Hillsborough health officials issue no-swimming advisories at 2 beaches

Water samples at Davis Island Beach and Ben T. Davis Beach in Hillsborough County showed high levels of bacteria last week, and health officials recommend that people stay out of the water there through the weekend.

Officials on Wednesday found high levels of enterococci bacteria, or fecal pollution, in the water at those beaches, “which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage,” according to a news release from the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

A health department official told BayNews9 on Thursday that the bacteria could cause an infection if ingested or if a swimmer has an open wound. The bacteria was not related to Red Tide, an official said.

The department plans to re-sample the water at those beaches on Tuesday, according to the release.