What happened to the beaches in Florida?
What happened to the beaches in Florida? Dunes and sand are lost to hurricanes, tropical storms, and winter cold front that bring severe weather. PINELLAS COUNTY — According to a June report by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, more than half of the 825 miles of coastline they surveyed are critically eroded.
Did Sanibel Island get destroyed?
Much of the furniture and appliances in homes became destroyed and unusable, creating piles of trash on the roads to be taken to the landfill. The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed.
Is there still bacteria in Florida beaches?
According to Florida Health, Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater and requires salt. This year, there have been 25 reported cases and five deaths since January 2023. “Living in Florida, being around the marine environment, we need to be aware of what it is,” said Dr.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Florida?
Rip currents are another concern that beachgoers should be aware of. Strong rip currents increase the risk of drowning. According to the National Weather Service, the risk for rip currents is moderate or high for all South Florida beaches and most of the remainder of the state.
How much beach land is being lost in Florida?
However, as of 2021, more than 426.6 miles of this shoreline are critically eroded, or worn down or changed to “such a degree that upland development, recreational interests, wildlife habitat, or important cultural resources are threatened or lost,” according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
What bacteria is on the beach in Florida 2023?
Another potential threat beachgoers should be aware of in Florida is Vibrio vulnificus — rare species of so-called flesh-eating bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater. The dangerous strain of vibrio bacteria has been linked to five deaths in Florida this year, state health officials said.