The Spa Beach Controversy

The Spa Beach Controversy Part 1

The Spa Beach Controversy Part 2

The Spa Beach Controversy Part 3

African American people were not allowed to attend the local beaches in St. Petersburg and were only allowed to swim in the South Mole. The initial swim in of Spa Beach in 1955 encouraged others to do the same which led to the frequent city response of closing the beach.

Directed and produced by Vanya Tsvetkova.

Topics:

  • Freedom Riders
  • The Spa Beach Controversy
  • South Mole

Those Involved:

  • James Anthony Schnur: Special Collections Librarian at USFSP
  • Raymond O. Arsenault, Ph.D.: John Hope Franklin of Southern History
  • Jon Wilson: Communications Consultant, Florida Humanities Council
  • Betty J. Harden
  • Bertha Dancil Henderson
  • Peyton Jones: Visiting Professor of History at USFSP