As a precaution, Sarasota County health officials have issued a "No Swim" advisory for Venice Beach, Brohard Beach and Lido Casino Beach, as the amount of enterococcus bacteria found during routine weekly water quality testing on Monday, July 1, was outside acceptable limits. The beach remains open, however, wading, swimming and water recreation is not recommended. In addition, it is advised not to not eat shellfish collected in the immediate area of any beach with a no-swim advisory. Finfish caught live and healthy can be eaten if filleted.

Enterococcus bacteria can come from a variety of natural and human-made sources, including pet waste, livestock, wildlife, stormwater runoff and human sewage from failed septic systems and sewage spills. The rapid response team from Sarasota County and the City of Venice has determined the cause of the elevated bacteria levels is likely due to natural sources, such as an observed wrack line of decaying algae along the shoreline.

Testing has revealed bacteria levels within acceptable limits at the following area beaches: Longboat Key Beach, South Lido Park Beach, Siesta Beach, North Lido Beach, Nokomis Beach, Bird Key Park Beach, Caspersen Beach, Blind Pass, Manasota Key Beach, Venice Pier Beach, Service Club Beach, Turtle Beach, Venice Beach and North Jetty Beach.

For more information visit the website below.

Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County