No-swim advisory lifted after Virginia Key plant failure

Advisory impacted boating, fishing and other water recreational activities

Michael Perez, News Editor

September 20, 2023

The no-swim area includes Norris Cut to the north, Bear Cut Bridge to the east, William Powell Bridge to the west and Dog Beach to the south.

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department lifted a no-swim advisory late Friday, giving the all-clear to water after a mechanical failure at the Central District Wastewater Treatment Plant caused an overflow.

The advisory was reduced Thursday to cover only the Marine Stadium Marina area. The advisory impacted boating, fishing and other water recreational activities.

The failure caused an overflow, which MDWSD says was contained within the facility. However, a precautionary no-swim advisory was issued for affected areas of Virginia Key, including Dog Beach, Bear Cut Bridge, Norris Cut, and the William Powell Bridge. Most of that advisory was lifted on Thursday.

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About the Contributor

Michael Perez, Staff Writer

Michael Perez, born in Miami, is a freshman at MAST Academy. 2023 is first year away from his middle school, Mater Grove Academy, Perez is excited to learn more in his two new favorite classes: Biology and Journalism. A passionate animal lover, MAST’s history as a science and technology based high school specialized in marine biology due to its location in Virginia Key and origins as a Marine museum, attracted Perez. Perez’s love for animals expands in his own home where he owns “a dog, a bird, a lizard, and a scorpion”. His family of four, including his two parents and his older brother, is a family of eight. As for his second favorite class this year, Journalism, Perez does not only like his teacher, Mr. Bunch, but he also enjoys its writing aspect. “I used to write a bit as a kid… stories and stuff,” Perez said. Outside of school, Perez enjoys other activities. “I like to relax and play video games and watch movies with family … adventure and horror,” Perez said. Although Perez has only attended MAST for about two weeks, he is confident about this school year. “I like it so far. Pretty good,” Perez said.