[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E109-E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE TIMUCUAN ECOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC PRESERVE BOUNDARY 
                          REVISION ACT OF 2004

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
provides needed protection to an historic area of Florida with great 
national significance known as American Beach. This bill will expand 
the current boundaries of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve 
to include approximately 12.5 acres of land in American Beach, Amelia 
Island.
  The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve currently provides 
protection to an important ecological treasure and the addition of 
American Beach will serve to enhance its national significance.
  This beautiful stretch of shoreline provides a great history and a 
great story. Founded in the 1930s by A.L. Lewis, American Beach 
provided a sunny paradise for those Americans

[[Page E110]]

who, because of segregation, were not able to enjoy most of America's 
beaches. This area of Florida's northeastern shore attracted African 
Americans from all over the country. While this nation struggled to 
find equality within its shores, American Beach provided a relaxing, 
culturally unique vacation spot for African Americans along the ocean's 
edge.
  The significance of this site was recognized when the beach and 120 
residential homes in the area were added to the National Register of 
Historic Places. Additionally, in 1992, the Florida Legislature named 
American Beach the first site on the Florida Black Heritage Trail.
  In his recently released budget, President Bush provides resources 
for a new ``Preserve America'' program through the National Park 
Service. This initiative is designed to encourage heritage tourism 
throughout the country. Today, this legislation answers the President's 
call without spending a single dime of taxpayer's money.
  Last year, American Beach's neighbor, Amelia Island Plantation made 
arrangements to donate these 12.5 acres to the National Park Service. 
Unfortunately, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is not 
able to accept this generous gift because the acreage rests outside the 
boundaries of the Preserve.
  This legislation allows the National Park Service to accept this 
historic site by simply modifying the boundaries of the Timucuan. I 
support this addition to the Timucuan--and others like it--where 
willing property owners and the National Park Service can work 
cooperatively as stewards of our national treasures.
  Mr. Speaker, it is especially fitting this legislation comes to the 
floor of this House as we celebrate Black History Month to honor those 
individuals who worked to bring equality to all Americans.

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