This past weekend, the Florida Department of Health declared two beaches in Miami-Dade County unsafe for swimming, following the discovery of dangerously high levels of the bacteria Enterococcus in tests conducted on Thursday, July 9.
According to Telemundo 51, the affected beaches include Bark Beach, located on 79th Street in Miami Beach and popularly known as the dog beach, as well as Golden Beach, a restricted-access residential area in the northeastern tip of the county.
The warning was issued by the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade (FDOH) on Friday, July 10, after both beaches failed to meet the state's recreational water quality standards. Tests conducted on July 8 at Bark Beach revealed 300 CFU per 100 milliliters, significantly surpassing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's limit of 70.5 CFU/100mL.
Health officials are advising visitors to refrain from entering the water at these beaches until further testing confirms that bacterial levels have returned to safe ranges.
Enterococci are bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Their presence in water serves as a primary microbiological indicator of fecal contamination, which could stem from stormwater runoff, pet and wildlife waste, or sewage leaks.
The FDOH cautioned that these bacteria can enter the body through direct ingestion or via cuts in the skin when concentrations in water are high. Exposure may lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, eye irritation, and ear infections. In more severe cases, complications such as endocarditis or meningitis have been reported. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered more at risk.
In addition to the two mentioned beaches, a third location—North Shore Ocean Terrace on 73rd Street in Miami Beach—was also under active advisory at the time of this report, bringing the total number of coastal areas in the county under health restrictions to three.
These types of advisories are not uncommon in South Florida, especially following periods of heavy rainfall that cause urban runoff into the ocean. In September 2025, the FDOH issued a similar advisory for Crandon Park North in Key Biscayne and South Point Drive Beach in South Beach due to the same bacteria. According to media reports, in July 2026, at least 18 beaches in Florida reported elevated levels of fecal bacteria following recent rains.
Those interested in checking the current status of the county's beaches can view updated information on floridahealthybeaches.com or contact DOH-Miami-Dade at 305-324-2400. The advisory will remain in effect until new test results indicate water quality has returned to safe levels.
Understanding Bacterial Contamination in Miami-Dade Beaches
What is Enterococcus and why is it a concern?
Enterococcus is a type of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals. Its presence in water is a key indicator of fecal contamination, which poses health risks such as gastrointestinal illnesses and infections.
How can high levels of Enterococcus affect beachgoers?
High levels of Enterococcus can lead to various health issues for beachgoers, including gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and more serious conditions like endocarditis or meningitis, especially in vulnerable populations.
What measures are being taken to ensure water safety?
The Florida Department of Health conducts regular water quality testing and issues advisories when bacterial levels exceed safety standards. They recommend avoiding water contact until levels are deemed safe again.