Health Advisory for Palm Beach South End Beaches After High Bacteria Test

Oct 28, 2026 1 min read Palm Beach Health & Medical

Quick answer

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County advised caution at R.G. Kreusler Memorial Park and the Lake Worth municipal beach on Oct. 27 after a routine Oct. 26 test found high enterococcus bacteria levels; a retest is due later this week.

Swimmers heading to Palm Beach's South End should be cautious this week. The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County announced a health advisory on Tuesday, October 27, after a routine test the day before found high levels of enterococcus bacteria in the water off R.G. Kreusler Memorial Park. The advisory also covers Lake Worth Beach's municipal beach, just south of the county park at 2882 S. Ocean Blvd.

The October 26 sample was rated poor — above the level health officials consider acceptable for coastal water. The advisory does not close the beaches or ban swimming, but it urges people to be cautious in the water. Enterococci are intestinal bacteria, and some strains can cause infection or rash.

Why it matters: officials will retest later this week and decide whether the advisory stays. Until then, families planning a South End beach trip — especially with young children or anyone with open cuts — may want to pick another beach or stay out of the water. Updates: Palm Beach County health department at 561-671-4013 or PalmBeach.FloridaHealth.gov.