Toxic ‘Red Tide’ Algae Spotted in Waters Near Miami

A Lake Worth lifeguard wearing a protective mask asks a surfer to exit the ocean as Palm Beach County officials announced that all county beaches are closed due to red tide affecting coastal areas on October 4, 2018 in Lake Worth, Florida. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

MIAMI—Toxic algae blooms known as a red tide have been found off beaches near Miami, officials in Miami-Dade County said on Oct. 4, a rare east coast sighting of a phenomenon more often seen in the Gulf of Mexico that can kill fish and irritate humans.

County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said public beaches would be closed north of Haulover Inlet, an area marked by secluded green spaces, a boat marina and a nude beach on a barrier island about 15 miles north of downtown Miami.