Health officials in Florida have urged the public to refrain from swimming and engaging in water-related activities at Crandon Park South, a beach located in Key Biscayne, Miami-Dade County, following the discovery of dangerous levels of the Enterococcus bacteria, exceeding the safety standards for recreational waters.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade (DOH-Miami-Dade) issued this warning through an official statement released on Friday.
According to reports from Telemundo 51, tests conducted on Thursday, October 29, indicated that the water failed to meet the recommended health criteria for swimming.
These samples were collected as part of Florida's routine beach water quality monitoring program. The findings revealed enterococcus concentrations surpassing state guidelines.
The Department of Health advises against any water contact activities at Crandon Park South due to the heightened risk of illness and infections for swimmers in the area.
Health Risks and Recommendations
The advisory encompasses swimming, water sports, and any activities that expose individuals directly to seawater.
This is not a full closure of the park but rather a health recommendation to avoid water contact in the affected zone.
The alert will remain in effect until bacterial levels decrease to health-safe levels, though the notice does not specify the exact concentration of Enterococcus detected or identify a specific source of the contamination.
Understanding Enterococcus Contamination
Enterococci are bacteria normally found in the intestines of humans and animals. High levels in recreational waters can indicate possible fecal contamination.
The Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program explains that these microorganisms can enter marine environments through stormwater runoff, pet waste, wildlife, or sewage discharges.
Exposure to water with high bacterial concentrations can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and skin rashes, particularly if water is accidentally ingested or comes into contact with open wounds.
Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk, prompting officials to advise extra precautions.
Monitoring and Historical Context
Florida's health surveillance program assesses water quality based on enterococcus concentrations per 100 milliliters of sample.
According to state guidelines, a concentration of zero to 35 colony-forming units is considered good, 36 to 70 is moderate, and 71 or higher is poor.
When tests exceed these limits, the Department of Health may issue warnings to avoid recreational water activities.
This is not the first instance of a health advisory at Crandon Park South due to elevated bacteria levels. On October 3, a similar alert was issued after tests on October 2 revealed concentrations above the established criteria. That warning was lifted on October 6 after new tests confirmed that Enterococcus levels had returned to acceptable values.
Other beaches in Key Biscayne have faced similar issues. In late August, officials advised against swimming at Crandon Park North due to high enterococcus concentrations linked to possible fecal contamination. In September 2025, Crandon Park North and South Point Drive Beach in Miami-Dade were also under health advisories for excessive levels of the same bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enterococcus in Florida Waters
What causes high levels of Enterococcus in coastal waters?
High levels of Enterococcus can result from stormwater runoff, animal waste, wildlife, or sewage discharges, indicating possible fecal contamination.
What health risks are associated with Enterococcus exposure?
Exposure to Enterococcus can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and skin rashes, especially if the water is ingested or contacts open wounds.
How are water quality levels assessed for safety?
Water quality is measured by the concentration of enterococci per 100 milliliters of sample, with state guidelines determining good, moderate, and poor levels.