Miami Springs

Health Department: Miami Springs pool is not unsafe — for now

 
Upload and share your own.

You can share related videos and photos.

Submit: Video Pictures Stories

karantsalis@bellsouth.net

Miami Springs’ public pool is not unsafe — at least, not yet, the Miami-Dade Health Department says.

The Health Department inspected the pool after a report commissioned by the city last year described cracks and other problems found in an inspection. The city obtained the July 2012 inspection from McGrath Property Services.

“We sent an inspector out right away,” said Samir Elmir, an environmental administrator with the department. “At this time, it is not considered a safety hazard, but it is headed that way if they don’t work on it right away.”

Elmir added that the agency’s last inspection took place last December and the city earned a “satisfactory” rating. Everything in the pool was deemed safe except for a loose handrail and unsecured rope.

The Health Department’s report does not mention defects found by McGrath and discussed at the Feb. 24 Miami Springs council meeting, like pool-shell “cracks” or “fractures” where up to $4 million in pool repairs were outlined.

City Manager Ron Gorland described three repair options, at the meeting, that range in cost from $250,000 to $4 million.

“I hope the City of Miami Springs can rally to come up with the funds to repair what is likely a crucial component of the community,” said Donna Valente, a spokesperson for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

The foundation recently awarded a $5,750 “quality-of-life” grant to allow those with paralysis and other impairments to enjoy the city’s pool.

Valente added that the foundation plans to make sure the grant funds are expended properly.

When a city pool presents a “significant risk to public health,” the county health department could declare it a “public nuisance” and close it.

McGrath’s “inspection is a lot different from our inspection,” Samir said. The key difference, he explained, is that the Health Department’s inspection is not as invasive when compared to that of a structural inspection.

“From a health perspective, it is not a health hazard,” Samir said, but added: “We urge the city to take action.”

“If we find it is not fit for use, it could be closed.”

Read more River Cities stories from the Miami Herald

  •  

TRIBUTE: As she has done many times in the past, Mary Anne Goodlett-Taylor will read the names of Miami Springs servicemen who died in the line of duty at a Memorial Day ceremony just off the Circle on Monday morning.

    Memorial Day Ceremony planned for Miami Springs on Monday

    For the 25th consecutive year, Memorial Day will be recognized and honored in Miami Springs. This Monday morning, the John Macdonald Chapter of the Daugthers of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold a ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the World War II monument next to the Circle.

  •  

NEW BOSS: Father Jose N. Alfaro took over a few weeks ago as the new Pastor at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and School and will hold his first mass on June 2.

    Blessed Trinity gets its new Pastor

    Since the passing of long-time Blessed Trinity Pastor Father Edward Carney last January, BTS has been awaiting the arrival of a new Pastor and and got it a few weeks ago when Father Jose N. Alfaro was named the new head of the parish. Alfaro will conduct his first mass at his new home on Sunday, June 2.

  •  

CARPOOLING:  (From left) Chris Mendez (MSSH class of 2006, chauffeuring his friends), Daisy Martinez, Yaniet Sosa, Laisy Sosa (not related), Christine Yanes and Luis Galarce to the annual Miami Springs High School prom.

    Miami Springs Golden Hawks enjoy "Prom Night, 2013"

    It was a big night last Saturday, May 18 when Miami Springs Senior High School held its annual "Prom Night" as Golden Hawk couples converged on the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami Beach for an evening of dress-up and fun.

Miami Herald

Join the
Discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

The Miami Herald uses Facebook's commenting system. You need to log in with a Facebook account in order to comment. If you have questions about commenting with your Facebook account, click here.

Have a news tip? You can send it anonymously. Click here to send us your tip - or - consider joining the Public Insight Network and become a source for The Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald.

Hide Comments

This affects comments on all stories.

Cancel OK