High bacteria levels: Two PCB beaches, Carl Gray Park, Dupont Bridge unsafe for swimmers

PANAMA CITY — Swimmers probably should steer clear of two stretches of Panama City Beach, a Panama City beach and a beach in Parker where health advisories were issued Tuesday.

The Bay County Health Department has issued public health advisories for Bid-A-Wee Beach across from Argonaut Road, Panama City Beach Access No. 41 at 11211 Front Beach Road, Carl Gray Park on Collegiate Drive in Panama City and an area near the Dupont Bridge, 6601 Oak Shore Drive.

Among those locations found with "poor" water conditions, Gray Park also was on the list in mid-July.

According to a health department news release, water samples revealed enteric bacteria in those locations.

Where to swim: Florida beach water quality map: See test results for your favorite beach

No swimming: Bacteria high at two Panama City beaches. Health officials issue advisories

Normally found in human and animal intestines, the bacteria  "can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage," the release said.

Health department officials collect water samples twice a month from March through October and issue advisories to protect swimmers from the increased risk of gastrointestinal illnesses.

The news release pointed out that while the advisories are not related to the rare necrotizing fasciitis, "At a lower occurring level, there may also be increased risks of upper respiratory infections, skin rashes, and ear infections."

Anyone seeking more information can contact the health department at 850-481-4806 or visit the Department of Health’s Internet Beach Water Quality website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/healthyenvironments/beach-water-quality/index.html.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: High bacteria at Carl Gray Park, Dupont Bridge in Panama City