Beachgoers are advised to avoid going into the water at Courtney Campbell Parkway beach and R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar this weekend.
Pinellas County Health Department tests found high levels of fecal bacteria in water samples taken Thursday. The presence of enterococci bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or human sewage.
Tests found a geometric mean of 37.99 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters of marine water in R.E. Olds Park, and 45.76 such colony units in Clearwater. The EPA recommends no more than 35 units.
"It's perfectly fine for people to visit the beach," said Health Department spokeswoman Elaine Fulton-Jones. Fulton-Jones said there will probably be an update Monday on when it is safe to swim at the two beaches.
For more information, contact the Pinellas County Health Department at 727 538-7277, ext. 1134, or visit www.doh.state.fl.us
