Resolution 2025-33880 2025-33880
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO
COLLABORATE WITH SURFRIDER AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE PUBLIC ALERTS WHEN ENTEROCOCCI
LEVELS IN THE CITY'S WATERWAYS EXCEED 70 MPN/100ML, IN ORDER
TO INFORM RESIDENTS OF POTENTIALLY UNSAFE WATER CONDITIONS.
WHEREAS, the presence of enterococci bacteria in recreational waters may be an
indicator of the presence of fecal matter (however, enterococci bacteria can also originate
from non-fecal environmental sources such as soil, sand, plants, and sediments); and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enterococci
levels above 70 MPN/100mL are considered high and may pose health risks to swimmers and
other recreational users; and
WHEREAS, in August 2025, the City of Miami Beach recorded several elevated
enterococci readings at various locations, including 431 MPN/100mL near pump stations 27 and
28 on West Avenue, 562 MPN/100mL at South Pointe Park, and 109 MPN/100mL at the Pinetree
Park Kayak Launch; and
WHEREAS, on July 3, 2025, the Pinetree Park Kayak Launch recorded an enterococci
level of 1,145 MPN/100mL, while Parkview reached an alarming 24,000 MPN/100mL—far
exceeding the EPA's recommended threshold; and
WHEREAS, these readings underscore the desirability of timely communication with the
public regarding water quality, particularly in areas used for recreation such as canals, waterways,
and portions of Biscayne Bay near large pump stations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission believe that residents and visitors have a
right to know when water conditions may pose a health risk, not only along the oceanfront but
also in inland and bayfront areas; and
WHEREAS, the Surfrider Foundation and the Miami-Dade County Health Department are
key partners in water quality monitoring and public health outreach, and their collaboration with
the City would enhance the effectiveness and credibility of any alert system.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby direct the Administration to collaborate with the Surfrider Foundation and the
Miami-Dade County Health Department to develop and implement a system for issuing public
alerts when enterococci levels in the City's waterways exceed 70 MPN/100mL, in order to inform
residents and visitors of potentially unsafe water conditions.
PASSED and ADOPTED THIS -� day of s�r��'��l , 2025.
ATTEST: '
���� �) � ��i�?; Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO
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���'`��:�����'��,, &FOR�XECUTION
(Sponsored by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez);=���� ti-,,
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'���Qc•'�"6'`'��_'--- City ttorney Date
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Resolutions - C7 AH
MIAMIBEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: September 3, 2025
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MtAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE ADMINISTRATION TO
COLLABORATE WITH SURFRIDER AND THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HEALTH
DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE PUBLIC ALERTS WHEN ENTEROCOCCI LEVELS IN
THE CITY'S WATERWAYS EXCEED 70 MPN/100ML, IN ORDER TO INFORM
RESIDENTS OF POTENTIALLY UNSAFE WATER CONDITIONS.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Kristen
Rosen Gonzalez.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https:l/www.miamibeachfl.qov/citY-hall/city-clerk/meetinq-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
Citywide
766 of 1750
Is this a "Residents Riqht to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant ta City Code Section 2-17? Project?
No No
Was this Aqenda Item initiallv requested by a lobbvist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481,
includes a principal enqaqed in lobbvinq? No
If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):
Department
City Attorney
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Issue Public Alerts of Potentially Unsafe Levels of Enterococci in City's Waterways. (Rosen
Gonzalez) CA
Previous Action (For City Cle�k Use Onlv)
767 of 1750