The Freedom Trail Landmark in Butler Beach

As we observe Black History Month, it's essential to reflect on the significant historical events and figures that have shaped our nation. In St. Augustine, FL, this reflection takes on a unique resonance, particularly when we consider the Freedom Trail and its landmark at 5480 Atlantic View in Butler Beach. This blog post delves into the historical significance of this Butler Beach property. 5480 Atlantic View stands as a testament to a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement. This property is part of the Freedom Trail, a collection of locations that played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine. The spring of 1964 marked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s strategic involvement in the St. Augustine movement, which played a crucial role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While in St. Augustine, Dr. King faced constant threats to his safety. He and other civil rights leaders often had to move between safe houses, including properties in Butler Beach, to avoid harm. 5480 Atlantic View is a particularly noteworthy property. The beach cottage was the winter home of Dr. Cyril M. Canright and his wife Winifred, who taught as missionaries in China in the 1920s and 1930s, and later made their home in New Jersey. The Canrights were supporters of the Civil Rights Movement and made their beach house available to Dr. King when he came to St. Augustine. As David Colburn highlights in "Racial Change & Community Crisis," the property was the target of several attacks when the local newspaper printed its address after receiving a tip that Dr. King was staying there. Segregationists vandalized and shot up the house in May of 1964. Dr. King wasn’t in the home at the time of the shooting, but arrived shortly thereafter. A few days later, segregationists attempted to burn the home. In early June, they smashed the windows and furniture, painted racist graffiti inside, and firebombed it. All of these events were widely reported around the country and increased public pressure to do away with racial segregation. The image of Dr. King examining a bullet hole in the window at 5480 Atlantic View became an iconic image of the Civil Rights Movement. A bullet hole in one of the door frames and burnt flooring still remain inside the house to this day. Check out this interview of Dr. King following his time in St. Augustine where he discusses the St. Augustine movement and what transpired at 5480 Atlantic View. For more information on the Freedom Trail and the St. Augustine Civil Rights Movement, visit www.accordfreedomtrail.org.

MORE

How Sustainable Homes are Changing St. Augustine's Real Estate Landscape

In St. Augustine, FL, and throughout the nation, a trend is reshaping the real estate market: the rise of sustainable homes. This movement towards eco-friendly living is not just a fleeting trend, but a significant shift in buyer preferences. As a real estate broker with deep roots in St. Augustine, I've observed firsthand how sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of real estate decisions in our community. This blog explores the growing demand for sustainable homes, highlighting key features, the impact on property values, and the benefits for homeowners and the environment alike. The Demand for Green Living Spaces Home buyers are increasingly seeking homes that offer green living spaces. These are not just aesthetically pleasing additions, but functional spaces that contribute to the home's sustainability. Features such as native landscaping and rain gardens are becoming more common. These attributes reduce water usage and enhance the local ecosystem, making them a valuable asset to any property. Water Conservation Practices In an era where water scarcity is becoming a pressing issue, water conservation practices in homes are more important than ever. St. Augustine homeowners are adopting innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems and drought-resistant landscaping. These practices conserve water and significantly reduce utility bills, which is highly attractive to prospective buyers. Sustainable Materials and Energy-Efficient Features The use of sustainable materials in construction and renovation is on the rise. Materials such as bamboo flooring, recycled steel, and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints are becoming the norm. Additionally, energy-efficient features like LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and Energy Star-rated appliances are in high demand. These features reduce the home's carbon footprint and also lead to substantial savings on energy bills. The Solar-Powered Home Advantage Solar power is at the forefront of St. Augustine's sustainable home trend. The key benefits of solar-powered homes include: Reduced Energy Bills: Solar panels significantly reduce monthly energy costs, offering long-term savings. According to Forbes, solar powered homes can result in an average of $1,500 per year in savings. Most solar panels last for 25 to 30 years before losing efficiency, so you could save $25,500 to $33,000 on electricity during the life of your system, depending on energy price fluctuations during that time.  Increased Property Values: Homes with solar panels often see a higher property value. According to Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for 4% higher than homes without solar energy—that’s $9,454 on average in Florida. State Incentives: The State of Florida has been recognized by Forbes Home as the fifth most sustainable state in the U.S. in its 2023 sustainability index report. Florida also ranked 15th for the lowest water consumption and 7th for its low energy usage and support for solar energy. As part of their conservation efforts, the State of Florida offers incentives to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Homeowners who do so can get a tax credit covering 30% of the system's cost and receive a 6% exemption from the state sales tax for the system. They also do not have to pay extra property taxes on the increased value from the solar panels.  Shaping Buyer Preferences Today's home buyers are not just looking for a place to live; they're seeking homes that align with their environmental values. Sustainable homes meet this demand, offering a lifestyle that is both eco-friendly and economically beneficial. This preference shift is driving the real estate market towards more sustainable offerings, influencing both new construction and existing properties. Conclusion For homeowners and buyers alike, the move towards sustainable homes is both a choice and a commitment to a better future for our community and the planet. Whether you're a buyer looking for a home that aligns with your values or a seller aiming to enhance your property's appeal, the focus on sustainability is a win-win scenario, offering benefits that extend well beyond the immediate financial gains.

MORE

Discovering Butler Beach: Frank B. Butler's Legacy in St. Augustine

Found along the picturesque coastline of St. Augustine, Florida, Butler Beach stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its namesake, Frank B. Butler, a visionary African American entrepreneur and civil rights advocate. This serene stretch of sand and surf, rich in history and cultural significance, offers more than just a beach getaway; it represents a pivotal chapter in the story of African American heritage in Northeast Florida. The Visionary: Frank B. Butler Frank B. Butler was a prominent figure in St. Augustine's African American community, regarded as a pioneering real estate developer and businessman. After moving to St. Augustine in the early 1900s, Butler worked in the local fish market and as a butcher in Snyder’s Market. In 1914, Butler opened his own market in Lincolnville called the Palace Market. The Palace Market was a success and enabled Butler to have capital to purchase lots in Lincolnville a year later to use as business investments and to subsequently open a real estate office in 1924. In 1925, Butler formed the College Park Realty Company, which created the College Park Subdivision in what is now the southwest corner of King Street and Holmes Blvd. In 1927, Butler began purchasing land on Anastasia Island. Butler's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social justice led him to develop the property. His vision was clear: to create a beachfront haven where African Americans could enjoy the beauty of Florida's coastline, free from the constraints of segregation that marred much of the United States at the time. Butler Beach: A Haven of Equality and Beauty Location and Development: Butler Beach is located just south of St. Augustine Beach, stretching along the Atlantic coast. Following World War II, Frank B. Butler developed the property into a resort for African Americans so they could enjoy the beach and the Intracoastal Waterway. This was the only African American resort between Daytona Beach and Fernandina Beach. His efforts ensured that African American families could enjoy the same seaside pleasures that were otherwise denied to them during segregation. Shore boating, fishing, picnics and cookouts were enjoyed on the Matanzas River. There was a large pavilion, concession stand and accommodations at Butler’s Beach Inn. Other businesses soon developed and individuals bought lots for homes. Years later, the Beach Inn was sold and the property developed into condominiums. Butler also sold part of the property to the State of Florida for development of a state park for African Americans.  Preservation and Legacy: After Butler died in 1973, the park that was sold to the State declined without his continual lobbying for support. In 1980, the State gave the park to St. Johns County with the stipulation it be named “Frank B. Butler County Park,” which continues to be a monument in honor of Frank B. Butler’s legacy. Today, Frank B. Butler County Park is split between an “east” park and “west park.” The east park is directly on the beach with public dune crossovers and parking. The west park offers access to the Intracoastal Waterway via a public boat ramp along with cookout and picnic areas.  Cultural and Historical Significance: Beyond its natural beauty, Butler Beach serves as a symbol of resilience and progress. It is a tangible representation of Butler's commitment to equality and community empowerment. Throughout its history, Butler Beach has been a gathering place for family reunions, social events, and civil rights meetings, embedding itself deeply in the cultural fabric of St. Augustine's African American community. Efforts by the local community and historians ensure that the story of Butler's contributions and the beach's significance remain alive for future generations.  The Impact of Frank B. Butler's Legacy Frank B. Butler's contributions extend beyond the creation of a beach resort. His legacy is a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit, community leadership, and the fight for civil rights. Butler Beach's existence challenged the norms of its time, offering a space where African Americans could experience leisure and freedom amidst the harsh realities of segregation. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Butler's work as a real estate developer and businessman showcases the potential for entrepreneurship to drive social change. His ability to envision and create a space like Butler Beach during a time of widespread discrimination is a testament to his innovative and resilient spirit. Community Leadership: Butler's efforts in developing Butler Beach also highlight the importance of community leadership. He not only provided a recreational space for African Americans, but also contributed to the economic and social upliftment of the community in St. Augustine. Civil Rights Advocacy: The creation and existence of Butler Beach during the segregation era serve as a powerful example of civil rights advocacy through action. Butler's dedication to equality and justice contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights in America, making Butler Beach a landmark of African American heritage and activism. Butler Beach is more than just a scenic destination; it is a monument to Frank B. Butler's remarkable legacy in St. Augustine. Through his vision and determination, Butler not only created a space for recreation and relaxation for African Americans during a time of profound inequality, but also left an indelible mark on the history of civil rights and community development. I highly recommend reading the book “Franklin B. Butler” by Barbara Walch to learn more about how and why Frank Butler came to St. Augustine, his entrepreneurship and business endeavors in Lincolnville, and the incredible things he did for the African American community.

MORE