Water quality advisory issued for Bird Key Park/Ringling Causeway Park in Sarasota

Testing shows bacterial levels above safety threshold

On the afternoon of June 13, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) issued a water quality advisory for the area of Bird Key Park and the Ringling Bridge Causeway Park, which are located at 200 John Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota.

Tests completed on Wednesday, June 12, “indicate that the water quality at Bird Key Park/Ringling Bridge Causeway Park does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health,” a news release explains.

“DOH-Sarasota advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers,” the release points out. “Sampling conducted during regular water quality monitoring showed that the level of bacteria exceeds the level established by state guidelines.”

The advisory will continue until bacteria levels fall below the accepted health level, the release adds. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

Bird Key Park is among area recreational facilities most commonly closed because of health-related concerns.

For more information call 941-861-2900 or visit Sarasota.FloridaHealth.gov.