Swimming ban lifted again at Anna Maria Island beach after poop bacteria levels drop

It is once again OK to swim off of North Bayfront Park on Anna Maria Island, according to the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.

The department has lifted a no-swim advisory that was issued last Thursday after water sample tests revealed high levels of enterococci bacteria in the area. Enterococci bacteria is present in human and other mammal feces and can cause disease, infections and rashes.

“Lifting the advisory means that the public can once again enter the waters safely, now that bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels,” the health department said in a press release.

It was the second time in a period of a month that water sample tests in the area revealed unsafe bacteria levels.

A previous no-swim advisory had been lifted for about two weeks when water samples drawn on June 22 and June 24 again showed elevated bacteria levels.

No other recreational waters in Manatee County were affected, according to the health department.

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 25, 2020 at 4:48 PM.