Beneath the Surface: Oral Histories of South Florida’s Waters
Guy Forchion
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Description
In this interview, Guy Forchion discusses the social and cultural impacts of Miami’s waterways, specifically Virginia Key Beach. Guy Forchion talks about his experience growing up in South Florida and how Virginia Key Beach had significant meaning to his childhood. He reflects on the changes, challenges, and experiences that he witnessed in Virginia Key Beach as well as his efforts to help restore Virginia Key Beach to its beautiful potential while being the Executive Director of the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust. He also highlights his experience working in Congress and how it was tied to his relationship with Virginia Key. Guy reflects on Virginia Key Beach as a landmark of community and harmony that created a recreational outlet for African Americans in South Florida.
Publication Date
3-15-2024
Publisher
Florida International University
City
Miami, Florida
Keywords
Florida International University, Miami, Virginia Key Beach, Waterways, Segregation, South Florida, Restoration, Social and Cultural, Accessibility
Disciplines
Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Recommended Citation
Forchion, Guy and Casarez, Diondra, "Guy Forchion" (2024). Beneath the Surface: Oral Histories of South Florida’s Waters. 7.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/waterkeeper/7
Rights Statement
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
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Comments
Biography:
Originally from New Jersey, Guy Forchion, the youngest of 4 children moved to Miami, Florida as a young child with his family in the early 1970’s. Guy has had the interesting experience of witnessing the cultural, social, and environmental changes that have been occurring in Miami and the surrounding waterways throughout the years. A graduate of FSU, Guy began his career working in politics with elected officials, the U.S. Congress, and the Florida Senate. After being asked by Congresswoman Carrie Meek to join the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust as Executive Director, Guy remained in that position for 20 years overseeing the restoration and revitalization to the historic preservation of Virginia Key Beach before resigning in March of 2023. Guy is now focused on the accessibility of the Miami waterways and the direct relationship it has with the local communities. He splits his time between his properties in Miami and North Florida and continues to be a prominent figure in the community.