Skip the water: Health advisory issued off Sanibel Causeway after bacteria levels spike

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is warning people to stay out of the water at a popular causeway spot.

DOH-Lee issued a water quality advisory for LCSP-7 Sanibel Causeway, located at 19931 Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers, after tests completed Wednesday showed bacteria levels that exceed state health guidelines.

The department says the water does not meet recreational water quality standards for Enterococcus bacteria and is advising against any water-related activities at that location due to an increased risk of illness for swimmers.

The advisory will remain in place until bacteria levels drop below the accepted health threshold.

Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches, and anyone with questions can call 239-274-2200 or visit Lee.FloridaHealth.gov.