Hillsborough County health officials warned beachgoers on Thursday afternoon not to swim at four Tampa beaches after unsafe levels of fecal bacteria were found.
A no-swim advisory was issued for Ben T. Davis Beach, Cypress Point, Davis Island and Picnic Island, the health department said in a news release.
The health department said water samples are being tested for enterococci bacteria “that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and which may indicate increased risk of human disease, infections or rashes.”
“At this time, there is a potential health risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended,” the health department said.
The bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from stormwater runoff, pets and wildlife or human sewage, the news release said.
The latest test results for all saltwater beaches can be found at the Florida Department of Health’s website, FloridaHealth.gov.