High bacteria levels prompt health warning at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is warning residents and visitors to stay out of the water at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach after recent testing showed bacteria levels above the state’s accepted health standard.
The advisory applies to Liza Jackson Park, located at 338 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, where routine water quality monitoring found that the site did not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health. The tests were completed on Tuesday, April 29, 2026.
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Because of the results, DOH-Okaloosa is advising against any water-related activities at the park until further notice. Health officials said the elevated bacteria level may increase the risk of illness for swimmers and others who come into contact with the water.
The warning comes through the state’s regular monitoring process, which is designed to track conditions at public beaches and recreation areas. When bacteria levels rise above state guidelines, advisories are issued to help the public avoid possible exposure while additional testing continues.
Enterococcus bacteria are commonly used as an indicator of water quality. While the advisory does not describe a specific source of contamination, it does mean that the water at the site currently exceeds the level considered acceptable for recreational use under state health guidelines.
“This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level,” according to the notice from DOH-Okaloosa.
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For now, people planning to visit Liza Jackson Park may still use upland park areas, but they are urged to avoid swimming, wading or other activities that involve contact with the affected water. The department said updated test results are available through the Florida Healthy Beaches program at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.
Residents and visitors seeking more information can call DOH-Okaloosa at 850-833-9247 or visit Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov.
The Florida Department of Health, which is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, says its mission is to protect, promote and improve the health of people across Florida through coordinated state, county and community efforts.
