The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) has issued a water quality health advisory for two beaches after testing found elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria.
The advisory applies to:
- Courtney Campbell Causeway
- Honeymoon Island (Dunedin) Causeway-South
According to DOH-Pinellas, testing completed on Monday, August 5, 2026, showed that water quality at both locations did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials are advising people to avoid water-related activities at the affected locations due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers.
The elevated bacteria levels were detected during routine water quality monitoring and exceeded levels established by state guidelines.
Enterococcus bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals and can enter recreational waters through sources such as stormwater runoff, sewage leaks or overflows, wildlife and other fecal contamination.
Elevated levels are used as an indicator that disease-causing organisms may also be present in the water. Exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness as well as skin, eye, ear and respiratory infections, particularly if contaminated water is swallowed or comes into contact with open cuts or wounds.
The advisory will remain in effect until additional testing shows bacteria levels have fallen below the accepted health threshold.
For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County at 727-824-6900.