Cause for Conservation

Cape Florida, a 510-acre tract of pines, palms, and beach at the tip of Key Biscayne, was praised as wild, unspoiled land suited for a natural park and nature reserve. In The Miami News, Bill Baggs urged that it be purchased from the owner, Mrs. Elena Santeiro Garcia, and continued to campaign for its preservation rather than its eventual development. He also argued that people needed parks and quiet places to recline, listen to the sea, dock a small boat, or walk. As editor of The Miami News from 1957-1969, Baggs used his column to champion preserving Cape Florida, and Mrs. Garcia's decision to sell her property to the state paved the way for the park instead of development.

Florida · United States