Swimming ban due to unsafe bacteria levels lifted at Anna Maria Island beach

A no-swim advisory has been lifted at North Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island, according to the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.

The advisory was issued on Monday after results from water quality tests conducted on June 1 and June 3 revealed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, which is present in human and animal feces and can cause disease, infections and rashes.

The area that was under advisory is located approximately 100 feet south of the northern boundary of Bayfront Park in Anna Maria.

“The lifting of this advisory means that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels, and the public can once again recreate in the waters,” a press release from the health department said.

No other beaches in Manatee County were affected.

Waters at beaches around Manatee County and Florida are tested regularly as part of the state health department’s Healthy Beaches Program.

This story was originally published June 8, 2020 at 4:50 PM.