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'No swim' advisory issued for Lido Casino Beach in Sarasota County

The number of enterococcus bacteria found during water quality testing on Monday, March 13, was outside acceptable limits.

SARASOTA, Fla. — For all the spring breakers hoping to soak in the Florida beaches, we have some news for you – along with an ongoing battle with red tide, a no-swim advisory has been issued for a Sarasota County beach.

As a precaution, county health officials have issued a no-swim advisory for Lido Casino Beach.

According to a news release, the number of enterococcus bacteria found during water quality testing on Monday, March 13 was outside acceptable limits.

While the beach remains open – wading, swimming and water recreation are not recommended when the advisories are in place.

Along with this advisory, the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County also reminds the public of the elevated levels of red tide that continue to be found on all 16 beaches.

Health officials explain some bacteria are naturally present in the environment, but the Environmental Protection Agency has found a link between health and water quality.

"Signage advising the public not to swim or engage in water recreation will stay in place until follow-up water testing results meet the EPA’s recreational water quality standards," the release explains.

The FDOH resampled the beach on Thursday and is expecting results late Friday afternoon.

“When these bacteria are found at high levels in recreational waters, there is a risk that some people may become ill," DOH-Sarasota Environmental Administrator Tom Higginbotham said in a statement. "People, especially those who are very young, elderly or who have a weak immune system that swallow water while swimming can get stomach or intestinal illnesses. 

"If water contacts a cut or sore, people can get infections or rashes."

Visit https://ourgulfenvironment.net and click on water monitoring and then bacterial testing to check beach water testing results of area Gulf beaches.

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