Beach water advisory lifted at Venice Public Beach at west end of Venice Ave.

(April 6, 2011) A beach water advisory for Venice Public Beach at the west end of Venice Avenue was lifted this afternoon. Sarasota County Health Department officials received testing results from samples taken yesterday, Monday, April 4. The results showed the samples were at a satisfactory level that meets both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state recreational water standards. Residents and visitors may return to swimming and other water sports at this beach site.

The "no swim" beach water advisory signage will be removed.

Health officials will keep the public apprised the public apprised of any new information regarding potential factors contributing to the elevated bacteria levels during recent weeks.

The Sarasota County Health Department monitors water quality weekly at 16 sites along Sarasota's 34 miles of beaches. The intent of this program is to provide county residents and visitors with accurate, up-to-date information on the water quality at our beaches. Click here for beach water testing results.

Residents and visitors can visit www.OurGulfEnvironment.net and click on water monitoring and then bacterial testing to check beach water testing results of area Gulf beaches, or call the Sarasota County Health Department's Environmental Health office at 941-861-6133.