No Swim Advisory Issued For Davis Islands Beach

TAMPA, FL — A health advisory has been issued for Davis Islands Beach due to high bacteria levels.

This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended.

Samples taken Wednesday were above the threshold for enterococci bacteria. The beach will be re-sampled, Wednesday, Aug. 26. When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.

An advisory is issued when the beach action value is 70.5 or higher. This is set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has been conducting coastal beach water quality monitoring at nine sites weekly since Aug. 5, 2002, through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

Enteric bacteria (enterococci) normally inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and may cause human disease, infections or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.