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Barefoot Mailman
In the late 1800s, foot mail carriers traveled the route from West Palm Beach to Miami, walking barefoot along the hard sand at the water’s edge for the 68-mile journey.
These carriers, known as the Barefoot Mailmen, passed through the beach at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.
Honoring Civil Rights Leaders
Black Americans residing in South Florida faced challenges accessing Fort Lauderdale’s beaches due to resistance from oceanfront property owners. In 1954, the county designated a barrier island site for segregation after a series of wade-in protests led by Eula Johnson, Dr. Von D. Mizell, and others.
The park name changed to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in 2016 to recognize their efforts. Various facilities within the park were also renamed to honor individuals who played crucial roles in the civil rights movement.
About the New Names
- Dr. Von D. Mizell – Led efforts for a Negro beach in 1946, resulting in the Broward attorney finding a site in 1951.
- Eula Johnson – Pushed for a road to the beach with a famous wade-in protest in 1961.
- Alphonso Giles – Honored for ferrying residents to the beach during segregation.
- W. George Allen – Fought for school integration and public accommodations.
- Dr. Calvin Shirley – Contributed to civil rights efforts and healthcare improvements.
- George and Agnes Burrows – Advocated for civil rights and community opportunities.
- Dr. Mizell and others initiated the wade-in protests to integrate the beaches, leading to the road construction to Dania Beach.
- The former colored beach became a state park in 1973.
John U. Lloyd
John U. Lloyd, Broward County’s attorney, played a key role in acquiring the park property in 1954, which was initially named in his honor.
Park Dedication
The state purchased the park land from Broward County in 1973 for $15,314,000. Today, the park spans 310 acres from Port Everglades Inlet to Dania along the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
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