Alex Potah
Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1950, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
The environment was one of the biggest reasons early Floridians stayed away from the beaches.
Stan Wayman, 1964-07, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Just a month before LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act, a clash between blacks and whites occurred at St. Augustine.
"Dorlington 500" Stock Car Race, Grey Villet, 1958-09, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
As more spring breakers were appearing in Florida, the inhabitants began to prefer the crowds that the races brought in.
Frank Scherschel, 1961-05, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Other exotic locations also began to attract the older generations as more moved to Florida's beaches.
San Felipe Condominium, Philippe Gruenberg / Pablo Hare, 2003, From the collection of: MALI, Museo de Arte de Lima
High rise condos and time shares began to spring up along Florida's coasts to maximize the disappearing beach-front property.
Cocos Islans, John Dominis, 1959, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Barrier islands too became developed. Bridges and ferries began to connect them to the mainland but development would have costly impacts on the environment.
Army Dredge "Essayons", Thomas Mcavoy, 1949-12-12, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Dredges made it possible to grow existing islands and make more waterfront property available to the wealthy buyers.
Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1954, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Florida's beaches would also be devastated by hurricanes which washed the already eroding sand out to sea.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
