Health Alert: 3 Okaloosa County Beaches Under Water Quality Advisory – What You Need to Know

Breaking Now News has learned that the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (FDOH) has issued a water quality health advisory for three local beaches due to potentially unsafe bacteria levels. Officials urge swimmers to avoid these areas until further notice.

Affected Locations:

• Garniers Park Beach Access (Fort Walton Beach)
• Beasley Park Beach Access (Fort Walton Beach)
• James Lee Park Beach Access (Destin)

Why This Matters

Recent water samples revealed elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, which can indicate fecal contamination. Exposure may lead to infections, gastrointestinal illness, or skin rashes, particularly in children, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems.

Safety Recommendations:

1. Avoid swimming in affected areas until the advisory is lifted.
2. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and clean water.
3. Monitor for symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or fever.

What’s Next?

FDOH will continue testing the water, and the advisory will remain in effect until bacterial levels return to safe limits. Updates can be found on the Florida Department of Health website.

What Do You Think?

• Should local governments face penalties for repeated water quality failures?
• Is beach tourism at risk if advisories become more frequent?
• Could rising coastal development be worsening water contamination?
• Would you still visit a beach under an advisory if no signs were posted?