South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
6503 N Ocean Drive, Dania Beach, FL 33004;
954-923-2833; floridastateparks.org/index.php/ mizell
When inside Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, it doesn’t feel like you’re just south of Port Everglades and the Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport, one of the busiest transportation hubs in South Florida. When you drive through the park, the two-lane road lined with shrub seems to go on forever. You’re met with secluded beaches on still, turquoise water and some of the best birding spots in the region, both on the water and in the coastal hammocks. But there are hints of civilization — planes taking off from the airport occasionally fly above, and beachfront condos can be spotted far down the beach.
The state park represents the two sides of South Florida, an oasis in the midst of cargo ships and high rises. And it’s a reminder of South Florida’s past, which can be seen even in its name.
In 2016, the park was renamed the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, in honor of two of South Florida’s most prominent civil rights activists of the 1960s. They had led the historic “wade-ins” at what was then known as the “colored beach,” protesting against the segregation that eventually ended the Jim Crow laws on South Florida’s beaches. The park had been named after John U. Lloyd, a Broward County attorney who upheld an ordinance that segregated the beaches.
Hours: The hours are a bit shortened due to the virus, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: There is free parking inside once you pay park admission. It is $2 for walkers or bikers, $4 for one person in a car or fourwheeler and $6 for cars containing 2-8 people. A boat and one person is $13 while a boat with a 2-8 person car is $15.
There is no change given, and only credit card or exact change is accepted.
Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards on the
beaches.
Restrooms: The restrooms in the open sections of the parks are open and fully functioning.
Amenities: Right now, the park is on phase 1, which means active recreation only. Only walking, jogging, swimming and fishing are allowed; meaning there are no kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals available at the moment.
The large pavilions are closed, though small tables are scattered all across the open sections of the park. Right on the sand and with easy access to the beach, many families are seen having picnics.
Whiskey Creek Hideout, the park’s official concessionaire, is open and functioning at its normal hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the only restaurant inside the state park, serving traditional American food.
The state park is a popular boating destination, offering a boat ramp in close proximity to the Port Everglades inlet. Like the rest of the park, the boat ramps close at 6 p.m.
There is also free WiFi available.
Coronavirus changes: Many parking lots are closed at the moment.
There are social distancing guides posted throughout the park, stating that visitors must keep a 6-foot distance between others and cannot gather in groups larger than 10.
Again, the park is in its active recreation stage, so the only activities permitted on the beach are walking, jogging, swimming and fishing. Although the nature trails are a popular spot at the park, they are currently closed.