Water quality advisory in effect at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, Fort Myers Beach

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.—Planning a beach day at Lynn Hall Memorial Park might not be the best idea this weekend. A water quality advisory is currently in effect due to elevated levels of Enterococci bacteria, linked to fecal contamination.

The Lee County Department of Health issued the advisory after testing revealed the contamination. Beachgoers are being warned to stay out of the water until the bacteria levels return to safe limits.

"Just to get away from the terrible weather in Northern Kentucky through December," said Sheri Neu, a visitor from Kentucky. "First time to Fort Myers Beach, though, today."

Neu learned about the advisory from a fellow beachgoer.

"I was looking for something. I asked a lovely couple next to me, and she said, 'Hey, did you know that there's an advisory that there's a bacteria in the water and you shouldn't get in?' And I said, 'No,'" said Neu.

Despite the advisory, some people continued to enter the water. The Department of Health explained that the bacteria could enter the water through stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, or sewage.

Health officials warned that contact with the contaminated water could lead to illness, infections, or rashes, especially if it comes into contact with open cuts or sores.

"I know people that have gotten infections. If they have any kind of cut whatsoever, you have to be very, very careful," said beachgoer Paula Gray.

The advisory sign is posted in the Lynn Hall Memorial parking lot, but visitors expressed concerns about the visibility of the signage.

"I personally don't know that there's enough signage to show people that there is bacteria levels, and there is one sign right over here as you walk in, but they're not spread out amongst the beach entryways," said Gray.

The advisory will remain in effect until bacteria levels drop back to state guidelines. 

WINK News contacted the Department of Health to inquire about the possibility of additional signage. The department has yet to respond.

Lee County provided this statement: 

"Lee County recognizes that the state health department is the entity responsible for water-quality advisories at swimming beaches. Lee County’s departments – such as Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources and the Visitor & Convention Bureau – support our state partner at FDOH by directing the public to the state’s information when water-quality advisories are issued. An example of a state website FDOH uses for education isprovided here. For example, Lee County Parks & Recreation rangers – as always – have education as a primary focus when they are on patrol and interacting with park patrons. When asked by beachgoers about the water-quality advisory, they are directing the public to FDOH for accurate and up-to-date information."

Planning a beach day at Lynn Hall Memorial Park might not be the best idea this weekend. A water quality advisory is currently in effect due to elevated levels of Enterococci bacteria, linked to fecal contamination.

The Department of Health issued the advisory after testing revealed the contamination. Beachgoers are being warned to stay out of the water until the bacteria levels return to safe limits.

"Just to get away from the terrible weather in Northern Kentucky through December," said Sheri Neu, a visitor from Kentucky. "First time to Fort Myers Beach, though, today."

Neu learned about the advisory from a fellow beachgoer.

"I was looking for something. I asked a lovely couple next to me, and she said, 'Hey, did you know that there's an advisory that there's a bacteria in the water and you shouldn't get in?' And I said, 'No,'" said Neu.

Despite the advisory, some people continued to enter the water. The Department of Health explained that the bacteria could enter the water through stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife, or sewage.

Health officials warned that contact with the contaminated water could lead to illness, infections, or rashes, especially if it comes into contact with open cuts or sores.

"I know people that have gotten infections. If they have any kind of cut whatsoever, you have to be very, very careful," said beachgoer Paula Gray.

The advisory sign is posted in the Lynn Hall Memorial parking lot, but visitors expressed concerns about the visibility of the signage.

"I personally don't know that there's enough signage to show people that there is bacteria levels, and there is one sign right over here as you walk in, but they're not spread out amongst the beach entryways," said Gray.

"I was shocked that it's not posted at every single entrance," added Neu.

"Definitely need more signs around here," said Caleb, another beachgoer.

The advisory will remain in effect until bacteria levels drop back to state guidelines. 

WINK News reached out to the Department of Health to inquire about additional signage. The department has yet to respond.

Lee County provided this statement: 

"Lee County recognizes that the state health department is the entity responsible for water-quality advisories at swimming beaches. Lee County’s departments – such as Parks & Recreation, Natural Resources and the Visitor & Convention Bureau – support our state partner at FDOH by directing the public to the state’s information when water-quality advisories are issued. An example of a state website FDOH uses for education is https://protectingfloridatogether.gov.

 

For example, Lee County Parks & Recreation rangers – as always – have education as a primary focus when they are on patrol and interacting with park patrons. When asked by beach-goers about the water-quality advisory, they are directing the public to FDOH for accurate and up-to-date information."