4 Pinellas County Beaches Fail Bacterial Testing

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with beach plans over the Labor Day weekend might want to think twice before jumping in the water at a few local hotspots. The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has issued advisories for four beaches in the county.

The health department announced the advisories Thursday after water samples taken Wednesday, Aug. 31 tested above acceptable levels for enterococci bacteria. The advisories will remain in effect until water samples come back in acceptable ranges. The next testing date is Tuesday, Sept. 6, the agency noted in an email to media.

The four beaches affected by the advisories are:

• Honeymoon Island State Park – 1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin
• Sand Key County Park – 1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater
• Indian Rocks county access – 1700 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach
• Redington Shores county access – 18200 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores

The areas “should be considered a potential health risk to swimmers,” the department’s email said. Enteric bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tracks of humans and animals. The bacteria may cause disease, infections and rashes.

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

For more information on the water quality at beaches throughout the state, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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