Community Corner
Advisory Goes Up for Nearby Beach
Hillsborough County Health Department officials say area residents might want to avoid Davis Islands Beach for swimming over the next few days, but they offered up another alternative nearby to check out.
Carrollwood and Northdale residents with big plans to catch some rays over the weekend might want to steer clear of the water at Davis Islands Beach until further notice.
The Hillsborough County Health Department has issued an advisory for the 864 Severn Ave. beach. Water sampling in the area came back with bacteria levels that are too high for comfort, said Steve Huard, the department’s spokesman.
While the park is still open for business, Huard said visitors “should avoid going into the water.” This, he added, goes both for people and dogs.
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“You can still go to the beach and picnic on it,” he said. “But, for health concerns, we really recommend people don’t go in the water right now.”
Encountering high bacteria levels at inland beaches is not at all uncommon following periods of heavy rain, Huard said.
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Residents looking for an alternative nearby might want to check out Cypress Point Park, 5620 W. Cypress St., Huard said.
“It’s just a nice little beach.”
The health department plans to resample Davis Islands Beach on Monday, June 17. Until samples come back clean, signs will remain up warning visitors to avoid the water.
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