COUNTY APPROVES HIGGS BEACH CONVEYANCE OF OWNERSHIP TO THE CITY OF KEY WEST

KEY WEST, FL – Following the approval of the City of Key West commission on April 1, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted on Wednesday to convey ownership of Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park to the City of Key West on May 1, 2026. The park is located on the Atlantic Ocean in Key West and comprises approximately 16.5 acres of oceanfront vista and includes the 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier. The agreement outlines a coordinated transition of ownership, funding, and operational responsibilities intended to support long-term improvements and maintenance of the beach and its associated facilities.  With this conveyance, the county will now manage and operate parks and beaches in unincorporated Monroe, improving efficiency.

“This agreement reflects a common-sense approach to local government that places the park in the hands of the governing body closest to the Key West residents and the community it directly serves,” said Monroe County Administrator Christine Hurley.

The county will transfer grant funding and insurance money collected over several years for the property to the city during the transition.

• Funds in the county’s budget from Hurricane Ian insurance claims will assist with the repair and replacement of storm-damaged infrastructure, along with additional funds for seawall patching and the design of repairs to the Reynolds Street Pier.
• The county will amend existing Tourist Development Council (TDC) grant agreements to the city to support projects, including the beach pavilion, West Martello, and Reynolds Street Pier.
• The county will work with the FDOT to transfer a grant for the Reynolds Street Pier repair construction. 
• The city will build the recreational field, rather than the county.
• The county will transition the annual TDC operating funds currently used for Higgs Beach to assist with staffing, utilities, maintenance, and general operations by amending the existing multi-year beach maintenance agreement.
• The city will assume responsibility for existing tenants at the site, including Salute, Salute Watersports, and the Key West Garden Club.

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