Advisory Lifted for E.G. Simmons Beach

Tampa Bay area residents concerned a health advisory issued for E.G. Simmons Park might get in the way of their 4th of July fun can breathe easy.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has lifted its warning for the 2401 19th Ave. N.W. park’s beach in Ruskin. While water samples taken last week showed too much Enterococci bacteria, resampling on Monday, June 29, provided an all clear, the agency wrote in an email to media.

Enterococci bacteria “normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes,” the agency wrote. “The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”

When bacteria levels test too high in public waters, the agency issues advisories against public bathing. Those advisories are lifted as soon as levels return to an acceptable range.

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