High levels of fecal bacteria prompt no-swim advisory at these 4 Manatee County beaches
Public health officials in Manatee County are asking beachgoers at four Manatee County beaches to stay out of the water due to high levels of bacteria.
The local Department of Health issued a press release Friday morning warning beach visitors to avoid the water. Because there are high levels of enterococci bacteria, contact with the water could make you sick, officials say.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, high levels of enterococci bacteria can point to fecal contamination that stems from wastewater spills, animal waste or stormwater runoff. Contact with the water could cause digestive issues or infect an open wound, public health officials say.
Earlier this week, the Department of Health issued a similar warning for the Palma Sola Bay South beach area. The following beaches are now under a no-swim advisory, as well:
- Bayfront Park North, 315 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria
- Manatee Public Beach North, 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach
- Coquina Beach North, 2651 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach
“A no-swim advisory is issued when it is thought that contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick,” the health department said in a statement.
According to a release, the no-swim advisories will remain in place at all four beaches until water sampling shows that the bacteria has fallen within levels that the Environmental Protection Agency says are safe.
Several Sarasota County beaches also remain under a no-swim advisory, officials say. Other Manatee County beaches are not affected by this advisory.
