Warning Issued For 2 Popular Florida Beaches
Have you heard about the warning issued for 2 popular Florida beaches? When I first read about this, I was hoping that it wasn’t a beach in the St. Petersburg…
Getty Images / pabradyphoto
Getty Images / pabradyphotoHave you heard about the warning issued for 2 popular Florida beaches? When I first read about this, I was hoping that it wasn't a beach in the St. Petersburg area. I literally just went to Gandy beach the other day and had a great time. Well, the warning has not been issued for any beaches in St. Petersburg. Officials are urging Florida residents to stay out of two beaches in Palm Beach County.
Fecal Pollution At Two Popular Florida Beaches
Residents and people visiting have been urged by officials to stay out of the water at these two popular Florida beaches. The beaches are Midtown Beach and Dubois park in Jupiter. Reports tell us, the waters contain high levels of enterococci. This bacteria could cause urinary tract infections in people who swim in these waters during the advisory.
Enterococci can also lead to meningitis. If you don't know what that is, it is caused by a viral infection and deadly blood infections like sepsis. This could sadly end in organ failure and death. The advisory for these two beaches will be lifted when the enterococci levels become acceptable. The Florida Department of Health issued the advisory on April 30th, following results of a test that came back a day before.
How Did High Levels Of Bacteria Get Into The Waters?
Officials have not given us an answer yet but the Environmental Protection Agency stated some possible sources. The high levels of bacteria could have come from leaking septic systems, wastewater treatment plant effluent, stormwater runoff, domestic animal and wildlife waste or sewage discharged.
Please listen to the advisory and don't go swimming at those two beaches. Do you live near these beaches? Are people following the rules, or do you see people swimming? Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com.
5 Florida Beaches Named the Best ‘Secret Beaches’ in America
Summer is here, and it's going to be hot, as always, in Florida. Florida beaches are very popular and fun. But, they can also get crowded. Thankfully, there are some "secret" beaches that are kind of more difficult to find.
If you're looking for some "secret" places to get your beach on in Florida, the crew at Family Destinations Guide has done the research to find you those spots. "We surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to determine the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023," they state in the study.
As it turns out, Florida has four of the top 10 "secret beaches" in America, according to this study. That means they shouldn't be too overcrowded. That's a great thing.
If you're wondering about Family Destinations Guide, they regularly feature "reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions your whole family will love. In addition, the site is filled with ideas that will help you plan your next trip. From family trips with infants and children, to excursions with teens and older kids, Family Destinations Guide gives you detailed advice for traveling with kids of all ages." Even if you don't have kids, their content can be useful. For example, these secret beaches can be fun to visit no matter your age. Read on for four Florida spots that made the top 10 of the list and one extra. Find the full list here.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key Preserve, Florida is ranked No. 2 on the list. That's amazing! What makes it stand out? According to Family Destinations Guide, "The beach is unspoiled and natural, with no development or buildings, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere."
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is ranked No. 6 on the list. According to the official Florida State Parks website, the park "protects some of the most pristine barrier islands in Southwest Florida." It also features "over two miles of sugar-sand beaches."
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is ranked No. 9 on the list. According to the park's official website, "This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands." It's also accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach is ranked No. 10 on the list. According to the Florida State Parks website, it "is a favorite Jacksonville retreat and close-kept secret." It also offers three miles of shoreline along the Nassau Sound.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is ranked No. 13 on the list. According to the Visit Florida website, "Navarre, a compact beach community found just east of Pensacola at the far northwestern tip of the state, beckons with 12 miles of pristine white shoreline."
Source
This study comes from the Family Destination Guide. They surveyed 3,000 families in the United States to find the hidden beaches they most want to visit in summer 2023. Find the full list here.
