Manatee County waters unsafe for swimming after Hurricane Idalia

On Friday, Department of Health-Manatee officials asked the public not to swim in Manatee County waters due to potential health hazards in the wake of Hurricane Idalia.

The warning is for all public beaches and any swim areas that access streams, rivers, ponds or lakes.

"Until test results are available, you should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, particularly for susceptible individuals," said a county health department press release. "Residents also should avoid contact with floodwaters that come from an overflow of rivers, lakes or oceans. Floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems and septic tanks, in addition to agricultural and industrial waste. Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards."

Water testing is expected to resume beginning Sept. 5.

However, Manatee County's government issued the following statement by Bill Logan, the county's information outreach manager.

"Manatee County Government would like to note that while the Department of Health may not be getting their testing back until the Sept. 5, Manatee County is — in an abundance of caution and spirit of cooperation — providing rapid test results for the Health Department so it can have the most accurate data to inform citizens about water safety with the most recent and most up-to-date assays.

"We want residents and visitors to know that we are conducting these rapid tests (using approved labs and methods) to ensure their safety and will provide the results to the DOH for their update(s) as soon as they are available."

The Department of Health also noted that people should not allow their children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until those toys have been disinfected. Use a 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.

Beach updates will be posted on FloridaHealth.Gov.