BEACH ADVISORY North Shore Park tests high for bacteria

Contact: Tammy Yzaguirre, Communications Specialist

Florida Department of Health in Lee County

Tammy.Yzaguirre@FLHealth.gov

239-332-9561 850-519-5728

North Fort Myers, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is advising the public not to enter the water at North Shore Park, due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing. This park is located in North Fort Myers at the foot of the US 41 bridge and used primarily by boaters and anglers.

Tests completed today, March 31, 2016, indicate that the water quality at the North Shore Park does not meet the safety criteria for enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. This park is posted year-round as a non-swimming beach.

• No wading at North Shore Park, 13001 N. Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers is recommended.

Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife or sewage.

Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).

This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. New test results should be available for North Shore Park on Wednesday afternoon, April 6. 2016.

For more information call (239) 274-2200 or go to https://lee.floridahealth.gov/.