/FL/Little-Haiti-Demographics.html. 

Shulman, Sara. “The Top 9 Things to Do in Little Haiti.” TripSavvy, TripSavvy, 4 June 2019, https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-things-to-do-little-haiti-miami-4171790. 

“The Best Things to Do in Little Haiti.” MiamiandBeaches.com, https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/plan-your-trip/miami-trip-ideas/insider-guides/little-haiti-guide. 

Paola Castro is a senior majoring in Computer Science at Florida International University. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, and later coming to pursue higher education in south Florida, she was able to meet other people of various cultural backgrounds and learn more about the vibrant communities of south Florida. As someone who is interested in the history, art, writing, and politics of the Caribbean and south Florida, she is eager to explore Miami in this course.

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WHO

For my Miami Service Project, I volunteered at the Deering Estate – who, in partnership with the Deering Foundation, dedicates itself to preserving and protecting natural ecosystems. At the Deering Estate, I participated in a Chicken Key beach cleanup along with the rest of my Miami in Miami class, all thanks to Professor Bailly organizing the event. 

Without an organized event, Chicken Key is not even open to the public, as it is an uninhabited island under the Deering Estate’s protection – so an organized cleanup is the only time people are allowed to enter. Needless to say, I was excited to be allowed to visit Chicken Key, let alone help in its upkeep and cleanup.

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WHY

This volunteering experience was a part of our Miami in Miami expeditions this semester, all arranged by Professor John Bailly. Together with my entire class, we canoed over to Chicken Key to help with cleanup as part of our coursework. 

I’m glad to have participated, as I have always had an interest in environmental conservation – especially when it comes to the plastic waste getting into our oceans and causing harm to dozens of aquatic species. Due to the fact that I grew up on a tropical island in the Caribbean, beach upkeep and coming to the aid of animals that dwell in the ocean comes naturally to me. Back home in Puerto Rico, I lived right next to a protected beach and helped turtles reach the ocean every year! I also participated in many beach cleanups for my community service in high school.

As for how this project connects to my studies, this volunteering experience does not connect directly with my major in any way, since I am studying Computer Science. However, my work at the Deering Estate does connect to the reason why I chose to study this major in the first place. The initial reason I was so interested in studying Computer Science was because of the way what we do online can positively affect the real world. Making friends, finding partners, and organizing group events for public good, such as the volunteering project at Chicken Key, can all start online and translate into real relationships and actions outside of online spaces. Overall, I became interested in my field because of the amazing effects it can have in the long run, such as spreading awareness for conservation projects (like those hosted by the Deering Foundation) and its power in organizing groups of people for good causes. One of the first ways to do great things in any community is to first gather people for the job, and technology expedits that process tremendously. 

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HOW

The cleanup at Chicken Key struck very close to home, in more ways than one.

In one sense, it reminded me a lot of home. The way the canoe paddle felt in my hands reminded me of kayaking as a young girl off the coast of my hometown. The mangroves growing wildly resembled those growing on the beach on the south side of my island. Chicken Key reintroduced me to some familiar characters, such as the hermit crabs, playful fish, and lizards wandering around the ground near the mangroves and in the shallow waters leading up to them.

It all just felt so familiar. That is, until I set my sights on the piles of garbage plaguing the island.

Besides the ways it reminded me of home, the trash we found made me reflect on the waste I create on a day to day basis. Not only that, but it made me realize that trash does not stay in the place you left it. A toothpaste tube or an old pair of sneakers thrown out in your own home may both find their way back to the ocean eventually. The amount of waste we create is not isolated, it connects and disrupts our precious ecosystems in one way or another – and seeing all those miscellaneous items piled up on the island made me face that fact. It encouraged me to seek out more sustainable options in my own life. And although my waste reduction may not make a huge dent in the face of the consumerist society we live in, my pieces of trash are one less thing the next group of Chicken Key cleanup crews need to pick up.

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WHERE & WHAT

We started the day choosing life jackets and paddles for canoes that were appropriate for our height and arm length. After choosing canoe partners amongst the class and procuring all the materials, including trash bags, we dragged the canoes to the water’s edge and started boarding them carefully. Thus began the rowing, made even more difficult due to the wind being against us.

After about 45 minutes of effort, our tired arms had finally brought us to the shore of Chicken Key. Then, we tied up our kayaks, made sure they were secure, and had a quick meal to recharge from all the difficult rowing. Finally, we got to work. Everyone split off into teams and headed towards a different part of the island in order to get the most amount of trash possible. The trash we found came in all shapes in sizes, ranging from plastic bottle caps to shoes to abandoned stop signs.

After we had filled all our trash bags, we loaded them evenly onto all the kayaks and started our expedition back towards the Deering Estate. Lastly, we dumped the trash in the designated dumpster area, washed off our supplies, and said our goodbyes to the staff at the Deering Estate. 

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WHEN

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SUMMARY

My day spent at Chicken Key was certainly an experience I’ll never forget.

It was challenging at times, sure, just like any experience worth its while. The most challenging part had to be when we were all canoeing to and from the island. Although I have canoed and kayaked in Puerto Rico many times before, it is always a challenge of endurance – especially when you’re against the wind and tides as we were on the way to Chicken Key.

More than challenging, though, it was rewarding. Picking up trash, both big and small, brought with it a sense of accomplishment after seeing the result of our efforts in the number of trash bags we hauled back with us. It was easy to keep working despite the fatigue, especially when I could take turns with my classmates and they could help me spot garbage I had missed.

In general, I couldn’t have asked for a better Miami Service Project experience than making a positive change with the help of my peers and the lovely people at the Deering Estate.

Communities form in many different ways – sometimes through shared hardship, sometimes through shared goals or histories. For the neighborhood of Overtown, it is all three. Miami’s history of segregation and its subsequent hardships may have created Overtown, but what made it grow into a vibrant community was its inhabitants’ shared goal of prosperity and progress.

When discussing Overtown, it is very necessary to mention its grim origin story of exclusion (shown even in its original name, Colored Town). After all, history is doomed to repeat itself if we don’t learn from past mistakes and prejudices. But I have a problem when that dark history is the only thing mentioned. After all, the citizens of Overtown created a wonderful community for themselves to live in – full of business and music! Nowhere was this more apparent than the overlapping business lined streets and the street that housed the Lyric Theater and what was then called ‘Little Broadway’. From soul food to music to small businesses, the people of Overtown turned a forced living situation into a place they would be proud to call home.

Not only that, but the community was not all about entertainment and success, it was also very collective. Overtown began its first black police squad, in order to reduce the unnecessary brutality born of racism often inflicted on people of color within their own communities. Not only that but two historic churches, which still stand today, provided essential services to those who needed help – a practice they are still committed to even today, as they give free showers to the homeless in one of the church’s mobile vans.

Overall, while it’s important to grieve the circumstances that brought the community together, it is also worth celebrating the immense effort the townspeople gave in making their community a vibrant, safe, and supportive home for all who lived in it. When visiting historic neighborhoods, it’s important to remember that along with the hardships endured, there was also joy to be had.

Paola Castro is a senior majoring in Computer Science at Florida International University. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, and later coming to pursue higher education in south Florida, she was able to meet other people of various cultural backgrounds and learn more about the vibrant communities of south Florida. As someone who is interested in the  history, art, writing, and politics of the Caribbean and south Florida, she is eager to explore Miami in this course.

Downtown as Text

Even in the years prior to its official establishment, Miami was the “melting pot” we celebrate today – and understandably so. It is not a stretch to say that south Florida is a natural extension of the Caribbean, sharing many of its historical trends and its sheer variety of inhabitants. Much like the islands of the Caribbean, Miami was inhabited by a multitude of people since its beginning, offering a home to Tequesta natives, Bahamians, Africans, and European settlers. 

People of color built Miami from the ground up, in more ways than one. Their various contributions are what allowed Miami to prosper. Without the Tequesta natives’ techniques for taking care of the land, Miami’s soil wouldn’t be fertile enough to start growing crops for profit. Without slaves to tend to the crops within the farmland, the railroad would not have been brought down to south Florida for the purpose of shipping food up north (a decision which later allowed the city to grow and get officially established).

Unfortunately, these contributions later spelled the marginalized communities’ doom, in one way or another. The fertile land Tequesta natives cultivated was coveted by wealthier European settlers and later taken by the settlers, driving the Tequesta out of their own communities. Barracks created by enslaved Africans and Bahamians were later used as forts to fight native people in the Seminole Wars. Even the railroad brought down to south Florida by Henry Flagler later led to segregated communities, one of which being modern day Overtown. 

People living in Miami nowadays, ignorant of the town’s history, may see these formerly segregated neighborhoods populated by people of color as a failure. They may assume that these communities are in dire straits through some fault of their own, some character flaw or just bad work ethic. The truth of history tells another story. Miami – much like other big cities around the world – has a history of profiting off of marginalized people’s labor, even using it against them at times. It’s difficult to pull yourself up by your bootstraps when your bootstraps are constantly stolen from you.

Make no mistake, Miami was built by the marginalized.

Overtown as Text

Communities form in many different ways – sometimes through shared hardship, sometimes through shared goals or histories. For the neighborhood of Overtown, it is all three. Miami’s history of segregation and its subsequent hardships may have created Overtown, but what made it grow into a vibrant community was its inhabitants’ shared goal of prosperity and progress.

When discussing Overtown, it is very necessary to mention its grim origin story of exclusion (shown even in its original name, Colored Town). After all, history is doomed to repeat itself if we don’t learn from past mistakes and prejudices. But I have a problem when that dark history is the only thing mentioned. After all, the citizens of Overtown created a wonderful community for themselves to live in – full of business and music! Nowhere was this more apparent than the overlapping business lined streets and the street that housed the Lyric Theater and what was then called ‘Little Broadway’. From soul food to music to small businesses, the people of Overtown turned a forced living situation into a place they would be proud to call home.

Not only that, but the community was not all about entertainment and success, it was also very collective. Overtown began its first black police squad, in order to reduce the unnecessary brutality born of racism often inflicted on people of color within their own communities. Not only that but two historic churches, which still stand today, provided essential services to those who needed help – a practice they are still committed to even today, as they give free showers to the homeless in one of the church’s mobile vans.

Overall, while it’s important to grieve the circumstances that brought the community together, it is also worth celebrating the immense effort the townspeople gave in making their community a vibrant, safe, and supportive home for all who lived in it. When visiting historic neighborhoods, it’s important to remember that along with the hardships endured, there was also joy to be had.

Vizcaya as Text

Throughout the tour of the Vizcaya museum and its gardens, all I could notice is how custom-made for its original owner everything was. Every single aspect of the estate was made with Deering’s peace and pleasure in mind, down to the last detail. Nowhere can this be seen more clearly than the gardens, where the landscaping creates less of a garden and more of an extension of the house with rest areas, plentiful shade, and entertainment in the form of hedge mazes. Having been built from scratch in a previously undeveloped forest area, even the nature outside of the garden grounds was altered to suit his needs – such as the moat surrounding the estate and the stone taken from it to use in other areas of the house. 

It was refreshing to see Deering’s realized vision of taking what was naturally beautiful about the area before it was developed and making it not only more beautiful, but also livable and comfortable for him and his guests. Nowadays, many famous architects are paid to create spaces in the city of Miami, but as they have never had to live in the city for a long time, they end up creating beautiful but impractical public spaces. One example of this is the courtyard we saw on our first Miami in Miami class that was built to be a public space for museum goers but, due to offering no protection from the scorching sun, is usually vacant. And that is just one example of many. 

In contrast to that thoughtless construction, Vizcaya’s outdoor areas are positively heavenly. As soon as you walk out, the serene sound of running water calms you down, the sheer amount of lover’s benches provide many opportunities for resting or lounging, and small, water cooled grottos provide ample shade and respite from the harsh sun. It truly was made for the comfort of all who visit, since even in such a humongous garden, you’re never more than 20 feet away from shade and rest areas. 

After visiting Vizcaya, I truly hope the city of Miami will take some notes on how to make public areas comfortable as well as beautiful for all who visit, so that more people are encouraged to spend the day outside. Making public areas comfortable does not always have to cost a fortune, but it does require vision – something Deering and his crew definitely possessed.

SoBe as Text

While walking down South Beach, I was amazed by the way that I felt Miami’s culture – at least in the way Miami is represented in media – was showcased in this one area. Not only do we have the wonderful beach and pier, but also the local shops, famous movie locations, and interesting art installations. The more I walked around and learned about it though, the more eclectic and strange it all seemed. There was so much going on all at once, it all seemed too over the top – weird at times even. Although, that is probably exactly why it has become a huge Miami cultural staple.

Unique art and culture is born of things that are weird, unnecessary, and even sometimes impractical. After all, when art deco architecture was first created, it did not come from people who wanted to stick to what was practical or prevalent at the moment. It was brought on by a desire to look to the future and reimagine what was possible, at the cost of looking strange and being more difficult to construct. What was strange then moved on to become a huge movement in the art world, and one of the biggest architectural feats in Miami – something it’s known for across the country. And this pattern continues throughout South Beach and all its famous spots.

From the largest art deco neighborhood in the country to the Betsy Orb all the way to a Jewish Museum with an alley inside of it and a beach made of imported sand, none of South Beach’s interesting locations could ever be called conventional. And that is precisely what makes it one of the most fascinating places in Miami. Not in spite of its strangeness, but because of it.

Deering Estate as Text

Unfortunately, due to a serious knee injury I sustained during the semester, I was not able to attend this class as I could not physically do the hike required.

UNTITLED as Text

As someone who grew up in the same city as the largest museum in the Caribbean, I’ve always had an innate appreciation for art, and felt at home in an art gallery. However, after visiting UNTITLED and getting to listen to famous artists from all over the world explain their art, I gained an entirely new perspective on the ways art can tell a story. Every artist I had the pleasure of speaking to had a distinct way of displaying the message they hoped to capture in their art. 

Some let the medium tell the story, mixing the natural with the artificial or using mediums in new and interesting ways. 

Some simply chose to shine the spotlight on something taken for granted or actively despised and decided to celebrate it in their piece. 

Others built upon their predecessors, making allusions in their pieces to famous artists that inspired them or incorporating aspects of their culture that hold meaning to them. 

Still others did not even seem to want to convey meaning, but rather give the public a new experience, surreal and memorable. 

With all the ways these artists creatively chose to showcase meaning in their piece, I was overwhelmed and inspired – especially considering the fact that I resonated with many of the pieces as they came from artists that have had similar experiences to me as a latin woman struggling with my identity, both as a woman and with my culture. Overall, I really enjoyed the installations and learned a lot about the various forms art can take to convey their intentions.

Coral Gables as Text

The city of Coral Gables has been recognized as an exceptionally luxurious community in Miami for a long time, thanks to George Merrick and his unique vision for the city. Merrick was not a perfect man by any means, but one thing he undoubtedly got right was the way that his seemingly impossible dream could be turned into a self fulfilling prophecy. He did this by understanding one simple principle: that the illusion of wealth and luxury brings about the real thing. 

Merrick understood the true power of opulence on the decisions of the wealthy, and used it to his advantage. By housing potential land owners in the elegant Biltmore hotel and then bringing them over to the breathtakingly large Colonnade Building to finalize their sale, he surrounded them with the aesthetics of wealth and grandeur. Even skeptical buyers were swayed by their lush surroundings, and bought into Merrick’s dream of a city. After a while, the city grew into a place where The Biltmore and the Colonnade did not look out of place, as wealthy landowners invested into the area now that they were its residents. Merrick’s false paradise inevitably became a real one.

In a lot of ways, the way that Coral Gables grew into the idea of what it could be reminds me of all the high-class areas in Miami today. If you think about it, the city of Miami is not very old and thus does not have a long history or traditions that give these areas their value. Miami, as a fairly new city, relies on its aesthetics of wealth and prosperity to draw people in – its fine art, its paradise-like weather, its fanciful hotels and resorts. Because of these glamorous surroundings, it creates a culture and reputation of affluence and becomes a self fulfilling prophecy itself. If enough people think of an area as rich and glamorous, then it will eventually become true. 

River of Grass As Text

When you live in south Florida in the modern day, it is very easy to forget its origins –  its natural landscape that has been reconstructed and molded to suit our needs over time to the point of being unrecognizable from what its founders witnessed at visiting it. Nowadays, it’s easy to forget that Miami is built on swamp land with its huge skyscrapers and constant change due to construction. 

Perhaps that is why trekking through the Everglades, separate from all of the modern day luxuries, felt like something akin to the feeling of meeting someone for the first time. In the Everglades I saw south Florida’s true face and shook its hand as I trudged through the muddy water in fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. I met its residents as well – in the puddles where the tadpoles swam in swarms, in the shallow water in the field where dragonflies whizzed past – everywhere I looked I caught glimpses of its inhabitants. 

While making my way through this miles long hike, I experienced a deep peace that always comes from being surrounded by nature. In a time when our attention is always being sought by ads and split between tasks in an attempt to multitask and be more productive, the silence and stillness of the fields and forest was refreshing and freed the mind up to wander. This place wasn’t asking anything of us, had no agenda at play, and so it became so much easier to be present and just experience that moment fully.

Wynwood As Text

In visiting Wynwood and its resident galleries, art of every kind was seen and experienced. Whether it be murals on the side of buildings, statues, paintings, or just about everything else you can think of, it’s all on display in one part or another of the area. However, the main theme I surmised from all the art seen on my visit was that of perspective – both the stepping into it and the changing of it.

Wynwood itself was just another district full of warehouses of varying purposes, before galleries began to open and change people’s perspective on the then vacant neighborhood. Instead of seeing it as bland and full of empty space, people began to see it as an excellent, spacious canvas for art of all kinds. The modern art that it housed also mainly dealt with perspective, by working to change people’s experience of things they thought they knew all about. 

Many pieces in these galleries glorified the mundane, with piles of candy and a string of lights being regarded as fine art rather than everyday items. Other pieces sought to change onlookers’ perspectives of art as a whole, using different materials and techniques than what was traditionally seen as ‘worthy art’ at the time. Still others challenged the status quo by incorporating technology into their work, constantly pushing for more immersive experiences than a canvas and some paint can allow. And some artwork was meant to place you in another’s shoes and make you experience the full emotion of an event or time – such was the case with the pieces inspired by the tragedy of the Holocaust. 

All in all, the art makes you ask yourself important questions about the true scope of what art can be as well as what makes something valuable, which I imagine is what the artists were hoping to achieve after all. 

Key Biscayne As Text

In visiting key Biscayne and Bill Baggs State Park, the overarching theme of the area seemed to be preservation above all. Despite all that happened around the park and its resident lighthouse, the area managed to preserve the glorious nature areas, building infrastructure, as well as its natural species of flora and fauna. This difficult yet well worthwhile feat of preservation was carried out not only at the state level, but also at the individual level. After all, the park is named after influential Miami News editor Bill Baggs, who played a large part in protecting the key from further development by persuading the public on the issue. One must not overlook the efforts taken after succeeding in making it a recognized state park, since its maintenance and care is all thanks to the work of state park rangers living on the key itself – who work tirelessly to keep the park as it is. 

Beside the more common meaning of preservation, though, the key also lent its hand in the preservation of human freedoms – serving as part of the Saltwater Underground Railroad that would allow slaves to go to the Bahamas, where they could live as freemen. Over the many years it was part of this route, it is unclear how many people this route helped bring freedom to due to lack of historical records on these occurrences. However, a conservative guess would be somewhere in the range of 3,000 to 6,000 people reaching the Bahamas by the mid 1830’s.

Preservation, in hindsight, is not always at the expense of progress – as the general media likes to claim so often. It may not be home to the next restaurant chain but if anything, it can be the gift that keeps on giving. From the rangers that get to call the key their home, to the visitors that come to bask in its nature and beautiful beaches, and even to the people bound to servitude that managed to escape their miseries through the Saltwater Railroad, Key Biscayne provided endless value and joy. May it stay the same for another 100 years.