'No swim' advisory for Bird Key Park

A "no swim" advisory has been issued for Bird Key Park west of Ringling Causeway Bridge.

Water samplings taken Wednesday, Oct. 10, show elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. Other Sarasota County area beaches that are not under a "no swim" advisory include Longboat Key public beach, North and South Lido Beaches, Lido Casino Beach, Siesta Key Beach, Turtle Beach, Nokomis Beach, North Jetty Beach, Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Beach, Caspersen Beach, Manasota Key and Blind Pass Beach.

Shellfish collected in the immediate area or any beach water with a brown tint should not be consumed. It is safe; however, to fish and consume fin-fish from these waters.

Sarasota County officials report EPA water quality standards are very protective of human health. the "no swim" advisories arebased on elevated levels of bacteria, some of which are naturally present in the environment.

For more info about advisories, click here.