Follow-up water sampling found bacterial levels back within normal range as of Oct. 14
Officials with the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) received testing results in the afternoon of Oct. 14 that enabled them to remove the “No Swimming” advisory that was posted on Oct. 13 at Bird Key Park, on the western end of the Ringling Causeway, they announced.
The samples were “at a satisfactory level for enterococcus bacteria,” meeting both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state recreational water standards, a news release explained.
Residents and visitors were welcome to return to swimming and other water sports at Bird Key Park, the release added.
DOH-Sarasota monitors water quality weekly at 16 sites along Sarasota’s 34 miles of beaches, the release points out. “The intent of this program is to provide county residents and visitors with accurate, up-to-date information on the water quality at our beaches. Click here for beach water testing results,” the release said.
“When making beach day plans, be sure to check the latest reports on beach conditions,” the release also noted.
For more information, the following options are available:
- Visithttps://ourgulfenvironment.netand click on “water monitoring” and then “bacterial testing” to see the water testing results from area Gulf beaches.
- Call 941-BEACHES (941-232-2437) or visit https://www.visitbeaches.org. Click on the same link to use the mobile-friendly version of the beach conditions report.
- The county’s tourism office, known as Visit Sarasota County, also provides extensive information about the Sarasota area, including its beaches. The website is https://www.visitsarasota.org.