A University of Miami researcher on Tuesday night revealed the findings of new research regarding the water quality of Miami Beach’s Park View Island Canal at North Shore Park. The public access to the canal has been closed since 2019, due to the high levels of contamination.
The report, which was presented by U.M. professor Dr. Helena M. Solo Gabrielle, highlights measurements of enterococci bacteria levels in samples collected at different areas along the canal, including in the nearby soil.
After the presentation, residents criticized Miami Beach authorities, who commissioned the study, for not requesting a deeper investigation on the underwater conditions of the aging sewer system.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misinterpreted the role of the Surfrider Foundation and the conclusions of the study.
Julian Davis is a student at Florida International University, pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism. Julian is Jamaican-American and is passionate about photography and the environment, always looking for a way to inspire others about the same. He currently works as a photographer for the school newspaper, PantherNOW. After graduation, Julian aspires to do investigative journalism focusing on environmental corruption.
Hawah Ezell is a senior digital broadcasting student with a concentration in criminal justice. She is passionate about social justice and human rights. She plans on pursuing a career in multi-media journalism where she intends to give a voice to the voiceless.
Pamela Correa is a graduate student from the Journalism in Spanish Language + Multimedia Program. From the Dominican Republic, this proud island girl enjoys the beach, music and dancing. She majored in psychology, minored in sociology and is now looking forward to this new journey on the communications pathway.