JUPITER, Fla. -- All beaches in Martin County and in Palm Beach County from the northern county line to Lake Worth beach continue to be closed to swimmers due to an unknown airborne irritant.
Many beachgoers reported experiencing respiratory issues and eye irritation.
According to Jupiter Police, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue requested the Jupiter beach closure on Saturday after some beachgoers experienced medical issues.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue says multiple people complained of respiratory and skin irritations along the beaches in northern Palm Beach County.
On Sunday, Martin County said that double red flags were flying at all lifeguard stands and that Martin County beaches are closed to swimmers and are unguarded.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to call the Martin County beach hotline at 772-320-3112 for updates.
The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a health advisory on Saturday afternoon for the next 48 hours. Officials with the department say persons with respiratory allergies should avoid contact with the beaches from Carlin Park North to the Palm Beach County line.
The Department says the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Palm Beach County, Environmental Resource Management and other state and local agencies are investigating the potential causes of the irritation. Test results will be available within 48 hours.
And the City of Lake Worth issued a health advisory for Lake Worth Beach, citing respiratory issues consistent with a "Red Tide" algal bloom, which may be present.
Officials say the Lake Worth Beach and Pier will be closed to the public and people with respiratory allergies are advised to avoid the beach property. All Lake Worth Casino Building tenants remain open at this time.
Lake Worth officials expect to have water test results within 48 hours.
St. Lucie County officials said Sunday that it was a "red flag day" at St. Lucie County beaches due to rough surf and rip currents and Delray Beach Ocean Rescue are flying red flags in Delray Beach, cautioning people to stay out of the water.
As of 10:30 a.m. Monday the cities of Boynton Beach and Boca Raton said their beaches are open.
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