Siesta Key Beach had signs posted today (August 1, 2008) warning bathers not to go into the water because of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. In laymans terms, it means that a lot of poop is in the water. Why now?
Well, dogs and cats poop on the lawn, then it rains and washes the germs into the waterways and into the Gulf. Poorly maintained septic systems also contribute. There have been heavy rains lately, resulting in increased runoff from the land. Apparently there is no way to measure how much each “poop factor” contributes, but we can measure the resulting bacteria level increase in the Gulf.
This happened not too long ago, when there were large amounts of red drift algae on the area beaches. It was speculated that increased bird activity (resulting in more bird do-do) may have caused the high levels of bacteria.
Fortunately this type of beach closing is very uncommon and usually only lasts for a day or two.
It remains to be seen whether Siesta Beach will reopen for the weekend.
Update: As of Sunday, August 3rd, 2008, Siesta Beach has re-opened the water for swimming. Bacteria levels have fallen to acceptable levels.
See beach water quality test results for Sarasota County.
Get up-to-the-minute beach condition reports for Southwest Florida Beaches. (very good service)
Read an article about the Siesta Key beach closing in the Herald Tribune.
To be clear: The beach itself is open (you can go lay in the sun and walk the beach). But you should not go in the water until the all-clear is given.
As a side note, there have been fish kills in parts Tampa Bay along the Courtney Campbell Causewayin the last day or so. Scientists believe an algal bloom is responsible. This may have been brought on by high temperatures and cloudy weather, but is expected to dissipate soon.
Ahh! Summertime in Florida.
