No-Swim Advisory Issued For Bird Key Park Beach: FDOH-Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — After high levels of enterococci bacteria were found in the water following Hurricane Ian, a no-swim advisory has been issued at Bird Key Park Beach at the Ringling Causeway, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

Water samples taken at the beach 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.

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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.

Signage has been placed at Bird Key Park 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 beach on Thursday and expects the results Friday afternoon.

“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, FDOH-Sarasota environmental administrator, said.

Enterococcus bacteria can come from a variety of natural and human-made sources, according to FDOH. These include pet waste, livestock, birds, land-dwelling and marine wildlife, stormwater runoff, and human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills.

Sarasota County’s rapid-response team said the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources related to Hurricane Ian, the agency added.

The team reported a wrack line of decaying algae around the rocks and along the shoreline. Wrack lines, which provide food for shorebirds and wildlife, act as natural bacteria reservoirs.

The heavy rainfall from the hurricane may have also contributed to higher bacteria levels by washing accumulated pollutants from the land surface into waterways, FDOH said.

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