A swimming advisory for Johnson Bayou in Panama City is rescinded. The advisory covered Johnson Bayou from Garden Club Drive south to West Beach Drive and Wood Avenue east to Florida Avenue.
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The City of Panama City is reporting a release of 1,600 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to a lift station malfunction at 798 Wood Avenue, Panama City. The release came from a manhole that entered a storm drain that discharges into Johnson Bayou. Clean up actions are now complete.
Sewage contamination of water can expose swimmers to intestinal viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Swimming in the water may cause symptoms like food poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea. Infection is possible in open cuts and wounds that come in contact with the water.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County advises against swimming in Johnson Bayou from Garden Club Drive south to West Beach Drive and Wood Avenue east to Florida Avenue until further notice. The City of Panama City will test the water and share results with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Bay County Health Department. Once levels are safe, the advisory will be lifted.
For more information, contact the DOH-Bay’s Environmental Health at 850-481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.
