VENICE, FL (WFLA) — As a precaution, Sarasota County health officials have issued a “no swim” advisory at Venice Fishing Pier after a high amount of enterococcus bacteria was found in the water.
The beach remains open; however, wading, swimming and water recreation is not recommended as long as there is an advisory. There are signs in place advising the public not to swim or engage in water recreation.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County expects to have the next round of test results available on Friday.
Enterococcus bacteria can come from a variety of natural and man-made sources. These include pet waste, livestock, birds, wildlife, stormwater runoff, and human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills. No sewage spills have been reported within one mile of the beach in the past month.
The rapid response teams from the city of Venice and Sarasota County have determined that the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources. Wrack lines of decaying algae were observed along the shoreline. Wrack lines, which contain marine algae and a variety of marine organisms that provide food for shorebirds and wildlife act as natural bacteria reservoirs. A large amount of bird activity along the shoreline, which can contribute to these elevated readings, was also observed. Recent heavy rains in the area that wash accumulated pollutants, including bacteria from pet feces, birds, and wildlife into local waters are an important factor. In addition, higher surf conditions associated with the storms churn up sand from the bottom and can affect water quality.
In addition, you should not eat shellfish such as crabs and shrimp collected in the immediate area of Venice Fishing Pier Beach. However, it is safe to fish and eat fin-fish from these waters.
