Suncoast Waterkeeper June 24 took samples to test water quality and results showed “don’t swim” levels of enterococci bacteria at multiple locations in Manatee and Sarasota areas, including Robinson Preserve and the Palma Sola Causeway North beach.
The bacteria was not detected at the Longboat Key Boat Ramp and Longboat Key’s Bayfront Park and was at a “safe to swim” level at the Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
The bacteria live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals and the presence of the bacteria in the water indicates the presence of fecal waste.