No-Swim Advisory Issued For Palma Sola South Beach: DOH

BRADENTON, FL — A no-swim advisory has been issued for Palma Sola South beach, which is located along State Road 64 near Palma Sola Bay.

The advisory indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.

Water samples taken at Palma Sola South on Monday and Wednesday show an elevated level of enterococci bacteria. The advisory will remain in effect until the water meets Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines.

The county has conducted beach water quality monitoring since August 2002 through the Healthy Beaches monitoring program. The water samples are analyzed for enterococci, which may cause human disease, infections or rashes, the DOH said.

Enterococci bacteria lives in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, according to the EPA. Sources of this bacteria in bodies of water include wastewater treatment plant effluent, leaking septic systems, stormwater runoff, sewage from recreation boats, pets and wildlife waste, improper handling or runoff from manure storage areas.