No-Swim Advisory Issued For 2 Sarasota County Beaches: FL DOH

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — A no-swim advisory has been issued for two Sarasota County Beaches, health officials said.

Routine water samples at Siesta Key Beach and Casperson Beach showed high levels of enterococcus bacteria, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County.

“This should be considered a potential health risk to the bathing public and swimming is not recommended,” the agency said.

Saltwater beach water quality monitoring is conducted weekly at all Sarasota County beaches as part of Florida’s Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

Enterococci bacteria normally inhabits the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and could indicate an increased risk of human disease, infections or rashes, FDOH said.

The presence of this bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which could be caused by stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.