Sarasota issues water advisory for Ringling Causeway

The Sarasota County Health Department is warning people to stay out of the water off the Ringling causeway because of elevated fecal-bacteria levels.

Higher-than-normal levels of enterococcus bacteria were detected in the water off the causeway. Enterococci is found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals.If the bacteria is ingested or enters the skin through a cut, it can cause illness, infections or rashes.

Signs have been posted warning of the danger.

The health department will be conducting tests throughout the week.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].