PANAMA CITY — Swim advisories at two holiday destinations have been lifted as Fourth of July weekend approaches, officials announced.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County has conducted additional sampling at Laguna Beach and Carl Gray Park due to high levels of enteric bacteria. The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.
The samples are analyzed for enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and may cause human disease, infections or rashes.
The bacteria levels are satisfactory for both locations and the swimming advisories have been rescinded. Poor results are posted as an “Advisory” at the affected beaches and those beaches are re-sampled the following week as part of the Florida Healthy Beaches program.
There are no advisories posted.