A no-swim advisory has been lifted for Palma Sola. Bacteria levels dropped.
The Florida Department of Health has lifted its no-swim advisory for Palma Sola South — on state road 64 near Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton.
The department said in a press release on Friday that beachgoers can go into the waters safely since enterococci bacteria levels have dropped.
On June 10, the department issued another no-swim advisory for the waterway after testing the water and finding high levels of enterococci bacteria, making it unsafe for swimmers.
Enterococci bacteria can cause human disease, infections or rash. Increased bacteria levels have been an ongoing issue in Palma Sola.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County
collects water samples weekly from area beaches. Then they send the samples to labs to determine whether or not levels are acceptable based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency standards.
If levels are unacceptable, the state said, a no-swim advisory would be issued; a no-swim advisory is lifted once the levels are acceptable.
Department of Health Communications Director Christopher Tittel said, ”we’re 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.”
Residents can find additional information about the Healthy Beaches program 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.
