Ben T. Davis Beach Health Advisory Issued

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with plans to visit Ben T. Davis Beach over the next few days might want to think twice about getting into the water.

According to the Hillsborough County Health Department, water samples taken from the 7740 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway beach on Monday exceeded the threshold for enterococci bacteria.

“This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public,” an email to media from the agency said.

New samples will be taken on Monday, Aug. 1. If the water tests within a satisfactory range at that time, the health advisory will be lifted.

Enteric bacteria are found naturally in the intestinal tracks of animals and humans. The bacteria “may cause human disease, infections or rashes,” the agency noted. “The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”

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