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Water-Related News

Health warning issued for Port Richey's Brasher Beach Park

PORT RICHEY — For the second time in five days, the Florida Department of Health says high bacteria counts pose a health risk to swimmers at a waterfront park in western Pasco County.

On Wednesday, the department posted a health advisory for Brasher Beach Park in Port Richey, a small city-owned park at 4951 Koons Road.

The department, however, lifted its March 25 advisory for Robert K. Rees Memorial Beach Park, also known as Green Key Beach, a Pasco County park just west of New Port Richey.

The water samples found high levels of enterococci enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. The bacteria can cause disease, infections or rashes, and are indicative of fecal pollution from storm water runoff, animals or human waste.

The advisory at Brasher Beach Park is expected to remain in place until at least April 11, when the next round of water sampling is scheduled.