Beach closed due to bacteria in water

Tampa, Florida - The Hillsborough County Health Department has issued a health advisory for Ben T. Davis Beach due to elevated levels of bacteria found in the waters. As a result, the beach has been closed to swimming. Patrons can still sunbath on the beach or picnic, but it is recommended that they not enter the water. Signs have been posted and staff is on duty to monitor and alert the public of the health advisory.

Picnic Island Park Beach, located at 7404 Picnic Island Boulevard, is open for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.

According to the Hillsborough County Health Department, heavy rains cause polluted storm water runoff as well as waste from boats, pets, wildlife and human sewage, which contribute to the rise in harmful bacteria levels. Samples were taken on June 11 and 13.

The Health Department will test the beach water on Monday and we will receive the results after 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. If elevated levels are found the beach will remain closed and the Health Department will retest on Wednesday and provide us with results after 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.

The beach water quality report results are posted by the Health Department Beach Water Quality website (www.doh.state.fl.us, click on the drop down arrow next to “-Choose Subject-“ and then select “Beach Water Quality”).

For more information on the testing process or types of bacteria found, please contact the Hillsborough County Health Department at (813) 307-8001 x. 5960.