Beach Advisory at North Shore Park in North Fort Myers
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County is advising the public not to enter the water at Yankee Beach, located at North Shore Park, due to high levels of bacteria identified in routine testing. This park is in North Fort Myers at the foot of the US 41 bridge and used primarily by boaters and anglers.
Tests completed Thursday, Sept. 25, indicate that the water quality at the North Shore Park does not meet the safety criteria for enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. Water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals. This park is posted year-round as a non-swimming beach.
The agency recommend not wading at Yankee Beach in North Shore Park, 13001 N. Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers.
Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife or sewage.
Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. New test results should be available for Yankee Beach at North Shore Park on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 30.
For more information go to www.leechd.com, then click on Beach Water Status, or contact the DOH-Lee Environmental Engineering office at (239) 274-2200 during regular business hours.
Source: Florida Department of Health in Lee County