Spring marks the return of sargassum seaweed along Surfside’s shoreline, a natural and essential part of South Florida’s coastal ecosystem. The seasonal brown algae typically appears from March through October and plays a key role in supporting marine life and shoreline stability.
Sargassum plays an important role in the coastal environment. It provides food and shelter for marine species such as fish, crabs and sea turtles, and serves as a vital foraging area for migratory birds. While harmless to humans, sargassum can emit an odor as it decomposes and may be considered a nuisance to some beachgoers.
Residents and visitors are reminded that sargassum is protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and cannot be removed with heavy machinery without proper permits. Miami-Dade County tractors operate along the shoreline daily to cut and reposition the seaweed in a way that encourages natural decomposition while minimizing its impact on recreational areas. The Town also hosts regular beach cleanups focused on removing plastic and man-made litter, which helps preserve the natural balance of the shoreline.
Although Surfside experiences fewer large-scale sargassum blooms compared to nearby coastal towns, residents may still notice intermittent accumulations along the beach. These occurrences are normal and fluctuate based on ocean temperatures, tides and wind patterns.
To raise awareness and inspire eco-friendly action, the Town invites the community to the Earth Day Resource Fair and Plastic Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 93rd Street Beach, behind the Community Center. Hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Resort Tax Board, the event will feature interactive environmental exhibits, beach cleanup activities, and a fun contest where participants will use collected debris to create sea creature art and share it on social media to bring awareness.
Buckets will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own gloves, reusable water bottles and sun protection. The event is open to all ages and aims to combine education, creativity and community pride.
