Florida Area is a historically significant neighborhood in New Orleans’ Upper Ninth Ward, named after Florida Avenue, a major thoroughfare that once paralleled the now-defunct Florida Canal. Laid out in the 1860s, the area remained largely undeveloped due to swampy conditions until improved drainage systems in the early 20th century facilitated growth. By the 1930s, it became a predominantly African American community, featuring classic New Orleans shotgun houses and a strong sense of neighborhood identity.
The neighborhood gained national attention in 1960 when six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to integrate a previously all-white elementary school in the area, marking a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
In the mid-20th century, the Florida Projects, a large public housing development, were constructed within the neighborhood. Initially intended for white residents, the projects were later desegregated and became predominantly African American. Over time, the area faced challenges related to poverty and crime. Following significant damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, portions of the housing complex were demolished, and redevelopment efforts have since aimed to revitalize the community.