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Historic American Beach

Since 1935, tiny American Beach has weathered hurricanes, segregation, economic downturns, and developers to provide a vacation haven for many African-American families.

Courtesy of Marsha Phetts

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Retro Revelry

From the 1930s to the 1950s, American Beach successfully drew African-Americans from around the country to the Florida coast. With celebrities such as singer Ray Charles and writer Zora Neale Hurston as part of the attraction, area nightclubs, restaurants, and businesses thrived.