Some Palm Beach County Beaches Closed Due to Unknown Irritant
In an abundance of caution, Palm Beach County beaches from the Martin County line south to Kreusler Park in Palm Beach will be closed for 48 hours. This includes Dubois Park, which abuts the Jupiter Inlet, but not Peanut Island or Phil Foster Park. Parking lots, picnic areas, and pavilions not on the beach will be open. Earlier today, Beachgoers reported breathing problems in Jupiter, which prompted a response from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County has issued a health advisory for the next 48 hours. Persons with respiratory allergies should avoid contact with the beaches from Kreusler Park north to the Martin County line.
The Health Department received reports Saturday that a number of people on the county beaches were experiencing respiratory issues and eye irritation. Partners with Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management and other state and local agencies are investigating the potential causes of the irritation. Results will not be available for at least 48 hours and as a precaution, the Health Department is issuing the Health Advisory.
Palm Beach County has made the decision to close county beaches until the cause is known. Conditions are subject to change and any updates will be provided by news release and social media.