Too much poop in Hollywood’s Harrison Street Beach to go swimming, health agency says
UPDATE: The Florida Department of Health in Broward County lifted the health advisory on Friday after a new water sample contained acceptable levels of the the Enterococci bacteria.
ORIGINAL: If you were planning to go for a swim at the beach near Harrison Street in Hollywood, the Florida Department of Health in Broward County is now encouraging you to go elsewhere until further notice.
Water samples collected in the area on Monday and Wednesday did not meet recommended state requirements, the agency said in a news release sent Thursday.
The poor water quality is due to high levels of the Enterococci bacteria, the agency noted.
“Enterococci are indicators of the presence of fecal material in water and, therefore, of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website says.
Certain bacteria could create unhealthy beach water conditions and may cause swimming-related gastroenteritis, the Florida Department of Health said.
All other beaches in Broward County tested satisfactory, the agency added.
New results after retesting will be available late Friday afternoon, and posted on the agency’s website.
This story was originally published December 16, 2021 at 7:55 PM.
