The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is advising the public not to enter the water at Bonita Beach Park due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing. The beach park is at 27954 Hickory Blvd. Bonita Springs.

Tests completed on Aug. 16, indicate that the water quality at Bonita Beach Park does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

• No wading or swimming at Bonita Beach Park is recommended.

Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of possible pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife, or sewage. Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming – associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.

New test results should be available for Bonita Beach Park on Tuesday, Aug. 22.For more information call 239-274-2200 or go to lee.floridahealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county,and community efforts. Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit FloridaHealth.gov.

Source: DOH-Lee