- Suncoast Waterkeeper, based on results from Sept. 11 tests for enterococci bacteria in waterways, issued the following notice, minus emoji: “Our waters are safe to enjoy for the first time in many weeks! Our monitoring did detect fecal indicator bacteria at our location across the Manatee River from the city of Bradenton’s sewage bypass outfall. However, the mouth of the Manatee River was back in the safe to swim range.
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s tests found “safe to swim” levels at all Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Palma Sola sites.
Meanwhile, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported one test sample from Manatee County contained a background concentration of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism.
The sample was from the Rod & Reel Pier in Anna Maria.
— Lisa Neff
