Fecal Pollution Prompts Advisory At Ben T. Davis Beach

TAMPA, FL — Officials issued a public health advisory for Ben T. Davis Beach on Thursday after water samples indicated high bacteria levels caused by fecal pollution, according to the Hillsborough County Department of Health.

Samples taken at the beach located off the Courtney Campbell Causeway showed high levels of enterococci bacteria, found in the intestinal tract of humans and animals, according to a department release. High levels of the bacteria can cause disease, infection and rashes, health officials said.

The presence of enteric bacteria typically indicates fecal pollution, which often comes from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.

As a result, officials urged the public to avoid swimming at Ben T. Davis Beach.

Officials plan to test new samples next week, according to the release. Officials will lift the advisory if the water tests at safe levels.

Meanwhile, similar advisories have been lifted at Bahia Beach, Cypress Point, Picnic Island and Simmons Park, officials said.