Cypress Point Beach Health Advisory Issued

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with plans to visit Cypress Point Park might want to think twice about getting into the water.

The Hillsborough County Health Department issued an advisory for Cypress Point beach, 5620 Cypress St., after conducting bacteriological testing on Monday. Water samples came back with unacceptable levels of enterococci bacterial, according to the agency.

“This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public,” an email to media from the agency said.

New water samples will be taken on Monday, Dec. 5. If the water tests within a satisfactory range at that time, the health advisory will be lifted.

Enteric bacteria are found naturally in the intestinal tracks of animals and humans. The bacteria “may cause human disease, infections or rashes,” the agency noted. “The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”

To check on the conditions of other beaches in the Tampa Bay Area, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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