Tampa, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough (DOH-Hillsborough) has issued a swim advisory for the following beaches based on the criteria for fecal indicator bacteria at Ben T. Davis Beach and Picnic Island Beach, Tampa, FL.

At this time, there is a potential health risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended.

DOH-Hillsborough conducts saltwater beach water quality monitoring once each week, through Florida’s Healthy Beaches Program. The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci), that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage. 

The latest testing on all saltwater beaches is located at FloridaHealth.gov.

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.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.