The DOH has now declared a "no swim" advisories for three Sarasota beaches.
Enteric bacteria is known to inhabit the intestinal tracts of mammals, and it usually appears as a result of stormwater runoff, pet/wildlife waste and human sewage.
While enteric bacteria can come from septic and sewage spills, Sarasota County health officials concluded that "no sewage spills have been reported within one mile of the posted beaches in the past two weeks" and that "the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources" like decaying algae due to significant rainfall.
Just weeks prior, beaches in Manatee, Hillsborough and Sarasota County—including the three listed above—also fell under "no swim" advisories.
According to the alert from the DOH in Sarasota County, the "no swim" advisories are expected to end on Aug. 18.