PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WDNews) — Health advisories are in place at four Bay County beaches after tests found high levels of bacteria, and officials are warning last-minute beachgoers to avoid the water.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County says Carl Gray Park, Earl Gilbert Park, Laguna Beach and the Panama City Beach City Pier all tested “poor” for enterococcus bacteria. Carl Gray Park has been under an advisory since July 21. The other advisories are new.
The bacteria, which comes from the intestines of warm-blooded animals, can indicate fecal contamination from sources such as septic leaks, stormwater runoff and wastewater discharges. It can signal the presence of other harmful germs that may cause stomach illness, infections or rashes.
Officials advise staying out of the water and avoiding raw seafood from these areas until tests show safe levels.
