The Florida Department of Health issued a “No Swim” advisory for North Jetty Beach in Nokomis because of higher than normal levels of Enterococcus bacteria, which comes from poop.
At the moment, the beach is still open but swimming, wading, and any type of water recreation is not recommended, especially for the elderly and young children. Officials also advise not eating any fish or shellfish from the area.
Enterococcus bacteria is usually found in human and animal feces, and is often present in high volumes due to stormwater runoff, or human sewage spills. However, officials stated in Wednesday’s report that “no sewage spills have been reported within one mile of the posted beach in the past two weeks.”
“Additionally, recent rainfall in the area washing accumulated pollutants, including bacteria from birds, pet feces and wildlife into local waters may also be a contributing factor,” said the report.
Health officials will retest the beach and post the results this Friday, August 2 after 2 p.m.
This is just the latest closure in a series of local beaches affected by Enterococcus bacteria. Last month, three Sarasota-area beaches closed on 4th of July weekend.
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This article appears in Aug 1-8, 2019.