Bahia Beach and Simmons Park Beach in Ruskin are still closed to swimming after water tests showed bacteria levels above state health standards.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) issued the advisory Sept. 16 after tests completed Sept. 15 found Enterococcus bacteria exceeding recreational water-quality limits at both beaches. Swimming and other water activities remain off-limits until bacteria levels drop below the accepted threshold.

The beach at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park is temporarily closed. The next water quality test is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24.

County also warns of algae at Bayport Canal

Two days after the Ruskin beach advisory, DOH-Hillsborough issued a separate health alert Friday, Sept. 18, cautioning the public about blue-green algae in Bayport Canal, a private canal in Hillsborough County. The algae was detected Thursday, Sept. 17.

Toxin results are pending.

Blue-green algae, a type of cyanobacteria common in Florida's freshwater, can produce toxins. The department urged caution even before results are confirmed, noting that conditions can change at any time.

DOH-Hillsborough said residents and visitors should not drink, swim, wade or use personal watercraft in water where a bloom is visible. The department warned that boiling contaminated water will not eliminate algae toxins.

Pet owners face an urgent warning. The department said waters with algae blooms are not safe for animals and that pets and livestock should drink from an alternative source.

Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk even at low concentrations, the department said, and should avoid any contact with the water. Anyone who touches algae-affected water should wash skin and clothing with soap and water.

Fish fillets caught in bloom-affected freshwater are considered safe if rinsed with clean water and cooked thoroughly, but the department said shellfish from those waters should not be eaten.

How to report and get help

Residents can report algae blooms to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at 855-305-3903. Toxin results for Bayport Canal will be posted on the DEP's Algal Bloom Dashboard once available.

Human health symptoms from algae exposure can be reported to the Florida Poison Information Center at 800-222-1222. Fish kills can be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 800-636-0511.

For health questions about blue-green algae, call DOH-Hillsborough at 813-559-4065.