by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 12:10 PM ET, Mon February 10, 2025
Several Broward County beaches in Florida, from Port Everglades in Miami to Palm Beach, were closed for a time this past weekend after beachgoers reported thick, oily balls of tar washing ashore.
The U.S. Coast Guard closed the beaches and began an investigation into the source of the pollution, but according to USA Today, they did not find the source of where the tar balls had originated.
The beaches were closed on Saturday and Sunday and have reopened since the cleanup efforts, which were completed by both officials and the community.
“At first light (Sunday) morning, Coast Guard personnel assessed the area to find the conditions remained the same, if not improved,” said Petty Officer Diana Sherbs in a statement to USA Today. “We are collaborating with local government agencies to prepare for future cleanup operations in specific areas.”
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, tar balls are semi-solid or solid masses of oil “believed to originate from offshore petroleum production, drilling, and marine transportation discharges, which includes vessels pumping bilges and tank cleaning. However, natural seepage from the ocean floor is also considered a source.”
The agency noted that it’s uncommon to have tar balls wash ashore in the winter when the ocean’s wind and currents make it unlikely for them to wash ashore.
While the agency doesn’t explicitly name tar balls as an environmental threat unless in very heavy amounts, it is clear that this type of pollution is likely the result of human activity. People who encounter or step on tar balls are encouraged to clean themselves off, but are otherwise not considered at-risk for any potential health issues.
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