Health Advisory Issued for Davis Islands Beach

The Hillsborough County Health Department is advising Bay area residents to steer clear of the water at Davis Islands Beach for a few days.

Water samples from the beach tested on Monday showed an unacceptable level of enterococci bacteria, the department wrote in an email to media.

“This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public,” the email stated.

As a result of those tests, the department issued a health advisory for the beach. The water will be re-sampled on Monday, Aug. 31. If the testing shows levels back in acceptable ranges, the advisory will be lifted.

Enteric bacteria inhabit the intestinal tracts of animals and humans. The bacteria may cause rashes, infections and disease in people.

“The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage,” the email said.

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