The Florida Department of Health, Palm Beach County, conducted a saltwater quality sampling at the Town of Palm Beach Midtown Beach on August 17, 2026. The water sample was examined for Enterococci, bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and animals and may cause disease, infections, or rashes.  The presence of Enterococci bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.  The test result for Midtown Beach came back with a high Enterococci Level of 146, and thus, a Water Quality Advisory is being issued by the Health Department for this beach. The Health Department considers this a potential health risk to the bathing public. 

The Florida Department of Health of Palm Beach County will collect new water samples on the morning of August 19, 2026, to reassess the bacterial levels. The results will be posted by the Department of Health when available. The swimming advisory will remain in place until bacterial levels return to normal levels and the Department of Health issues an all-clear. 

The Florida Department of Health, Palm Beach County, has been conducting saltwater quality sampling since August 5, 2002, as part of the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine Florida’s beach water quality. 

For more information on the beach advisory, please contact Joseph Sekula at (561) 227-6435. If you should have any questions on the Florida Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County at (561) 274-3187 or (561) 837-5988 or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website. Updates will be posted on the Town’s website.  

To sign up for the Town’s communications, please visit ‘Stay Connected’ on the Town’s website. Should you encounter any issues subscribing, please call the Town Manager’s Office at (561) 838-5410 for assistance.