No-Swim Advisory Issued For 3 Sarasota County Beaches: FDOH

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — After high levels of enterococci bacteria were found in the water, no-swim advisories have been issued at multiple Sarasota County beaches, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health.

The following beaches have been impacted by the advisory:

• Siesta Key Beach
• North Lido Beach
• Lido Casino

Water samples taken at these beaches Monday show bacteria levels “outside acceptable limits,” the FDOH said.

While the beaches remain open, wading, swimming and water recreation is not recommended, the agency added.

Local health officials also recommend that shellfish, such as crabs and shrimp, collected in the immediate area of any beach with a no-swim advisory in place should not be eaten. Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted.

“When these bacteria are found at high levels in recreational waters, there is a risk that some people may become ill. People, especially those who are very young, elderly or who have a weak immune system that swallow water while swimming can get stomach or intestinal illnesses. If water contacts a cut or sore, people can get infections or rashes,” Tom Higginbotham, environmental administrator with the FDOH in Sarasota County, said.

Signage has been placed at each beach warning visitors of the presence of bacteria in the water. These signs will remain in place until follow-up testing results meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality standards.

The FDOH resampled water from the beaches Thursday and results are expected by late afternoon Friday.

Enterococci bacteria lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, according to the EPA. Sources of this bacteria in bodies of water include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage from recreation boats, pets and wildlife waste, improper handling or runoff from manure storage areas.

No sewage spills have been reported within one mile of the posted beaches in the past two weeks, FDOH said.

The rapid response team from Sarasota County has determined the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources. The team observed a wrack line of decaying algae around the rocks and along the shoreline, the agency said.

Wrack lines, which provide food for shorebirds and wildlife, act as natural bacteria reservoirs. The recent significant rainfalls may also contribute to the higher bacterial levels.