No-Swimming Advisory Posted At Robert K. Rees Park Beach

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County residents headed to the beach for Memorial Day weekend might want to pass on the Robert K. Rees Park Beach.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued a water quality advisory for Robert K. Rees Park Beach at 3503 Green Key Road, New Port Richey, after finding enterococci (intestinal bacteria) in a water sampling this week.

There are no advisories in effect for Robert J. Strickland Beach, Brasher Park Beach, Gulf Harbors Beach or Anclote River Park Beach.

The Department of Health's Florida Healthy Beaches Program monitors coastal beach water by testing marine water samples every two weeks from March through October in Pasco County.

Enterococci, bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, are considered a potential risk because they may cause disease, infections or rashes.

The presence of enterococci is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage.

The next sampling date is June 7.

For information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County Environmental Health Services division at 727-841-4425, option 3.