Health agency reopens Sarasota area beaches that were contaminated with bacteria
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota has lifted a no-swim advisory for several Sarasota beaches that had been impacted with high levels of the enterococcus bacteria.
The bacteria can be naturally occurring when there are large swaths of decaying vegetation present, but is most often associated with human and marine wildlife feces.
Health officials enacted a no-swim advisory for eight Sarasota beaches on Aug. 5; the the high levels of bacteria were found Aug. 2. The following day, Sarasota health officials lifted the advisory on three of the beaches, but implemented new no-swim advisories on two more beaches.
All of the beaches that were impacted are now open to swimming as of late Tuesday, according to DOH.
The following beaches impacted by the bacteria this past week, but have had the no-swim advisory lifted, include:
- Bird Key/Ringling Causeway
- Turtle Beach
- Nokomis Beach
- Manasota Key
- Venice Beach
- Venice Pier
- Blind Pass
- Longboat Key
- Brohard Beach
- Casperson Beach
Health officials said bacteria levels have returned to a “satisfactory level. Residents and visitors may return to swimming and other water sports at these beach sites.”
However, because red tide is, “currently off the coastline, (advisories with signage) will remain in place until conditions improve,” health officials said.
Water quality testing will continue through the weekend.
This story was originally published August 11, 2021 at 11:26 AM.