Blue-Green Algae Closes Some Texoma Beaches

flickr/Robert Nunnally

Eisenhower State Park, near Lake Texoma on the Texas-Oklahoma border.

Visitors are no longer allowed on the sand at some Lake Texoma beaches.

Beaches on the Bryan County, Okla., side of Lake Texoma are closed due to an advisory about blue-green algae bloom.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers detected the bloom around the Burns Run East and West areas and closed the associated beaches. The closure only pertains to the designated swim beaches.

The algae blooms are more likely to occur when water levels are low and temperatures are high.

The blue-green algae can cause skin irritation and intestinal or respiratory problems in humans. Additionally, it can prove deadly to pets if they drink too much of the water where the algae is present.

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Blue-Green Algae Closes Some Texoma Beaches

On sweltering day, high bacteria levels close all Evanston beaches

SUN-TIMES MEDIA July 25, 2012 11:40AM

Updated: July 25, 2012 8:16PM

Evanston health officials have closed all five city public beaches to swimming for Wednesday as a result of high bacterial counts, the city said.

The city tests on the water from the five beaches, one dog beach and Northwestern Universitys beach on a daily basis. The samples take 18 hours in an incubator to test. When E. coli counts exceed 235 chloroform forming units, an indicator of bacterial colonies in the water, the Evanston Health Department closes the beach.

Sample results for Wednesday indicated a count of 238 to about 800 CFU at Evanston beaches, the city said.

Factors such as natural die-off, wind and wave action, and ultraviolet light from the sun will help to reduce the level of bacteria. The length of time this takes is unpredictable, but it is usually less than 24 hours, the city said.

The water needs to be resampled before the beaches will be allowed to reopen.

Residents who want to check beach status for Evanston beaches in advance have several options. They can call the lakefront operations recorded message at (847) 859-7822 or check the citys beach status page at http://www.cityofevanston.org. Starting this season, beach patrons also are able to sign up for text or email alerts from that page.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria live in the digestive systems of humans and other warm-blooded animals, so they are found in sewage and other wastewater. Most strains are not harmful, but some are, and they can indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria, the city said.

E. coli can cause gastroenteritis-type illnesses that come with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and low-grade fever. Skin rashes and earaches also may be experienced.

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On sweltering day, high bacteria levels close all Evanston beaches

It's So Miami…In Manhattan

MIAMI, July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Simply put, Greater Miami and The Beaches is booming! Celebrating another banner year of record-breaking tourism figures with the highest percentage of international visitors than any other U.S. destination, Miami is no longer just a warm winter getaway but a year-round, full service destination. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) today unveils a new brand campaign to capture its evolution by announcing the "It's So Miami" program featuring a pop-up pool in New York City's Union Square for New Yorkers to get a taste of Miami right in Manhattan.

IT'S SO MIAMI Revealing a new tagline It's So Miami and eye-catching imagery showcasing contrasting visuals of iconic destination scenes juxtaposed with people taking advantage of cultural attractions, the new campaign captures the vibe and variety of everyday life in Greater Miami and The Beaches.

"Greater Miami and The Beaches is a global brand and because of programs like the pop-up pool in New York City and our It's So Miami campaign, we continue to infuse it with buzz and excitement that resonates even beyond the life of the project," said GMCVB President and CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME. "The strength of Miami's image is evident when we travel internationally and see other brands using the destination to sell their product and in doing so, further promoting Miami as a tropical cosmopolitan destination. Miami is a strong and vibrant brand and the It's So Miami campaign captures that vitality. Additionally, with more U.S. visitors coming to Miami from the New York metro area than any other, it makes sense to launch our new campaign in the Big Apple by making a splash with our pop-up pool."

Jetsetters, Celebrity DJs and Prizesthe It's So Miami "Pop-up Pool"To capture Miami's iconic poolscapes set against its vibrant cosmopolitan cityscape, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitor Bureau brings its new brand (and a slice of Miami life) to New York City with its "Pop-up Pool." Located in Union Square, the pool has it all bikini-clad models dipping in the water while dancing to music spun by popular DJs including DJ Prostyle, DJ Italia 3 and DJ SELF. Let's not forget the chaise lounges, beach balls, Cuban coffee, cabana and fresh Cocofrio.

From noon to 6PM consumers can participate in any number of contests for prizes, including unbelievably enticing trips to Miami and The Beaches where winners will stay at some of the destination's hottest hotels and indulge in true It's So Miami moments while visiting the destination. Additional elements at the pool will include a fashion show featuring swimwear from Jantzen, a salsa dancing demo, on-site Miami Spa Month massages provided by The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, and a Cuban coffee tutorial featuring Caffe Sacco performed by Havana Central chef Stanley Licairac. Finally, to kick-off this year's Miami Spice, chef Alfred Portale, chef and owner of Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach will cook up a dish straight from his restaurant live from the pool and give New Yorkers a sneak preview of the Miami Spice program, the wildly anticipated summer celebration in which Greater Miami restaurants offer discounted three-course lunch and dinner menus throughout August and September.

Can't wait to get away to Miami?Those wanting to take advantage of all Greater Miami and The Beaches has to offer this summer can head to the GMCVB's dedicated website for the best summer offers http://www.ITSOMIAMI.com. Find amazing deals as well as content to enrich your It's So Miami moments while in the destination. Additionally, the GMCVB partnered with Jetsetter.com, the leading travel website providing members with hand-selected experiences to curate a sale of Miami's most stylish properties at prices up to 30 percent off. This three-day flash sale launches July 30, at 3pm and ends on August 1. Consumers stopping by the pool on July 31 can talk to Jetsetter's Miami experts andreceive an added value offer from Jetsetter. To peruse or book Jetsetter's It's So Miami sale, visit http://www.jetsetter.com/group/itsomiami. Consumers not already Jetsetter members can register by visiting http://www.jetsetter.com/register/promo/itsomiami. Membership is free.

Not in NYC?Visit Miami and The Beaches at Facebook.com/VisitMiami to check out photos of New Yorkers getting in on the fun at the pool all day on July 31. In addition, those on Twitter have the chance to score some It's So Miami moments themselves such as hotel stays and meals at premiere restaurants in the destination by following @MiamiandBeaches on Twitter and re-tweeting select tweets throughout the day on July 31.

For more information about Greater Miami and The Beaches and details on recommendations on where to stay, dine, spa, discover, explore, celebrate, propose and so much more, please visit http://www.ITSOMIAMI.com.

About The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors BureauThe Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at http://www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000. Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit http://www.MiamiMeetings.com.

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It's So Miami...In Manhattan

Secret seaside: the wild dune beaches of the Netherlands

Goedereede, a cosy cluster of centuries-old gabled houses (photo: Alamy)

To get there, you need to aim for the village of Goedereede, a cosy cluster of centuries-old gabled houses around a tiny, canal-like harbour. In Old Dutch, the name means safe harbourage refuge from the sandbanks and other perils of De Kwade Hoek, which means Angry Corner. From here, roads narrow into farmland lanes, barely a car wide, and stop dead at the Goeree dunes. Then its a 20- to 30-minute walk, along footpaths through high sand mounds covered in grasses and wildflowers catchflies and dune violets, poppies, thyme, star of Bethlehem and yellow irises. At times the dunes drop to reed-clustered wetlands, home to spoonbills, waders and all manner of wildfowl. Turn a corner in the path, and the vista suddenly opens, stretching towards a grass- tufted dune and the sea.

The beach is wide and generally empty, a place for long walks and quiet contemplation.

Swimming at De Kwade Hoek is possible, though not always pleasant in parts the water is shallow, and you gloop through mud. If youre wanting more of a splash or a family day out, head a couple of miles farther along, to the southern end of the Goeree dunes, where at Strand Noord and Strand t Flaauwe Werk youll find marked bathing areas, more people, and the occasional beach pavilion selling coffee, pancakes, chips and beer.

But for a step beyond jolly seaside fare, its back to Goedereede, or across the Brouwersdam to the neighbouring island of Schouwen-Duiveland. Succulent oysters, a pot of mussels, delicate lobster all from nearby Oosterschelde make an elegant end to a day in the dunes.

The Netherlands essentials

GETTING THERE

KLM (0871 231 000: klm.com) flies to Amsterdam-Schiphol and Rotterdam from London and regional airports. The easiest way to get to De Kwade Hoek is to hire a car (sixt.nl) at either airport and drive (one hour 45 minutes from Schiphol and 45 minutes from Rotterdam). Check out a route at 9292.nl.

THE INSIDE TRACK

THE BEST HOTELS

Originally posted here:

Secret seaside: the wild dune beaches of the Netherlands

Secret seaside: the dune beaches of the Netherlands

Goedereede, a cosy cluster of centuries-old gabled houses (photo: Alamy)

To get there, you need to aim for the village of Goedereede, a cosy cluster of centuries-old gabled houses around a tiny, canal-like harbour. In Old Dutch, the name means safe harbourage refuge from the sandbanks and other perils of De Kwade Hoek, which means Angry Corner. From here, roads narrow into farmland lanes, barely a car wide, and stop dead at the Goeree dunes. Then its a 20- to 30-minute walk, along footpaths through high sand mounds covered in grasses and wildflowers catchflies and dune violets, poppies, thyme, star of Bethlehem and yellow irises. At times the dunes drop to reed-clustered wetlands, home to spoonbills, waders and all manner of wildfowl. Turn a corner in the path, and the vista suddenly opens, stretching towards a grass- tufted dune and the sea.

The beach is wide and generally empty, a place for long walks and quiet contemplation.

Swimming at De Kwade Hoek is possible, though not always pleasant in parts the water is shallow, and you gloop through mud. If youre wanting more of a splash or a family day out, head a couple of miles farther along, to the southern end of the Goeree dunes, where at Strand Noord and Strand t Flaauwe Werk youll find marked bathing areas, more people, and the occasional beach pavilion selling coffee, pancakes, chips and beer.

But for a step beyond jolly seaside fare, its back to Goedereede, or across the Brouwersdam to the neighbouring island of Schouwen-Duiveland. Succulent oysters, a pot of mussels, delicate lobster all from nearby Oosterschelde make an elegant end to a day in the dunes.

The Netherlands essentials

GETTING THERE

KLM (0871 231 000: klm.com) flies to Amsterdam-Schiphol and Rotterdam from London and regional airports. The easiest way to get to De Kwade Hoek is to hire a car (sixt.nl) at either airport and drive (one hour 45 minutes from Schiphol and 45 minutes from Rotterdam). Check out a route at 9292.nl.

THE INSIDE TRACK

THE BEST HOTELS

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Secret seaside: the dune beaches of the Netherlands

All beaches open for swimming

Tribune Staff Reports

HURON COUNTY Test results issued Wednesday found all beaches are safe for swimming, according to the Huron County Health Department.

The results issued for all 13 area beaches tested have revealed they are well below the 300 E. coli colonies per 100 ml of water for swimming safety.

There has only been one beach closure since testing started nine weeks ago. That closure was at Port Crescent State Park Day-Use during the third week of testing.

The summer beach testing program is funding by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The following are this weeks test results (in geometric means):

Bird Creek County Park 3.6433

Caseville County Park 0.1376

Harbor Beach City Park 6.3995

Jenks County Park 30.5249

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All beaches open for swimming

Erosion closes beaches

A Gold Coast beach eroded this morning. Photo: Seven News

Three Gold Coast beaches have been closed as heavy swells have washed away large tracts of sand leaving dangerous three-metre scarps in the worst affected areas.

Nobby Beach, Broadbeach (at Margaret Avenue) and Narrowneck (at Breakers Street, Main Beach) have been closed and cordoned off by Gold Coast City Council.

"Walking between Miami and Broadbeach and between Surfers and Main Beach is not recommended this morning on the incoming tide due to erosion in some areas," a council spokeswoman said.

A sign at Nobby's Beach advising it was closed this morning. Photo: Seven News

The three beaches will remain closed today, as a high tide is expected at 11.41am.

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The lifeguard tower at Nobby Beach had to be relocated yesterday, after its foundations were exposed by the erosion.

Crews will undertake beach re-profiling works from 7am today.

Gold Coast chief lifeguard Warren Young said large, relentless swells were responsible for the erosion.

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Erosion closes beaches

Erosion closes Gold Coast beaches

A Gold Coast beach eroded this morning. Photo: Seven News

Three Gold Coast beaches have been closed as heavy swells have washed away large tracts of sand leaving dangerous three-metre scarps in the worst affected areas.

Nobby Beach, Broadbeach (at Margaret Avenue) and Narrowneck (at Breakers Street, Main Beach) have been closed and cordoned off by Gold Coast City Council.

"Walking between Miami and Broadbeach and between Surfers and Main Beach is not recommended this morning on the incoming tide due to erosion in some areas," a council spokeswoman said.

A sign at Nobby's Beach advising it was closed this morning. Photo: Seven News

The three beaches will remain closed today, as a high tide is expected at 11.41am.

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The lifeguard tower at Nobby Beach had to be relocated yesterday, after its foundations were exposed by the erosion.

Crews will undertake beach re-profiling works from 7am today.

Gold Coast chief lifeguard Warren Young said large, relentless swells were responsible for the erosion.

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Erosion closes Gold Coast beaches

Monster swells threaten popular Aussie beaches

Large surf pounding the Gold Coast has taken its toll on the coastline. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Lyn and Bernie Hole stranded on the rocks when they ran out of beach at Mermaid Beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson

HUGE swells are washing away trees, fences and exposing foundations and protective rock walls at some of the Gold Coast's most popular beaches.

Swells reaching more than 4m have eroded the Gold Coast's coastline and forced the closure of many beaches, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Beaches are closed today from Elkhorn Avenue north of Surfers Paradise to the Sheraton - including Main Beach, Breaker Street and Narrowneck - and south of Surfers Paradise at Clifford Street, Broadbeach (Margaret Avenue) and Nobbys Beach.

The closed beaches are not expected to open at all today. Meanwhile, walking between Miami and Broadbeach and between Surfers and Main Beach is also not recommended this morning on the incoming tide due to erosion in some areas.

Surfers Paradise beach will remain open today, as well as Northcliffe, Kurrawa, Mermaid Beach and the beaches from Miami south.

A GCCC spokesman said beaches at Nobby Beach, Broadbeach (at Margaret Avenue) and Narrowneck were closed from 6am yesterday to ensure public safety, especially as children frequent the areas.

"We want to ensure community safety so there will be maintenance reprofiling to restore the beaches," he said.

"The message is, these scarps are not cubby houses for young kids and for them to stay away."

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Monster swells threaten popular Aussie beaches

Beaches reopen after fuel cleanup

All Lake Huron beaches are now open following the cleanup of spilled diesel fuel from the Thursday sinking of the 110-foot dredge barge Arthur J and the 38-foot tug Madison.

The vessels sank off the Michigan shoreline of Lakeport State Beach on Lake Huron.

Cleanup efforts began immediately, which involved Marine Pollution Control and Coast Guard personnel walking the beaches and cleaning up debris that washed ashore from the sunken vessels.

When a 150-ton crane barge arrived from Sault Ste. Marie Saturday morning, salvage efforts began. Due to the weight of the Arthur J, first attempts at bringing up the barge failed. When the Madison was lifted out of the water, a large hole was located near the stern of the vessel. In order to have the tug refloated, salvage crew welded a steel plate over the hole.

As salvage efforts continued, an uncontained oil sheen from the sunken barge was discovered by aircrews in coast guard and Canadian aircraft Saturday.

It is believed that a pocket of oil product escaped the containment during salvage operations of the Arthur J, according to a release by the coast guard. While the Madison tug has been removed from the scene, all remaining oil and fuel aboard the Arthur J was successfully removed Sunday and salvage crews began raising the dredge from its grounded position.

The majority of the recoverable oil has been captured, said the release. Salvage crews removed approximately 3,400 gallons of oily water mixture and 625 gallons of diesel fuel from the sunken dredge.

The cause of the accident is yet to be determined.

Copyright (c) The Windsor Star

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Beaches reopen after fuel cleanup

Beaches reopen after spill

SARNIA - Lake Huron beaches that had been closed along the Michigan shoreline because of a diesel spill last week have reopened.

The 33.5-metre Arthur J dredge barge and a smaller tugboat sank near Lakeport State Park, Mich., early Thursday morning, about 15 kilometres north of Sarnia. The vessels leaked an estimated 5,700 to 7,500 litres of diesel fuel.

Coast Guard crews recovered the sunken tugboat Madison from the water early Saturday and reopened the beaches there. MCM Marine is working to clean up the oil sheen.

No impacts on wildlife have been reported and no health risks are expected, officials said.

Sarnia Observer

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Beaches reopen after spill

Nassau County beaches closed to bathing

Bicyclist dies after being hit by SUV in Holbrook Bicyclist dies after being hit by SUV in Holbrook

Updated: Saturday, July 21 2012 11:11 PM EDT2012-07-22 03:11:41 GMT

Police on Long Island were attempting to identify a bicyclist who was hit by a car Friday afternoon.

Suffolk County Police have identified a bicyclist who was hit by a car Friday afternoon.

Updated: Saturday, July 21 2012 8:30 PM EDT2012-07-22 00:30:09 GMT

Suffolk County detectives say they are investigating criminal incidents in which multiple cars had their tires slashed on Long Island early Saturday morning. Authorities said the crimes happened between

Suffolk County detectives say they are investigating criminal incidents in which multiple cars had their tires slashed on Long Island early Saturday morning. Authorities said the crimes happened between

Updated: Saturday, July 21 2012 4:25 PM EDT2012-07-21 20:25:05 GMT

The Nassau County Department of Health says it has closed the 18 beaches to bathing as a precautionary measure Saturday due to the heavy rainfall. Authorities said a storm water runoff can have a negative

The Nassau County Department of Health says it has closed the 18 beaches to bathing as a precautionary measure Saturday due to the heavy rainfall. Authorities said a storm water runoff can have a negative

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Nassau County beaches closed to bathing

Keeping the beaches safe and swimmable

In high unattractive boots with an extended pole and a sterile bottle, public health inspector students all over the city are testing Hamilton and Halton beaches.

Hamilton public health tests eight beaches and Halton Region tests seven. Out of those 15, only two are currently labelled as unsafe; Coronation Park West in Oakville and Bayfront Park beach in Hamilton.

As per Ontario Ministry of the Environment regulations, beaches must be tested at least once a week. In Hamilton, Bayfront and Pier 4 are tested four times a week.

The harbour beaches are tested more often because of the large population of waterfowl and historically those beaches have had a high population of contaminants, such as Escherichia coli, or E. coli. For a beach to be safe there must be less than 100 E. coli bacterium per 100 mL of beach water.

E. coli can indicate other bacteria and viruses are present in the water, said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, an associate medical officer of health for the City of Hamilton. Beach water can contain germs such as bacteria, viruses and parasites which can cause diarrhea, fever and respiratory infections in swimmers.

Nicole Mathews, manager of healthy environments for the Halton Region, said that E. coli is a big problem in Oakville.

I dont know why they have more geese, said Mathews. They seem to be attracted there.

Goose droppings are one of the biggest issues to any beach but especially the bay beaches because they are sheltered from the wind and strong current.

The geese and the sewer water are the main reasons why a beach would be marked unsafe. When it rains, the waste droppings naturally run off into the water.

Its important to know that entering the water itself isnt the issue, but its swallowing the water, said Meghani. Taking in E. coli can cause diarrhea, fever, and respiratory issues but rarely death.

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Keeping the beaches safe and swimmable

Bathing ban lifted at Clare beaches

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Saturday, July 21, 2012, 14:53

A ban on swimming at three beaches in Co Clare has been lifted today after tests on water samples showed the amount of bacteria in the water had fallen.

The restrictions were implemented yesterday at the Kilkee, Lahinch and Spanish Point beaches amid concern over E-coli pollution in the sea, which was thought to have arisen because of abnormal weather conditions.

Clare County Council said this afternoon that preliminary results of water samples taken from the beaches yesterday had shown a dramatic reduction in the levels of bacteria in the water. This was due to improved weather, the council said.

On the advice of the HSE and following analysis of water samples, the council is delighted to be able to announce the lifting of all restrictions relating to bathing at Lahinch, Kilkee and Spanish Point, said the councils director of services Anne Haugh said.

Public notices indicating that swimming and surfing at the three locations are no longer prohibited are being erected this afternoon, while the Blue Flag at Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have been restored having been temporarily withdrawn on Friday.

The council said yesterday that the pollution was caused by water runoff from excessive and sustained rainfall over the past two months.

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Bathing ban lifted at Clare beaches

Swimming ban at beaches over e-coli threat

By Gordon Deegan

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Fears over a possible e-coli outbreak yesterday forced Clare County Council to immediately ban swimming at two beaches at Lahinch and Kilkee.

Swimming at Spanish Point beach on Clares Atlantic coast was also banned after trace levels of e-coli were found in water samples from the three beaches on Wednesday.

Thousands are expected to travel to the resorts this weekend with good weather forecast, after weeks of poor weather adversely affected tourist businesses in the area.

However, public bathing notices and red flags confirming that swimming and surfing is prohibited were yesterday placed on all of the affected beaches. The blue flags at Lahinch and Kilkee beaches have been removed for now.

Director with Clare County Council, Ann Haugh said the move "is unprecedented. It is very unfortunate, but public safety is paramount and we are unwilling to take any risks".

She said fresh tests were taken at the three beaches yesterday and it will be tomorrow before the results are known. A decision will be made then as to whether the waters can re-open.

The decision was taken in consultation with the HSE.

Ms Haugh said abnormal weather conditions and run- off from lands surrounding the beaches was the cause.

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Swimming ban at beaches over e-coli threat

Five Pinellas beaches safe again with lifting of advisory

A health advisory was lifted at five Pinellas County beaches days after they were reported to have elevated levels of enteric bacteria.

Honeymoon Island, Sand Key Park, Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach's Archibald Park and Redington Shores are again safe for swimmers, the Pinellas County Health Department said Friday.

After resampling the locations, the department received lab results with "moderate" or "good" readings," Maggie Hall, a spokeswoman for the department, said in a news release.

The advisory was based on the bacterial indicator recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA standard for the bacteria is no more than 104 colony forming units per 100 milliliters of water.

On Monday, the beaches had been given grades of "poor," meaning 105 units or greater were found, according to the monitoring program's website.

The next routine sampling will be conducted July 30.

Testing is done through the state's Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program.

The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife and sewage, the health department said. The bacteria may cause disease, infections or rashes.

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Five Pinellas beaches safe again with lifting of advisory

No-swimming advisories at Lido, Turtle and North Jetty beaches

A no-swimming flag flies at Lido Beach in Sarasota. The Sarasota County Health Department issued no-swimming advisories for Lido, Turtle and North Jetty beaches on Thursday.

By VINCENT F. SAFUTO, Correspondent

High levels of bacteria at three Sarasota County beaches have led to advisories against swimming or engaging in water recreation, though residents and visitors still can use the beaches.

Water samples taken Wednesday at Lido Beach, Turtle Beach and North Jetty Beach showed an elevated level of enterococci (enteric) bacteria, according to a press release from the Sarasota County Health Department on Thursday afternoon.

Signs at the three beaches warning against swimming or water recreation will be posted, the department said, until follow-up testing today with results expected Saturday shows that the levels are safe. The results have to meet federal Environmental Protection Agency recreational water safety standards.

Enteric bacteria can come from stormwater runoff, pet waste and wildlife and human sewage, said Tom Higginbotham, the Health Department's environmental health administrator.

The intent of the Florida Healthy Beaches program is to provide residents and visitors with accurate, up-to-date information about the water quality at our 16 area beaches. Enteric bacteria can come from stormwater runoff, pet waste and wildlife and human sewage," he said. High concentrations of these bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, infections or rashes if ingested while swimming or after entering the skin through a cut or sore."

Health officials said that shellfish collected in the immediate area of Lido, Turtle and North Jetty beaches, or from any beach water that has a brown tint, should not be consumed. It is safe to fish and consume fin-fish, however.

The areas not under a beach water advisory are Ringling Causeway, North and South Lido, Longboat Key, Siesta, Nokomis, Brohard Park, Blind Pass, Manasota Key, Caspersen, Venice Fishing Pier, Service Club and Venice public beaches.

To find out about beach water conditions, visit http://www.OurGulfEnvironment.net, click on Water Monitoring and then click on "Bacterial Testing" to check the testing results of area Gulf Beaches, or call the Sarasota County Health Department Environmental Health office at (941) 861-6133.

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No-swimming advisories at Lido, Turtle and North Jetty beaches