Health Advisory Issued for E.G. Simmons Beach

Tampa Bay area residents hoping to enjoy a dip in the waters at E.G. Simmons Park are being advised to stay dry for a few days.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a health advisory for the 2401 19th Ave. N.W. park’s beach in Ruskin. It seems water samples taken on Monday tested above the allowed threshold for enterococci bacteria. The water will be rechecked on Monday, June 29, and an all clear will be given should the samples return normal, the department wrote in an email to media.

Until then, the health department says, “this should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public.”

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.”

The department will issue another advisory as soon as water samples return to an acceptable range.

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