Tampa, Florida -- A Health Advisory has been issued for Picnic Island beach, based on the criteria for enterococci bacteria recommended by the EPA.
This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public.
The water samples are being analyzed for enteric bacteria (enterococci) that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which may cause human disease, infections, or rashes. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.