Sept. 5, 2023

UPDATE: The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has lifted the public health advisory for Clearwater Beach Mandalay Park and Sand Key. Testing conducted after Hurricane Idalia indicated the results were at a satisfactory level for enterococcus bacteria, meeting both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state recreational water standards.

Residents and visitors may return to swimming and other water sports at these beach sites.

DOH-Pinellas routinely tests water quality at 50 popular recreation locations along the coast as part of the Healthy Beaches program and has done so since 1998. The intent of this program is to provide county residents and visitors with accurate, up-to-date information on the water quality at our beaches.

The latest testing on marine (saltwater) beaches will be updated on DOH’s website www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.

For further information, visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

Original Notice Follows

The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) has issued a public health advisory for Clearwater Beach, Mandalay Park and Sand Key due to high bacteria levels. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended.

Samples taken were above the threshold for enterococci bacteria. These beaches have been resampled and results are pending.

When resampling indicates that the water is within the satisfactory range, the advisory will be lifted.

An advisory is issued when the beach action value is 70.5 or higher. This is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause 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 purpose of the Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program is to determine whether Florida has significant coastal beach water quality problems.

Storm surge can bring contaminants from the land into Gulf waters, temporarily increasing bacteria counts. These numbers can fluctuate as tides and currents move water, making ongoing monitoring important.

If you have open cuts or sores, keep them clean by washing them with soap and water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.

The latest testing on marine (saltwater) beaches will be updated on DOH’s website www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html.

For further information, visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.