High Fecal Bacteria Levels Detected At Tampa Beaches

TAMPA, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a public health advisory for Picnic Island and Cypress Point beaches due to high bacteria levels. Swimming at these beaches should be considered a potential health risk and is not recommended.

Samples taken were above the threshold for enterococci bacteria. The beach will be re-sampled in a week.

Picnic Island is located west of MacDill Air Force Base and Cypress Point is located north of Interstate 275 and west of the Veterans Expressway.

When re-sampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.

The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.