July 10 tests indicate acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria
On July 11, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) lifted the water quality advisory it issued the previous day for North Lido Beach, which is accessible from 50 Benjamin Franklin Drive in the city of Sarasota.
“Tests completed on July 10, 2025, indicate that the water quality at North Lido Beach shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines,” the Health Department reported.
A July 1999 article in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology explains, “Enterococci, formerly classified with fecal streptococci, have been recognized to be of fecal origin since the beginning of this century. The usual ecological niche for Enterococcus species is the intestines of humans and other animals. However, enterococci are ubiquitous and can be found free-living in soil, on plants, or in dairy products.”
“Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches,” DOH-Sarasota pointed out in its news release.
A Sarasota News Leader July 17 review of information provided through the Healthy Beaches webpages link found that the Enterococcus level at North Lido for July 10 was listed as “Moderate,” while it was rated “Poor” on July 7 and July 9. The “Enterococcus Code” for the beach on July 14 was “Good.”
For more information about the quality of water at county beaches, call 941-861-2900 or visit Sarasota.Floridahealth.gov, DOH-Sarasota says.