Originally published in the News-Press by Amy Bennett Williams on September 19, 2025
Florida determines beach water quality based on Enterococcus levels. A measurement of 70.5 or more cells per milliliter of water is classified as “poor” and may trigger a public health advisory. On Sept. .17, a sample showed greater than 2,010 Enterococci per milliliter.
The higher the number of enterococci, the more likely there’s a human source, said Calusa Waterkeeper Joe Cavanaugh.
Calusa Waterkeeper emeritus John Cassani agrees. “2,000 is very high,” he said.
For Cavanaugh, “The important thing is that the public understands the risks and heeds the recommendations to avoid contact with the water, especially for people with compromised immune systems.”
The warning didn’t seem to be affecting beach business.
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