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Higgs Beach Sargassum?

We will be in town Wednesday through Sunday this week for Hemingway Days. We want to spend a morning at the beach, but not at Fort Zachary as we have done that many many times. We were thinking Higgs Beach for a few hours may work, but how bad is the sargassum there now? Is it negligible or would it make for a bad beach day?

Higgs Beach in Key West is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it's a great alternative to Fort Zachary if you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. However, regarding the sargassum (the seaweed that sometimes washes up on the beach), its presence can vary week to week depending on ocean currents and seasonal patterns.

As of recent reports, the sargassum situation in Key West has been relatively manageable, but there can still be some accumulation on the beaches, especially in areas like Higgs Beach. It's not usually as intense as it can be in other parts of the Keys, but there may still be some mats of sargassum along the shoreline, which can affect the overall beach experience. The beach can still be enjoyable, but the seaweed can give off a strong odor in some cases, and depending on the current, it might collect in certain areas.

  • Beach Conditions: You may find some areas with sargassum washed up, but typically, it's not enough to completely ruin the beach day. It could be a minor inconvenience, but not enough to overshadow the overall experience at Higgs Beach.
  • Cleaning Efforts: The city has been actively working to clean up the beaches and clear sargassum from high-traffic areas, but there may still be some residual mats left by the time you arrive. It's best to check closer to your arrival date for any recent updates on the current conditions.
  • Alternatives: If you’re particularly concerned about the sargassum, you can always try nearby beaches like Smathers Beach, which tend to have better overall conditions depending on the time of year.

If you don't mind a little seaweed, Higgs Beach can still offer a nice time, especially with its proximity to other amenities and the relaxed vibe. You could always take a quick walk to assess the beach conditions before fully committing to a few hours there. Given your time in Key West during Hemingway Days, you'll likely find plenty of other activities to keep you entertained as well!

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