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© St. Petersburg Times, published June 25, 2002
HUDSON -- Pasco County Health Department officials closed Hudson Beach to swimmers this weekend, warning beachgoers that recent heavy rains likely have washed harmful bacteria into the waters there.
Health Department officials said water quality tests at Robert J. Strickland Beach (Hudson Beach) turned up high levels of bacteria typical to fecal pollution, "which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife and human sewage."
The Health Department issued a warning Friday to swimmers that "water contact may pose an increased risk of infectious disease, particularly for susceptible individuals."
Tests will be rerun on Thursday, and the results will determine when the beach will reopen. Those with questions can call the Health Department at (727) 841-4221.