HIGGS BEACH IS CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION

Access to Higgs Beach in Key West is temporarily limited while crews complete 570 feet of shoreline restoration, adding sand and preventing erosion. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Monroe County’s Higgs Beach in Key West is undergoing about 570 feet of shoreline restoration to renourish sand above and below the mean high water line, reestablish sea turtle nesting areas and prevent future shoreline erosion. The project is expected to take three to four weeks, according to Monroe County officials.

Turbidity barriers have been installed and as of Oct. 22, beach access was blocked off between the Reynolds Street Pier and the pavilion near the volleyball courts. 

There are no full road closures expected from this project, but pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle travel along Atlantic Boulevard in the vicinity of the Reynolds Street intersection will be periodically interrupted so trucks can enter and exit the beach safely. Monroe County is also monitoring ongoing construction activities along Betha Street to avoid conflicts with any road closures or detours associated with that project.

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council provided funding for the engineering, environmental studies, permitting and project construction. The state provided funding for the ongoing environmental monitoring to follow the restoration project.

The work was intentionally scheduled to take place after July so as not to interfere with turtle nesting season or any active nests.