Category: American Beach - The County Insider

The County Insider

Happy Birthday American Beach

1/31/2025

1/31/25 @ 4:00 a.m.

Happy 90th Birthday to American Beach! Founded on January 31, 1935 by the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, American Beach was developed as an ocean front resort for the Pension Bureau's employees and shareholders. During the period of racial segregation in America, American Beach became known to hundreds of thousands as the Negro Playground, and was a home in Paradise to many.

Today, community members take pride in caring for and preserving this unique community. The Board of County Commissioners commends all those who contribute to these efforts and maintaining this gem hidden in Nassau County.

Pictured: Beach crowd in the 1940s.
Photo credit: Amelia Island Museum of History at https://ameliaisland.pastperfectonline.com/photo/47CF8651-6CF3-47B9-A574-509365314400

January 31, 2025 is American Beach Day

1/14/2025

Pictured: Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Hupp Huppmann and representatives from the American Beach Property Owners' Association.

1/14/25 @ 4:00 p.m. - At the Monday, January 13, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed January 31, 2025 as American Beach Day.

Founded on January 31, 1935 by the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, American Beach was developed as an ocean front resort for the Pension Bureau's employees and shareholders. During the period of racial segregation in America, American Beach became known to hundreds of thousands as the Negro Playground, and was a home in Paradise to many. In 1982, property owners assumed leadership for the community and began a neighborhood association. The American Beach Property Owners’ Association, Inc., as custodian of this natural landmark, takes pride and responsibility in the care, preservation and well-being of the American Beach community

2025 marks the 90th Anniversary of the founding of American Beach. The Board of County Commissioners commends the American Beach Property Owners', the entire American Beach community, and all those who contribute to the preservation and longevity of this unique community and for keeping the dream alive for ninety years.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Community Meeting for American Beach Neighborhood Planning

8/30/2024

8/30/24 @ 10:15 a.m.

Community members and interested individuals attended a meeting to discuss the Crossroads area of American Beach (around Gregg and Lewis Streets) on Saturday, August 24th. The Planning Department hosted the event with facilitation provided by the Community Planning Collaborative at the American Beach Community Center on Amelia Island. Discussion during the community meeting focused on the following:

Planning efforts to date;
Update on Evans’ Rendezvous grant;
Summary of neighborhood vision for Evans’ Rendezvous, and;
Next steps for neighborhood planning efforts.

For more information related to the American Beach planning effort, view the following: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/990/American-Beach-Neighborhood-Planning.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

American Beach Community Meeting

7/31/2024

7/31/24 @ 8:40 a.m. - The Nassau County Planning Department will hold its next American Beach Beach Community Planning Meeting on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9am-10am at the American Beach Community Center. This event, "American Beach Crossroads", will focus on discussions around neighborhood planning at American Beach, specifically the "crossroads" area around Gregg and Lewis Streets. Other topics include:

Update on Evans Rendezvous grant
Summary of neighborhood vision for the Evans Rendezvous and crossroads area
Next steps in neighborhood planning efforts

This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Lewis Street Closed Beginning Next Week

5/23/2024

5/23/24 @ 1:20 p.m.

Please be advised that as part of the American Beach Water and Sewer Conversion Project, Lewis Street from First Coast Highway to Gregg Street will be closed for thru traffic beginning Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Closures are expected daily for two weeks to begin road restoration. Residents living on Lewis Street will have access, although they may experience some delays.

Individuals attempting to reach the drive-on beach access in American Beach should enter via Burney Road.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager's Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

American Beach Community Meeting

5/13/2024

5/13/24 @ 8:30 a.m.

The Nassau County Planning Department will hold its next American Beach community planning meeting on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10am-12pm at the American Beach Community Center. This event, "American Beach Crossroads", will focus on discussions around neighborhood planning at Amerian Beach, specifically the "crossroads" area around Gregg and Lewis Streets. Other topics include:

Update on Evans' Rendezvous conversations
Recap of the March 23rd community meeting
Review of potential options for the Crossroads based on March 23rd feedback
Prioritize elements of the Crossroads vision

This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

American Beach Crossroads Meeting

3/8/2024

3/8/24 @ 9:30 a.m. - The Nassau County Planning Department will hold its next American Beach community planning meeting on Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 10am-12pm at the American Beach Community Center. This event, "American Beach Crossroads", will focus on discussions around neighborhood planning at American Beach, specifically the "crossroads" area around Gregg and Lewis Streets. Other topics include:

- History of the crossroads area
- Planning efforts to date
- Update on Evans' Rendezvous future use
- Explanation of land use/zoning in the area
- Interactive discussion about visioning of the crossroads area

This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

American Beach Neighborhood Planning

2/22/2024

2/22/24 @ 9:30 a.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has been working to determine possible uses for the Evan's Rendezvous, a historical structure that served as a restaurant and entertainment venue in the American Beach Community. The site was acquired by the County through a Florida Community Trust Grant in 2004 and consists of the lot containing the Evans's Rendezvous structure, two lots to the south, and three lots across the street. At this time, the County is working with a consultant to explore options for future use.

The consultant, Community Planning Collaborative, has conducted planning efforts which included a focus on preservation, protection of the nearby dunes and vegetation, and rehabilitation of the structure, all while maintaining the unique and historic character of the community. A series of community meetings were held this fall to allow residents to provide feedback about possible uses.

The results of their efforts were presented at the Monday, February 12, 2024 Board of County Commissioner's meeting. The PowerPoint presentation can be found here. You can also watch the presentation and hear all discussions and feedback by clicking here. The presentation can be found under "Tab B".

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-6320.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Proclamation for American Beach Day

1/23/2024

Irving Gilyard; BOCC Chairman John Martin; J.D. Stanton; Pam McCorkle Buncum

1/23/24 @ 3:30 p.m.

At the Board of County Commissioners meeting held on Monday, January 22, 2024, the Board approved Proclamation 2024-002 proclaiming the 31st of January 2024 as "American Beach Day".

American Beach was originally founded on January 31, 1935 by the Pension Bureau of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company for the purpose of developing an oceanfront resort for its employees and shareholders. The once bustling community now serves as a historic jewel that attracts visitors near and far.

The Board of County Commissioners applauds everyone who has contributed in preservation of this landmark and unique community. in recognition of American Beach Day, residents are urged to visit the AL Lewis Museum to learn more about American Beach's rich culture and history. Additional information can be found on the Museum's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Evans Rendezvous Planning Meetings

1/11/2024

1/11/24 @ 10:00 a.m.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, the County will host the third and final meeting in the series of community meetings related to future uses for the Evans' Rendezvous, a historical structure at American Beach. The County acquired the site through a Florida Community Trust Grant in 2004 which consists of the lot containing the structure, two lots to the south, and three lots across the street.

At this time, the County is working with a consultant to explore options for future use. Planning efforts include a focus on preservation, protection of the nearby dunes and vegetation, and rehabilitation of the structure, all while maintaining the unique and historic character of the community.

Dozens of residents attended meetings held on November 4 and December 2, 2023. Presentations from each meeting can be found on here on the Planning Department's webpage. If you were unable to attend the presentations but have questions, please reach out to Planning Director, Elizabeth Backe, at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

Please join us on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the American Beach Community Center located at 1600 Julia Street, Amelia Island, FL 32034.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Evans Rendezvous Planning Meetings

12/13/2023

12/13/23 @ 12:30 p.m.

On Saturday, December 2, 2023, the County hosted a community meeting to discuss the potential use of the Evans' Rendezvous, a historical structure that served as a restaurant and entertainment venue in the American Beach Community. Several dozen residents were in attendance and shared ideas on what they envision for the site's future.

The site was acquired by the County through a Florida Community Trust Grant in 2004 and consists of the lot containing the Evans's Rendezvous structure, two lots to the south, and three lots across the street. At this time, the County is working with a consultant to explore options for future use.

According to Principal Adrienne Burke of Community Planning Collaborative, planning efforts will include a focus on preservation, protection of the nearby dunes and vegetation, and rehabilitation of the structure, all while maintaining the unique and historic character of the community.

This was the second of three community meetings on this topic as another meeting was also held on November 4, 2023. Presentations from each meeting can be found here on the Planning Department's webpage. If you were unable to attend the presentations but have questions, please reach out to Planning Director, Elizabeth Backe, at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

The third community meeting will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. a the American Beach Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Evans Rendezvous Planning Meetings

11/9/2023

11/9/23 @ 4:00 p.m. - On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the County hosted a community meeting to discuss the potential use of the Evans' Rendezvous, a historical structure that served as a restaurant and entertainment venue in the American Beach Community. Several dozen residents were in attendance and shared ideas on what they envision for the site's future.

The site was acquired by the County through a Florida Community Trust Grant in 2004 and consists of the lot containing the Evans's Rendezvous structure, two lots to the south, and three lots across the street. At this time, the County is working with a consultant to explore options for future use.

According to Principal Adrienne Burke of Community Planning Collaborative, planning efforts will include a focus on preservation, protection of the nearby dunes and vegetation, and rehabilitation of the structure, all while maintaining the unique and historic character of the community.

A copy of Ms. Burke's presentation can be found here on the Planning Department's webpage. If you were unable to attend the presentation but have questions, please reach out to Planning Director, Elizabeth Backe, at (904) 530-6320 or via email at [email protected].

The next community meeting will take place on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. a the American Beach Community Center. Everyone is invited to attend.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Evans Rendezvous Planning Meeting

10/20/2023

10/20/23 @ 8:45 a.m. -

The County seeks input from the community regarding the future use of Evans’ Rendezvous. This site was a historical entertainment venue and restaurant located within the American Beach community on Amelia Island. This venue impacted the American Beach community in the 1940’s and 1950’s, providing a rich history for travel and tourism. Jazz greats such as Ray Charles, James Brown, Louie Armstrong, and more performed at Evans’ Rendezvous during the mid-1900’s.

Investigations have been occurring to establish the current fitness of the structure. Consultant partners will be working with County Planning staff to engage with the greater Nassau County community on the history of the structure, current investigations, and future plans for the community to have access to and use the structure.

Please join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at the American Beach Community Center to hear from the consultant and to share ideas about the future of structure.

Future meetings will also be held on December 2, 2023 and January 27, 2024 so please save the dates!

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (904) 530-5320.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

American Beach Drive-On Access to Close Temporarily Thursday Morning

5/30/2023

5/30/23 @ 2:50 p.m.

The water and sewer conversion project at Amerian Beach is underway. The contractor, U.S. Water Services Corporation, has advised the County of the need to close the drive-on access to American Beach at Lewis and Gregg Streets this Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 8:00am - 10:00am, to install a water main connection.

We apologize for the short notice on this closure and appreciate your patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer

Lane Closures at American Beach

5/11/2023

5/11/23 @ 9:20 a.m. -

Please be advised that Nassau County has been notified of the need for lane closures this Saturday, May 13th, for the milling of roads associated with Phase One of the American Beach Water and Sewer Conversion Project. Affected areas are a small portion of Lewis Street, Waldron Street (between Lewis and Julia Streets), and Julia Street (from Waldon Street to the American Beach Community Center).

Attached is a map showing the affected areas. A flagman will be present to assist with traffic control associated with the closures.

Individuals attempting to reach the drive-on access for American Beach should enter the community via Burney Road as Julia Street and Lewis Street are for local traffic only.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to establish water and sewer services for the American Beach community. If you have any questions, you can contact the County Manager's office, (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer