HEALTH ADVISORY DISCONTINUED FOR JOHN PENNEKAMP STATE PARK IN KEY LARGO; Advisory continues for Coco Plum Beach in Marathon

The Florida Department of Health and the Monroe County Health Department discontinued a precautionary health advisory Monday, Sept. 17, for nearshore waters at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo.

An advisory remains in effect for nearshore waters at Coco Plum Beach in Marathon.

The advisory is based on a review of bacteriological tests performed in recent days under the Florida Healthy Beaches Program, administered by the Florida Department of Health.

The public is cautioned not to swim or engage in other water-related activities at beaches or areas under an advisory until subsequent bacteriological surveys indicate the water is safe for such purposes.

No other location in the Keys is under an advisory at this time, according to health department officials. They added that there is no evidence of human health-related bacterial risks from engaging in snorkeling or diving on Keys coral reefs.

The health department maintains a toll-free 24-hour recorded information line at 1-877-892-9585. Or, click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding water quality issues.

The state health department has established a water quality section on its Web site at http://apps3.doh.state.fl.us/env/beach/beachresults.cfm?county=Monroe which features a summary chart of tests at 15 Keys beach locations as well as other information.

For questions not answered by the recording or the Web sites, contact health department officials weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (305) 293-7544.