UPDATE: Advisory lifted for Bahia, Simmons Park beaches in Hillsborough County
UPDATE: Sampling was performed at both beaches on August 1st and bacteria levels were in the "good" range.
Samples taken from the beaches were above the threshold for Enterococci bacteria.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a public health advisory for both Bahia and Simmons Park beaches Thursday because of high bacteria levels.
In a statement, health leaders say this should be considered "a potential risk to the bathing public." Swimming is not recommended during this time.
Samples taken from the beaches were above the threshold for Enterococci bacteria, according to the Hillsborough County Health Department. The beaches will be re-sampled in a week.
Only when the re-sampling shows that the water is back to a safe level will the advisory be lifted.
Results will be posted on the Florida Healthy Beaches website.