New Research Investigates Origin of High Bacteria Levels at a Manatee County Beach

Key Information

• Location: Palma Sola South, Manatee County, Florida
• Unsafe Swimming Days: 20 days reported in 2024
• Bacterial Testing: 58% of Florida beaches exceeded safe bacteria levels
• Research Initiative: Conducted by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to analyze bacterial sources
• Focus Areas: Horseback riding locations near Palma Sola Bay

Palma Sola South in Manatee County has been identified as one of Florida’s most unsafe beaches for swimming in 2024, with scientists still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the contamination.

The Environment Florida Research & Policy Center reported that last year, 58% of Florida beaches had at least one day where bacteria levels surpassed the Environmental Protection Agency’s safety threshold, known as the Beach Action Value.

Palma Sola South recorded 20 days considered potentially unsafe due to bacteria, marking it as the second most affected beach statewide.

A new research initiative spearheaded by the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program aims to determine the origins of this contamination. Director David Tomasko notes that the standard indicators used—enterococci, E. coli, and fecal coliforms—are not specific enough to identify the source of the bacteria.

Tomasko stated, “Our indicators are not necessarily indicating the source, and if the bacteria are not coming from humans, then it’s less problematic.” He emphasized the need for more thorough investigation across different locations.

To uncover the root cause, Tomasko’s team is employing DNA-based tracking methods across four locations in Palma Sola Bay, where horseback riding occurs alongside swimming. He stressed that identifying a source, such as horses, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a major contributor to the problem.

“The area we’re particularly focusing on has been a place where people have been horse riding for a long time,” Tomasko explained, adding that the presence of horses should not automatically lead to their removal if they are not significantly impacting water quality.

Tomasko highlighted the importance of balancing environmental concerns with community activities that benefit residents. He stated, “They [the horses] take kids out who have special needs; they take out wounded veterans. If they’re not a big source of the problem, then what’s the big deal?”

Tomasko’s extensive experience in pollution studies across the globe has informed his perspective on local environmental conditions. He emphasized the need to recognize successes in water management while remaining vigilant against climate change threats and other environmental factors affecting Florida.

“We just need to do more,” he remarked, noting the complexity of issues like algal blooms and bacterial contamination. “If we can’t fix the problems related to algal blooms and bacteria, how in the hell are we going to handle climate change?”