1949 – The new Monroe County Beach (now Higgs Beach) was dedicated. Judge Thomas S. Caro spoke, and Frank Bentley, chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, made the formal dedication. The County had issued a $350,000 construction bond for the new beach.

1986 – Monroe County Commissioners approved the construction of a new 150-seat restaurant at the site of the existing Driftwood Luncheonette on Higgs Beach in Key West. Local architects were asked to submit plans for the new eatery.

1955 – Work was underway on the new County Beach at the foot of White Street. A wall was being built into the water around the West Martello Tower, and sand would be placed on the inside to cover a rocky area. Steps would lead to the ocean from the wall for the convenience of bathers.

1959 – A simulated nuclear bomb drop was the central feature of Civil Defense exercises in Key West.

2010 – The Friends of Higgs Beach, an ad hoc citizens’ group, was working with Monroe County to improve the Key West beachfront park.