Brackish water approaches Sarasota coast, beaches remain open despite concerns

Despite an increase in brackish water along the Sarasota County coast, beaches remain open, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Nokomis Beach and North Jetty Beach received moderate bacteria counts after elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria were found in water samples taken Monday.

Enterococci, which may indicate possible fecal contamination, are a concern for water quality, especially after sewage overflows combined with severe weather and high temperatures. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is monitoring the situation, pending test results from a water sample from North Jetty.

Other beaches in the area continue to have “good” bacteria levels, and enterococci levels remain low. However, the poor water quality is due to sewer flooding caused by Hurricane Debby. The storm brought record rainfall that overwhelmed the sewer system and caused sewage overflows in several areas.

In Manatee County, residents faced additional challenges because the announcement of an emergency release from the Lake Manatee dam came too late to evacuate. Flooding and power outages at pumping stations caused contaminated water, including untreated sewage, to enter rivers and streams.

Meanwhile, Charlotte County is battling the aftermath of Hurricane Debby, which has impacted aquatic species and reduced oxygen levels. Environmental staff continue to work to manage the impacts, although the situation remains difficult.

Authorities are urging people to avoid contact with the water and not to touch dead aquatic life while water systems gradually recover from the storm.