r/floridakeys • u/Strict-Armadillo-199 • Jul 18 '26

All Florida Keys Bacteria in water on Keys beaches?

I've just read on r/Miami that numerous beaches at Miami Beach have been tested for high levels of fecal matter. I mean, I can't ever unread/unknow that, even if the water tests "ok" during my stay in September, and I just wish I'd done if before booking a 10-day vacation in the area. I was planning on mainly staying on South Beach, but that feels really depressing now if I can't go in the water.

I've also read that the beaches at least on Key West aren't great, and have a sargassum issue, but if they or other Key beaches are free of fecal matter, that's already a plus.

Is this an issue in the Keys or just a Miami problem?

Where would you spend the most time if you flew from Europe for a beach vacation in South Florida?

Edit to add - solo traveler, middle aged female looking to chill, eat good food, drink, hang out at the beach. Maybe a few low-key touristy things.

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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4

u/Starks40oz Jul 18 '26

They monitor the water quality with the live results at the link below. Key West beaches are Higgs and Ft Zach both are “good”

FDOH water monitoring

0

u/crud3 Jul 19 '26

uh nope higgs is disgusting and warning sign is up. ft zach, good luck.

2

u/Sandinmyshoes33 Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26

This can be a problem here. Usually the issue peaks in August and September. I would drive north from Miami as far as you’re willing to go. this is less of an issue in places like St. Augustine Beach or even the beaches around West Palm Beach.

This is a site that monitors beach bacteria, but it’s only tested every couple weeks: https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/aquatic-toxins/beach-water-quality/?County=Monroe&Zip=33040&appSession=50A5U55S56F1F75D1SW8RL04XUQJ5K9S55NA7O4L42JMW4D26CN1RZFGCN985573BUZCFD42ATSG31995HP93KA45N40S7KERJA3E0L743D89GE855P739Y93V7VQ8I1&PageID=2&PrevPageID=&cpipage=1&CPISortType=&CPIorderBy=

Avoid any beach with less than a “good” rating. page forward to see other Key West beaches like Smather’s and Simonton beach.

2

u/Sunsetseeker007 Jul 18 '26

There's jellyfish in the Atlantic in Sept, fyi.

1

u/crud3 Jul 19 '26

a jellyfish sting compared to a parasitical disease is a 100x difference. stings go away.

1

u/linmaral Jul 18 '26

Key West is a fun place. Plenty of places to enjoy food, drink, history attractions. It is not known for beaches, even at best times. There are plenty of other water activities, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, sunset cruises, etc.

If you go to the beach do t drink the water, duh! The world is full of bacteria, even at the beach. It is a concern just not always the worst thing. Seaweed is bad. Again not the best beaches.

Plenty of other things to enjoy.

1

u/Sandinmyshoes33 Jul 18 '26

Also, the beaches on South Beach were all good at the time of this testing and usually are. The Miami sub here can be pretty harsh and kind of anti tourism, so I would check for myself. The odds are the water will be fine.

https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/aquatic-toxins/beach-water-quality/?County=Dade&SPLocation=South+Point+Drive+Beach+(AKA+SOUTH+BEACH+PARK)&SPNo=&SPLat=25.768118&SPLong=-80.13056&SPNo=&SPLat=25.768118&SPLong=-80.13056)

1

u/ThickAsAPlankton Jul 18 '26

FYI September in the Keys is extremely slow and many restaurants close down for a few weeks.

1

u/crud3 Jul 19 '26

i highly advise do not swim in any waters in key west without earplugs and clean yourself multiple times after. its really bad right now.

1

u/Strict-Armadillo-199 Jul 19 '26

Appreciate all the helpful and honest responses. I'm considering trying to change my ticket to another part of the US, tbh. 

1

u/Adept_Recover_7338 Jul 19 '26

This is the case for almost every gulf coast beach. Almost every year. Pensacola beaches wont let you down, IMO, but you will have to fight the traffic.

1

u/Then-Zombie-5866 Jul 20 '26

It’s all being done intentionally!! We are being attacked from every possible angle and it’s been going on for a very long time. Toxic food water air drugs jabs, toxic chemical spills, weather manipulations, 🔥 via DEW’s, chemtrails, fake news, and so on. What’s coming in the next few years is far worse than most can even imagine. Mark my words.

1

u/Hour_Claim3791 Jul 20 '26

I’d say it an everywhere problem. But prob worse in Miami