SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — The Department of Health in Sarasota County issued a water quality health advisory for Bird Key Park/Ringling Bridge Causeway due to the presence of fecal bacteria.
Tests conducted on Wednesday showed the water at the park did not meet recreational criteria for enterococcus bacteria, posing a risk of illness to swimmers, officials said in a news release.
The region experienced flooding rainfalls earlier in the week, which may have worsened the water quality.
Enterococcus bacteria can cause infections that are difficult to treat, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Samples at the park reportedly revealed the level of bacteria exceeded the level established by state guidelines.
At this time, DOH Sarasota is advising against any water-related activities at the park. The advisory will remain in effect until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level, officials said.
More information on test results is available here. Anyone with questions about the health advisory can call Sarasota DOH at 941-861-2900.
