Red tide forecast changes for South Fla.
Broward County could see a moderate level of red tide through Friday, with a low level in Palm Beach County and none in Miami-Dade, according to the latest federal forecast.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which issued the forecast, says a moderate level means that the toxic algae could affect people with respiratory conditions and provoke mild symptoms in others.
Red tide released toxins into the air that can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and an itchy throat. Normally found only on the Gulf coast, it arrived nearly three weeks ago off South Florida, leading to beach closures and fears for the tourist industry.
But red tide levels declined steadily since then, and beaches quickly reopened. Red tide concentrations spiked to the north this week, however, with a high level detected in a sample taken Monday off Sebastian Inlet State Park on the border of Brevard and Indian River counties. A giant radio tower is coming to Hollywood’s West Lake Park under a countywide plan to upgrade 911 communications. The 300-foot tower will be topped by a 25-foot antenna, bringing the total height to 325 feet; more than twice the height of the water tower pictured here.
A Fort Lauderdale man riding a scooter was killed when he tried to pass a tow truck in Wilton Manors.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Monday identified Michael Rothman as the scooter rider killed in the crash that happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9.
Rothman, 57, was riding a 2016 American Electric Superfly scooter and bypassing traffic that was stopped for a red light on eastbound West Oakland Park Boulevard at North Andrews Avenue, investigators said.
When the light turned green, Rothman tried to pass an eastbound Peterbilt tow truck and his scooter’s handlebar struck the truck’s flatbed. Rothman fell to the ground and the truck’s rear tire on the passenger side rolled over him, officials said.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue took him to Broward Health Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Tow truck driver Timothy Knight, 35, of Lauderdale Lakes, was not facing any charges.