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Contact: |
BOCC District 3 |
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Meetings: |
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT The Future of Higgs Beach: Public Input Meeting Saturday, March 21, 2009 9 am – 12 noon Higgs Beach Pavilions Open to the Public Handicapped assessable |
Additional Links
Press Releases
Contact:
Carol Schreck
Office of County Commissioner Heather Carruthers
305-292-3430
July 9, 2009
The Friends of Higgs Beach is seeking 501c3 non-profit corporate status, allowing it to solicit and secure private, corporate, government, and foundation funding for the improvement and enhancement of the park. The organization will also be able to assist in and/or present civic events and special community uses such as concerts, sporting tournaments, etc.
“I’m really pleased that this group is forming”, stated City Commissioner Teri Johnston. “It will help ensure free access for residents and visitors to this ever-improving great beach park.”
The 501c3 status also allows the group to serve as a fiscal agent for informal community groups wanting to organize and produce events and/or fund park capital improvements, such as the renovation of Astro Park, the children’s playground.
The Friends of Higgs Beach have been working with the Monroe County Public Works department, under the direction of Dent Pierce. They are currently moving forward with the patching of the seawall, installation of a security call box, the design and installation of a crosswalk and installation of a recycle center, all funded by the county’s Tourist Development Council (District 1).~ Design work (including solar powered electricity) for the restrooms is expected to be complete by the fall, followed by a winter / spring 2010 renovation.
If interested in supporting Friends of Higgs Beach and for more information on their efforts to improve the beach park, please contact Commissioner Carruthers’ office at 305-292-3430.
May 21, 2009
The Tourist Development Council’s Key West District Advisory Committee (DAC 1) voted unanimously to support 100% of the Special Beach Fund ($485k) to Higgs Beach Park beachside-related projects today, May 20, 2009.~ DAC 1’s recommendation will go before the TDC on June 9, 2009 for final approval.~ If approved, projects that will be immediately funded include bathroom renovation, seawall patching, crosswalk and striping, call boxes, signage, solar lighting for the tiki huts and pavilions, a recycle center, beach replenishment (sand), landscaping and 45% of a comprehensive Master plan.~ Fully funded, the Master plan will include environmental surveys, water quality analysis, identification of future funding sources and preliminary drawings.~
Projects approved total $290k with the balance placed in a designated fund specifically for Higgs Beach Park (beachside-related) projects.~ As projects become more defined and detailed, they will be submitted to DAC 1 for funding approval. ~This specifically relates to Water Quality / Drainage projects as well as contingency funding for the approved projects mentioned above.
Michael Behmke, Chair of the Higgs Beach Planning Committee, City Commissioner Teri Johnston, Carol Schreck (Aide to County Commissioner Heather Carruthers), as well as Johnny King and James Bruce from Monroe County Public Works represented the Higgs Beach Committee.
Appreciation goes to the members of DAC 1, TDC staff and Michael Behmke, Dent Pierce and John King for their efforts, expertise, and commitment to the future of Higgs Beach Park.
April 30, 2009
The Higgs Beach Planning Committee met April 30, 2009 under the direction of Chair Michael Behmke to discuss possible uses of Monroe County’s Tourist Development Council’s DAC 1 (Key West’s District Advisory Committee) Special Beach Funds, which have remained untouched since 1989.~ The Planning Committee will be making a request to DAC 1 to expend $485,000 of these funds for projects to improve safety, security, sanitation and drainage/water quality through bathroom renovation, recycling, patching of the seawall, solar lighting, and development of a Master Plan for future refurbishment.
Yes! You can rent the Higgs Beach pavilions for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, and family outings!
Please see the Use of County Property (PDF) link above for the specifics on fees, insurance, etc. OR call the County’s Parks & Recreation Coordinator at (305) 295-4385 or 1-888-227-8136
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