Vero News > All News > News > ‘No swimming’ at 3 beaches with high bacteria levels

‘No swimming’ at 3 beaches with high bacteria levels

Written by: January 31 2019
facebook twitter pinterest linkedin

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — High levels of fecal-related bacteria found at three local beaches led authorities to issue a ‘no swimming’ advisory to beach goers.

Samples show that “water contact may pose an increased risk of illness, particularly for susceptible individuals,” according to the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County. The samples contained the bacteria enterococci, which is an indicator of fecal pollution that may come from storm water run-off, wildlife, pets and human sewage.

Health department officials collected the samples Monday at South Beach, Humiston Beach and Sexton Plaza Beach. The samples were sent to the Flowers Chemical Laboratory in Port St. Lucie for testing, health department spokeswoman Stacy Brock said.

Health officials on Wednesday got the water testing results, which were more than the recreational water quality standard for enterococci. The standard is set under state and federal guidelines.

The health department has conducted water testing at 16 sites, including the three aforementioned beaches, bi-weekly since August 2002 through the Florida Healthy Beaches program, officials said. The sampling sites are chosen based on how many times the recreational water is used and how close the water is to pollution sources.

 

 

facebook twitter pinterest linkedin
+100%-

Related Articles

Man charged in stabbing woman, requiring surgery

VERO BEACH — A 34-year-old man was jailed after a beating and stabbing that left a woman with severe injuries requiring surgery earlier this week, officers said. Police reviewed surveillance footage and described the incident as a vicious, unprovoked attack. "After speaking with medical staff, it was reported that (the victim) received treatment for four lacerations to the lower intestines, two lacerations to the colon and the removal of her spleen," Vero Beach police said in a report. The woman, along with police, identified the suspect as Trayvious Lewis Hullett, who was in a relationship with the woman, reports show. Hullett, of the 200 block of 6th Drive, Vero Beach, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Hullett ...

Sebastian police volunteer charged after detectives find child porn images on flash drive

SEBASTIAN — Sheriff's detectives arrested a Sebastian police volunteer after they searched his home and found dozens of images depicting child pornography on a flash drive he owned, officials said. Arnold William Flannery Jr., who served as a volunteer since 2022, was no longer affiliated with the Sebastian Police Department as of Tuesday, said police Capt. Tim Wood. "The safety and well-being of our community's children are of upmost importance," Sebastian police Chief Daniel Acosta said in a statement. "The behavior alleged in this case is abhorrent and will not be tolerated by anyone, regardless of their position. Our thoughts are with the victims, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served." As a police volunteer, Flannery helped with ...

Deputies investigating possible arson after brush fire fully contained

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Deputies were investigating the Sunday brush fire as a possible arson after learning two people were seen in the same wooded area moments before flames ignited. Detectives spoke with a witness and a person of interest, said Sgt. Kevin Jaworski, a spokesperson with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. "A witness observed a male and female arguing in the woods. A short time later, the fire started," Jaworski said. "To us that warrants a closer look as to how this fire started." County and state firefighters fully contained the blaze after heavy smoke caused the closure of 27th Avenue Southwest for several hours. Fire crews were monitoring the area for hot spots on Monday. Indian River ...

Comments