At least eight beaches in Florida have been under avoid-water advisories because of potential fecal pollution.
The Florida Department of Health has issued advisories for several beaches in at least two counties where high levels of enterococcus bacteria have been found, which is an indication of fecal pollution.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently vetoed a bill that would have given the state power to close beaches where tests show the water does not meet health standards. Floridians had already been warned against swimming due to “fecal pollution” concerns earlier in the year.
Newsweek contacted DeSantis’ office, which referred to the governor’s veto letter.
June has seen advisories issued for the following beaches. The Newsweek map below shows which counties have beaches that are affected:
- Higgs Beach, Monroe County
- Smathers Beach, Monroe County
- Bahia Honda Oceanside, Monroe County marine water
- Sombrero Beach, Monroe County
- Founder, Monroe County
- South Beach, Monroe County
- Simmons Park Beach, Hillsborough County
- Bahia Beach, Hillsborough County
All these results are from June 19, except Simmons Park Beach and Bahia Beach, which were tested on June 26, according to the Florida Health Department’s Healthy Beaches Program database.
The water is recorded as “poor” when 71 or greater enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water are found.
Flourish/Newsweek
Water that is categorized as “poor” is considered “a potential health risk to the bathing public” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The other two categories that can apply to water are “moderate,” which is used when 36-70 enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water is found, and “good,” for 0-35 enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water.
The Florida Health Beaches Program explains: “Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals.
“The presence of enteric bacteria can be an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.
“If they are present in high concentrations in recreational waters and are ingested while swimming or enter the skin through a cut or sore, they may cause human disease, infections or rashes.”
In his veto letter, DeSantis wrote that the bill “suffers from a fatal infirmity” as it “grants authority to the Florida Department of Health to close beaches, waterways, and swimming pools.”
He went on: “Health Departments like DOH can serve a valuable function, but they should not be vested with the power to supersede local jurisdictions regarding the operation of beaches.
“I have made water quality and protecting Florida’s natural resources a priority and my Administration will continue to do so, but this grant of power to DOH over Florida beaches is ill-advised.”
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.