SARASOTA COUNTY—The no-swim advisory at Lido Casino and Venice Pier beaches was lifted Tuesday after water tests showed satisfactory levels.
The beaches were closed Thursday along with three other beaches after Sarasota County Health officials found too much enterococcus bacteria present in a water quality test.
Health officials issued the advisory at Lido Casino Beach, Brohard Beach, Venice Pier Beach and Longboat Key Beach and Siesta Beach as a precaution.
The advisory remains in effect at Longboat Key Beach.
Enterococcus bacteria can come from a variety of natural and human-made sources. These include pet waste, livestock, birds, wildlife, stormwater runoff and human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills.
The rapid response teams from Sarasota County and the City of Venice say they think the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely natural sources.
The teams have seen a lot of bird tracks on the beaches and along the shorelines. The team says that means it’s possible there is a large amount of bird activity, which can increase bacteria levels near the shore.
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