Environment

In South Florida, where the Everglades meet the bays, environmental challenges abound. Sea level rise threatens homes and real estate. Invasive species imperil native plants and animals. Pesticides reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, but at what cost? WLRN's award-winning environment reporting strives to capture the color and complexity of human interaction with one of the most biodiverse areas of the planet.

Red Tide Confirmed In Miami-Dade And Some Beaches Have Been Closed

WLRN Public Media | By David J. Neal

Published October 4, 2018 at 8:43 AM EDT

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue workers wear masks as they ride an all terrain vehicle along Lake Worth Beach on Tuesday.

Miami-Dade closed beaches north of the Haulover inlet before dawn on Thursday morning after lab tests confirmed the presence of red tide in ocean waters as the toxic algae traveled from Gulf waters to the Atlantic, spreading an environmental and tourism crisis to more of Florida.

Lab tests confirmed “medium concentration” of algae linked to red tide off Haulover Park, according to a statement issued early Monday by Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

Farther south, tests off Miami Beach and Key Biscayne were “in the very-low to low range.” The levels were too low to prompt beach closures south of Haulover.

Haulover Inlet is in North Miami-Dade, around 10800 Collins Ave., north of Bal Harbour.

Red tide is rare on Florida’s east coast, but was confirmed in Palm Beach County on Monday after weekend beachgoers complained of symptoms linked to the toxic algae. Beaches were closed Sunday.

Read more at our news partner, the Miami Herald.