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Warnings issued for Courtney Campbell beachgoers

News Channel 8 photo by WALLY PATANOW

The Pinellas County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for Courtney Campbell Beach, on the parkway's western edge, after two saltwater samples revealed unsafe levels of bacteria.

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By PETER BERNARD | WFLA
and MARY SHEDDEN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 3, 2009

Updated: 07/03/2009 03:03 pm

CLEARWATER - Beachgoers hitting the sand along the Courtney Campbell causeway are being warned the water could make them sick.

The Pinellas County Health Department has issued a swimming advisory for Courtney Campbell Beach, on the parkway's western edge, after two saltwater samples revealed unsafe levels of enteric bacteria in recent tests. The bacteria are an indication of fecal pollution, which can be the result of storm-water runoff, pets, wildlife and sewage.

"Our testing indicates that going into the water can be a health hazard," Jeannine Mallory, spokeswoman for the Pinellas County Health Department, said today.

People who ingest contaminated water or are exposed to it through open cuts or sores run the risk of disease, infection or rashes.

On Friday, some beachgoers prepared to pay the $10 fee turned around when told of the contaminated water conditions. Elizabeth Taylor and her family drove from Orlando to enjoy a day at the beach, but left when told of the fecal pollution.

"We're just going to try another place," Taylor said. "I don't want to get sick."

A jet skier who pulled up onto the Courtney Campbell Beach didn't seem to mind the risk.

"As long as you stay out of the water you're OK," Jack Connolly said. "But now that I know that, I won't jump in. That's for sure."

The advisory affects only the Pinellas County beaches on the 9 1/2-mile-long causeway. Tests taken last week at Ben T. Davis Beach in Hillsborough County show acceptable levels of bacteria, according to results posted on the State Department of Health's Healthy Beaches Program Web site.

Ben T. Davis Beach – on the causeway's eastern edge – last tested high for fecal coliform on May 18.

However, Mallory reminded swimmers that visitors to all Courtney Campbell Parkway beaches should be aware of the health risk.

"It's hard to know where the bacteria starts and stops; it's water," she said.

Pinellas Health officials issued their advisory following tests of the beach waters on June 29 and Wednesday. Mallory said the water will be sampled again next week.

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