“No swim” advisories were issued July 29 for three Anna Maria Island beaches and an advisory was continued for a Palma Sola Causeway beach.
The Florida Department of Health-Manatee County issued advisories for Bayfront Park North in Anna Maria, Manatee Public Beach North in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach North in Bradenton Beach.
The health department said water samples were taken July 26 at Bayfront North, near the Lifeguard Tower No. 1 at the Manatee Public Beach and near the Lifeguard Tower No. 5 at Coquina Beach.
Also, an advisory issued July 25 for Palma Sola Beach South along Manatee Avenue remained in effect July 29.
The health department issues advisories when contact with the water at a site could make beachgoers sick.
The health department collects water samples each week, which go to labs to determine levels of enteric bacteria — enterococci, which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals.
The advisories will remain in effect until the waters meet federal Environmental Protection Agency safety guidelines.
For more information, call the health department at 941-714-7593 or go online to floridahealth.gov.
— Lisa Neff
Editor’s note: The advisories have been lifted.
