/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/B5EFCRIFE5D27LWUKJRHC3UIKM.JPG "Sand is seen in a shower area along Clearwater Beach Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. The Pinellas County Department of Health issued a no-swim advisory for Clearwater Beach, Mandalay Park and Sand Key due
to fecal pollution.")
Pinellas County health officials warned beachgoers not to get in the water just as Labor Day weekend kicked off.
The department issued a no-swim advisory for Clearwater Beach, Mandalay Park and Sand Key due to high bacteria levels. Officials discovered unsafe levels of enterococci bacteria, or fecal pollution, likely as a result of storm surge brought by Hurricane Idalia, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.
“Storm surge can bring contaminants from the land into Gulf waters, temporarily increasing bacteria counts,” the department wrote in the release.
Samples taken at these beaches exceeded the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Officials have resampled beaches and are awaiting results. The health department advisory will be lifted once bacteria levels return to safe levels, according to the release.
The latest test results for beaches can be found on the Florida Department of Health’s website.
• • •
Tampa Bay Times hurricane coverage 2023
What to do if your house floods from Hurricane Idalia
How to help Hurricane Idalia victims, or get assistance if you need it
Hurricane floodwater can be dangerous. Here’s why you should stay out of it.
Hurricane season 2023: Here’s what to know about forecast tracks.
Storm surge is deadly. We built a computer model to show how.
How to protect your pets — and yourself — during a hurricane.
Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits
Protect your data and documents using your phone
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