July 29, 2022 NO-SWIM ADVISORIES IN EFFECT AT FOUR MANATEE BEACHES Contact: Christopher Tittel, Communication Director Christopher.Tittel@FLHealth.gov (305) 924-6839 Bradenton, FL – No-swim advisories have been issued for the following Manatee beaches: • Bayfront Park North (water sampling site near northernmost access to the park), • Manatee Public Beach North (water sampling site near Lifeguard Station Tower 1) and • Coquina Beach North (water sampling site near Lifeguard Station Tower 5). The no-swim advisory issued for Palma Sola South on July 25 remains in effect. Palma Sola South is located along Manatee Avenue West near Palma Sola Bay. A no-swim advisory is issued when it is thought that contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick. The advisories will be in effect until the waters meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety guidelines. Other beaches located in Manatee County are not under advisory. The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) is committed to providing up-to-date information about beach water quality in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all Manatee County beachgoers. As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, DOH-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric bacteria (enterococci) – which can bring human disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on EPA standards. If levels are read as unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; a no-swim advisory is lifted once the levels read as acceptable. DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at all four beaches on July 26 that show an elevated level of enterococci bacteria. Additional information about the Healthy Beaches program can be found by calling (941) 714-7593, or by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.FloridaHealth.gov and selecting Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar. XXXX About the Florida Department of Health The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
