Critics Question Costs as Key West Prepares to Take Over Higgs Beach

Ceremonial key exchange comes amid concerns over long-term liability, county push to shift resources.

KEY WEST, Fla. — Against a backdrop of palms, weathered picnic shelters and the long concrete span of the Reynolds Street Pier, Monroe County and the city of Key West will mark the city’s takeover of Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park on Thursday with a ceremonial “key to Higgs Beach” exchange that some residents say comes at too high a price.

The 4:4…