Florida health officials lift no-swim advisory for this Sarasota beach after poop-related bacteria levels had risen

For the second time since August, Florida health officials issued a no-swim advisory for North Jetty Beach in Sarasota County on Dec. 24 due to the presence of high levels of feces-related bacteria, but lifted the advisory on Friday.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota issued the advisory on Christmas Eve and announced Friday that the feces-related bacteria has returned to a “satisfactory level.”

Testing had showed that levels of the enterococci bacteria were too high to swim, but health officials reminded visitors that the beach itself remains open during no-swim advisories.

When those advisories go into effect, beach goers are, “urged not to wade or swim or engage in water recreation until the advisory is lifted,” health officials said.

Sarasota Department of Health Environmental Administrator Tom Higginbotham said the bacteria strain can inhabit the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals.

“Therefore, when these bacteria are detected in high concentrations in recreational waters, there is a risk that some people who swallow water while swimming or have contact with water entering the skin through a cut or sore may become ill with gastrointestinal illnesses, infections or rashes,” he said.

Officials said there have been no recent sewage spills in the area and the elevated bacteria levels appeared to be from natural sources such as birds and wildlife.

This story was originally published December 26, 2019 at 6:38 AM.