Contact:
Christopher Tittel, Communication Director
Christopher.Tittel@FLHealth.gov   
(941) 720-6145

Bradenton, FL – A no-swim advisory has been issued for Palma Sola South, located along SR64 near Palma Sola Bay in Manatee County.

A no-swim advisory is issued when enterococci bacteria levels exceed Federal Guidelines for safe swimming. It is thought that contact with the water at the site could make beachgoers sick.

The advisory will be in effect until the water meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety guidelines.

Other beaches located in Manatee County are not under advisory.

The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) is committed to providing up-to-date information about beach water quality in its mission to protect, promote and improve the health of all Manatee County beachgoers.

As a participant in the Healthy Beaches Program, DOH-Manatee collects water samples at select beaches each week. The samples are then sent to labs to determine whether or not levels of enteric bacteria (enterococci) – which can bring human disease, infections or rashes – are acceptable based on EPA standards. If levels are read as unacceptable, a no-swim advisory is issued; a no-swim advisory is lifted once the levels read as acceptable.

DOH-Manatee received test results from samples taken at Palma Sola South on July 17 that show an elevated level of enterococci bacteria.

Additional information about the Healthy Beaches program can be found by calling (941) 714-7593, or by visiting the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.FloridaHealth.gov and selecting Beach Water Quality under the Environmental Health tab of the navigation bar.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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