Fort De Soto Beach Water Quality Alert Issued

TIERRA VERDE, FL — Swimmers may want to think twice about jumping into the water at Fort De Soto Park’s North Beach. The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has issued an advisory after water samples tested above acceptable for enteric bacteria.

“This area should be considered a potential health risk to swimmers,” the department wrote in a Thursday evening email to media.

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Enteric bacteria are normally found within the intestinal tracts of humans and other animals. Enterococci bacteria is known to cause disease, infections and rashes in humans. When water samples test high for enterococci, the results indicate “fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and sewage,” the health department noted.

The advisory will remain in place until the bacterial level of the water returns to a range deemed acceptable by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The health department intends to re-sample the water on June 12. The poor test results came from samples pulled from the beach on June 7.

Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierra Verde. It’s considered the largest park within the Pinellas County park system, spanning 1,136 acres. The park also offers camping, playgrounds and concession areas.

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

Photo courtesy of Pinellas County via Flickr