As a precaution, Sarasota County health officials on the morning of July 28 issued no-swim advisories for the following beaches:
- Siesta Key Beach
- Bird Key Park/ Ringling Causeway
- Service Club Beach
- Venice Fishing Pier
- Brohard Beach
- Casperson Beach
- Manasota Key
Just a day later, on July 29, the advisory for Siesta Beach was lifted. The same was true for Service Club Beach, Casperson Beach, and Manasota Key.
On Aug. 2, the balance of the beaches on the list had the advisory removed.
The amount of enterococcus bacteria found during water-quality testing on Monday, July 25 was initially outside acceptable limits. The beaches remain open, but wading, swimming and water recreation is not recommended when no swim advisories advisory in place.
Some bacteria are naturally present in the environment. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has found a link between health and water quality. Signage advising the public not to swim or engage in water recreation will stay in place until follow-up water testing results meet the EPA’s recreational water quality standards.
Author: Siesta Sand