TAMPA, Fla. — Florida wouldn't be the "Sunshine State" if it wasn't for the variety of different beaches, including here in the Tampa Bay area.
But, before you make any beach plans, officials have water quality advisories issued for some local beaches.
The Florida Department of Health has the following Tampa Bay-area beaches listed under advisories:
- Bahia Beach (Hillsborough County)
- Ben T. Davis Beach (Hillsborough County)
- Picnic Island Park (Hillsborough County)
- Fort Island Gulf Beach (Citrus County)
Health officials have advisories on these beaches because the water quality did not meet the standards for Enterococcus bacteria levels, meaning 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water.
FDH categorizes beach advisories based on these levels:
- Good: 0-35 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
- Moderate: 36-70 Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
- Poor: 71 or greater Enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water
The organization explains that Enterococci bacteria indicates stems from feces pollution, which can come from stormwater runoff, animals and human sewage.
This specific type of bacteria can cause UTIs, meningitis, wound infections and abdominal infections, according to the National Institutes of Health.
"The State of Florida will continue to monitor the situation and will take appropriate measures to protect the health of residents and visitors if conditions change," the department states on its website.