Swimming Advisory Issued In Bradenton

BRADENTON, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County has issued a swimming advisory for the Palma Sola Beach South access. The area is located approximately 1,000 feet west of 81st Street West on the south side of the causeway.

"A No Swim Advisory has been issued for the Palma Sola Beach South access in Manatee County," health officials said Thursday. "Other beaches located in Manatee County are not under advisory. A No Swim Advisory indicates that water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious diseases to humans."

Health officials said that testing results from the week of July 8 did not meet Environmental Protection Agency "recommended values" for swimming.

"Until water values meet federal guidelines for swimming the No Swim Advisory will stay in effect," officials added.

Other water recreation areas in Manatee County are not under advisory.

Manatee County has conducted beach water quality monitoring since August 2002 through the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

Water samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) which may cause human disease, infections or rashes. The purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to provide residents with up-to-date information about water quality.

Call 941-714-7593 for more information or visit the Florida Department of Health's website and select Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar.