In the early 1930’s, A.L. Lewis, president of the Afro American Insurance Company, bought 200 acres of beachfront so his employees could enjoy the Florida shore during the days of segregation. For the next 40 years, American Beach was a paradise for vacationing African-Americans. Evans’ Rendezvous nightclub was an anchor of the community, welcoming artists such as Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong. Today, American Beach is threatened by encroaching development. The Trust for Public Land has purchased Evans’ Rendezvous and is working with Nassau County to restore the building and preserve several nearby sites.