Okaloosa County releases water advisory for two county parks
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Two Okaloosa County parks have received water advisories just ahead of the summer swimming season.
1 woman continuously leaves sick litters of kittens at A Hope animal welfare in Milton
According to a news release from the Florida Health Department's Okaloosa County office, a water quality advisory has been issued for Liza Jackson Park, 338 Miracle Strip Parkway Southwest in Fort Walton Beach, and Lincoln Park, 1217 North Bayshore Drive in Valparaiso.
LOCATION, LIZA JACKSON PARK:
LOCATION, LINCOLN PARK:
'Tests completed on Monday, May 12, 2025, indicate that the water quality at Liza Jackson Park and Lincoln Park does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health,' the advisory said.
Bay Minette traffic stop leads to drug bust, 2 arrests: BMPD
To see the test results, visit the website. For more information about the advisory, visit the Okaloosa County Health Department website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Water Quality Advisory Issued for Okaloosa County locations
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has issued a water quality advisory for multiple locations in Fort Walton and Niceville. The following locations did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria according to a test on June 9th: Liza Jackson Park, 338 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach Emerald Promenade, 933 Whelk Court, Fort Walton Beach Rocky Bayou State Park, 4281 Highway 20, Niceville Enterococci are enteric bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals; their presence could be an indication of fecal pollution. More information on the test results can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Texas Secures $382K Grant To Boost Beach Water Quality Monitoring
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced Wednesday that her agency has secured $382,000 in federal funding to monitor bacterial levels at Texas beaches. The EPA grant will support the state's Texas Beach Watch program through the 2025 swimming season. The funding comes as millions of Texans prepare for summer beach trips along the Gulf Coast. Rising concerns about water quality have made bacterial monitoring increasingly critical for public health officials. 'The GLO is proud to monitor the water quality up and down our beautiful Texas coast for the well-being of beachgoers, our shoreline communities, and the marine life across various beach habitats,' said Buckingham. 'As someone who lived on the coast for over a decade, I want to thank President Trump's EPA for the issuance of this grant that will assist the Texas Beach Watch program in keeping Texans informed as they visit our beaches this summer.' The program tests specifically for Enterococcus bacteria, which naturally occurs in warm-blooded animals. While normal in coastal ecosystems, elevated levels can signal potential health risks. Heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff often drive bacterial spikes. When levels exceed safety thresholds, the GLO issues water quality advisories to warn swimmers. Still, the actual risk remains relatively low. Last year, only 797 of 8,237 samples triggered advisories—roughly 9% of all tests conducted. The GLO does not close beaches during advisories. That decision rests with local authorities who weigh multiple factors beyond bacterial counts. The grant stems from the federal BEACH Act, which mandates coastal water quality monitoring nationwide. EPA officials framed the funding as part of their 'Powering the Great American Comeback' initiative. That said, bacterial monitoring represents just one piece of coastal management. The GLO simultaneously oversees beach nourishment projects and hurricane recovery efforts across the Texas coast. Buckingham, who became Texas's first female Land Commissioner in 2022, has prioritized coastal issues. Her agency recently completed what officials describe as the state's largest beach nourishment project. The Texas Beach Watch program encourages visitors to help maintain water quality. Officials specifically request proper pet waste disposal and trash management at beach sites.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
DOH-Bay County lifts advisory as water quality improves at parks
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is lifting the advisory for high bacterial levels for the following locations: Carl Gray Park (SP 9) Collegiate Drive Panama City, FL Beach Drive (SP10) U.S 98 West Beach Drive Panama City Earl Gilbert Park (SP11) 6601 Oak Shore Drive Parker, FL DOH-Bay issues water quality advisories for three parks According to a news release, tests were completed on June 2. Results indicate that the water quality at the locations shows an acceptable level of Enterococcus bacteria established by state guidelines. Test results are available here. For more information about Florida Health, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
