government
South Florida beachgoers annoyed by smelly "tsunami" of seaweed. Cities try to rake it, but it keeps coming back
By Joan Murray at CBS4 Miami
· June 10, 2026
· 1 min read
A "tsunami" of seaweed is washing ashore on South Florida beaches, creating an unsightly problem and irritating both locals and visitors alike. The decaying matter causes a stench that lingers for days.The conditions are the same in Pompano Beach and up and down the coast.Trish Currin, a visitor fro
Key takeaway Trish Currin, a visitor from Austin, Texas, was sunbathing Tuesday but said she was avoiding the water due to "seaweed pikes along the shoreline".
Why this matters in The Miami
The seaweed inundation on South Florida beaches poses a significant challenge for local governments, particularly in Miami-Dade County, where tourism is a major economic driver. As the problem persists in neighboring cities like Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach may soon face similar issues, affecting its reputation as a premier destination. The fact that beach raking is a temporary solution, with the seaweed returning within 12 hours, underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach. Miami-Dade County's experience with environmental issues, such as sea-level rise and flooding, may provide valuable insights into addressing this problem. The county's efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change could be applied to finding a long-term solution to the seaweed issue, potentially involving collaboration with neighboring cities and marine experts to develop effective strategies for managing the seaweed and maintaining the health of local beaches.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 10, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A "tsunami" of seaweed is washing ashore on South Florida beaches, creating an unsightly problem and irritating both locals and visitors alike. The decaying matter causes a stench that lingers for days.The conditions are the same in Pompano Beach and up and down the coast.Trish Currin, a visitor fro
When was this published? This article was first published on June 10, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joan Murray at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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