Azalea Trails

Azalea Trails

Azalea Trails, developed in the 1960s, is sometimes referred to as “Hollywood” or “Black Hollywood,” likely due to some striking mid-century modern homes, similar in style to homes found in Beverly Hills or Hollywood from the same time period. It is bounded by State Road 24A (Williston Road) on the west, SE 11th Avenue on the north, SE 15th Street on the east and SE 13th Avenue on the south.  Lincoln Middle School is just north of the neighborhood.  Lincoln Middle School was previously Lincoln High School and served the African American community before school integration. The T. B. McPherson Recreation Complex is located just southeast of the neighborhood.

Dr. Cullen W. Banks and his wife Lakay are among many distinguished citizens who have resided in Azalea Trails.  Dr. Banks began his medical practice in Gainesville in 1949, and he continued to serve the community for the next 47 years. He was the first Black to have full privileges at Alachua General Hospital and North Florida Regional Medical Center.

Judge Stephan Mickle and his wife Evelyn also lived in Azalea Trails.  Judge Mickle was the first African-American graduate of the University of Florida, the second African-American graduate of the Levin College of Law, the first African-American lawyer in Alachua County, and the first African-American judge in the Florida First District Court of Appeals. 

The swimming pool at the T. B. McPherson Recreation Complex is named after Judge Mickle’s father, Andrew Mickle, Sr. who taught generations of African Americans how to swim.

To propose changes to your neighborhood’s page please contact neighbor@gainesvilleneighborhoodsunited.org