Hernando County Issues No-Swim Advisory at Pine Island Park Over Bacteria

Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria in the water at Alfred McKethan Pine Island Park prompted the Florida Department of Health in Hernando County to issue a no-swim advisory, effective immediately, after routine water quality tests returned results above the department's recreational water standard.

The park, located at 10800 Pine Island Drive off County Road 495 west of Weeki Wachee, remains open, and the advisory does not affect its hours of operation. Visitors are urged to stay out of the water and follow any posted guidance on site until the advisory is lifted.

Enterococcus is a fecal-indicator bacteria routinely tested at public swimming areas; its presence above established thresholds signals a potential risk of gastrointestinal illness, ear infections, and other waterborne health problems for anyone who enters contaminated water. Health officials have not disclosed the specific bacteria count recorded at Pine Island Park or the date the water samples were collected.

No timeline for retesting or lifting the advisory has been announced. Officials said the public will be notified once conditions improve and it is safe to resume swimming.

Questions can be directed to the Hernando County Parks and Recreation Office at (352) 754-4031. The county's main government line is (352) 754-4000. Updates will also be posted through official Hernando County and Florida Department of Health communications channels.