The City of Panama City is reporting a release of 1,500 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to a force main power failure at 504 Corto Street, Panama City, near the St. Andrews Yacht Club. The release did enter a storm drain that discharges into St. Andrews Bay. 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, DOH-Bay, advises against swimming in in St. Andrews Bay from Bunkers Point (E. Beach Drive and Cherry Street) to Sudduth Point (Sudduth 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 Division at 850-481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.
