LIDO KEY- Red flags, white sand and blue water, beach goers are making the most of this Fourth of July.
“We’re enjoying the sun, the water, the beach is absolutely amazing,” said Laz Diaz.
No Swim advisories were in effect at Venice, Brohard, and Lido Casino Beach, Thursday morning. According to the Florida Department of Health the amount of enterococcus bacteria found during the weekly water testing, was outside of acceptable limits, but with the holiday and heat in full swing, many took the risk and took a dip in the water.
“We understand about the ‘no swim’ advisory, but we are here to enjoy the Fourth of July,” said Diaz.
Doug Shell and his wife are visiting from Illinois and say the only thing keeping them out of the water today, is the amount of people in the water.
“We don’t have an ocean in the middle of Illinois, so that’s why we’re here, and we’ll be back tomorrow,” said Shell.
Amid reports of a flesh eating bacteria, Kevin Branco and his family are staying out of the water and just playing in the sand.
“I don’t want to get my flesh eaten, or my daughter’s flesh eaten,” said Branco.
Three cases of flesh–eating bacteria symptoms are reported on the Suncoast, and Branco says swimming is just not worth the risk.
“If you’re warned and something bad happens, how are you going to feel?” said Branco.
The no swim advisories are lifted from both Lido Casino and Venice beaches but the advisory for Brohard Beach remains in effect and will be re-sampled Friday.