Beaches in Miami-Dade and Broward counties are being tested for red tide after preliminary state tests found the algae was present in the coastal waters of Palm Beach County.
The city of Deerfield Beach said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has tested its beach and results should come back by Wednesday. In Miami-Dade, water samples were collected at Haulover, east of 79th Street, Miami Beach at 22 Street and Key Biscayne, according to the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources. Results are expected by Thursday.
Palm Beach County officials said Monday state water tests found the algae -- Karenia brevis -- that causes red tide in 11 sites from Palm Beach Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. Some of the beaches are expected to remain closed through at least Wednesday.
The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe chronic respiratory conditions should avoid red tide areas.
Several beach goers in Broward County reported experiencing some mild coughing and irritation.
"There's a few dead fish. People are coughing," said Melissa Tersmette, who was visiting from New York. "The guy we rented the chair from mentioned he’s been here all summer and it is a concern."
