Due to elevated bacteria, a “No Swim Advisory” is in effect for Palma Sola Beach South in Manatee County.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County lists two areas of Palma Sola Beach South, 100 feet west of 81st Street on the south side of the Manatee Avenue/State Road 64 causeway, with elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. The advisory cautions against water contact at these sites due to the increase risk of infectious disease.
All other areas monitored by Manatee County’s Environmental Health Division are safe for bathing, according to Thomas Iovino, communications director for Florida Department of Health in Manatee County.
Officials received test results from Palma Sola Beach South Jan. 26 and the advisory was issued Jan. 30. At press time, both sites were listed as poor quality on floridahealth.gov.
The advisory will remain in effect until additional water testing has been conducted to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines.
— Jennifer Sheppard