Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has raised concerns over water quality at several popular recreational sites, issuing a water quality advisory that signals potential health risks for visitors engaging in water-related activities.
Water Quality Advisory Issued
Recent testing conducted on March 18, 2024, revealed that the water at Liza Jackson Park, Lincoln Park, and Rocky Bayou State Park does not meet the state’s recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria. Enterococcus bacteria levels found during routine monitoring have exceeded the thresholds set by Florida health guidelines, prompting the advisory.
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DOH-Okaloosa strongly recommends against swimming or participating in any water-related activities at these locations due to the heightened risk of illness. The advisory is set to remain in effect until further testing indicates that the bacteria levels have fallen below what is considered safe by health standards.
Visitors and residents looking for more detailed information or updates on the advisory can access test results and additional guidance at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches, by contacting DOH-Okaloosa directly at 850-833-9247, or by visiting www.HealthyOkaloosa.com. The health and safety of the public remain a top priority as authorities work to address the water quality concerns at these parks.
