— The Florida Department of Health has issued a health advisory for several Tampa Bay beaches due to high bacteria levels in the water. The health department does not recommend swimming at Bahia, Ben T. Davis, Davis Islands, Cypress Point, E.G. Simmons and Picnic Island beaches.
Is it safe to swim in Tampa?
The beaches are generally safe, but don’t swim at dusk or dawn, and it’s probably not a good idea to swim in the open bay,” Heuter warned. Sharks use the entire bay; however, scientists have pinpointed certain “hot spots” or “pockets” that individual species prefer.
Can you swim at Tampa beaches?
And the calm turquoise water is perfect for swimming! The unobstructed views of the gulf make Fred Howard Park one of the best beaches near Tampa Bay to watch the sunset. Popular with swimmers, kayaks, fisherman, and windsurfers this beach and nature park has it all!
Does Tampa Florida have nice beaches?
Besides thrilling amusement parks, incredible zoos, and being the heart of Cuban-American culture, Tampa also has nice beaches for you to visit. Enjoy miles and miles of beautiful waterfront with sandy shores and sparkling waters.
How unsafe is Tampa?
The rate of crime in the Tampa metro area is 25.39 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in the Tampa metro area generally consider the north part of the metro area to be the safest.
Why dont people swim in Tampa Bay?
Swimming ‘not recommended’ at several Tampa Bay beaches due to high bacteria levels. According to health leaders, the presence of the bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.
Are there alligators in Tampa?
TAMPA, Fla. — Florida residents know that we share the state with a large alligator population — an estimated 1.3 million to be exact!
Why is Tampa Bay Water Brown?
Weber says the brownish, smelly water is from an algae bloom in the Hillsborough River, which is the city’s water source. The bloom is due to low water levels caused by drought. When water levels are low, sunlight reaches closer to the river’s bottom, where fertilizer runoff is plentiful during the spring.
Is Clearwater Beach Florida Nice?
Recently voted the No. 1 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor, Clearwater Beach on Florida’s west coast is as family-friendly as it gets. With sugar-white sand, many low-key restaurants, a ton of activities, huge playground and nightly shows, your family will absolutely love vacationing here.
Can you swim in Hillsborough Bay?
Many are being advised to stay away from beaches like Ben T. Davis because of dangerous bacteria lurking in the water. The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County said the amount of Enterococci bacteria is too high, making the water dangerous to swim in.
What is the nicest beach near Tampa?
Best Beaches in Tampa
- Indian Rocks Beach. Outside the city.
- Sand Key Park. Tampa Downs.
- Honeymoon Island State Park. Dunedin.
- Treasure Island. Outside the city.
- Caladesi Island State Park. Photo courtesy of Skye Rodgers.
- St. Pete Beach.
- Fort De Soto Park. Outside the city.
- Clearwater Beach. Outside the city.
How close is Tampa to the ocean?
From North Tampa and USF area, you will probably spend about 45 minutes driving out to the beach, depending on what beach you are going to. Clearwater beach is the easiest and fastest drive, whereas Ft. DeStoto park may take up to two hours from North Tampa.
Why is there no swimming at Apollo Beach?
Because Apollo Beach is located on Tampa Bay, no one actually goes swimming there. The water is not contaminated (and is far less polluted than it was 25 years ago), but the bay waters are simply not as clean as the Gulf waters.
Is Tampa Riverwalk safe at night?
I run on the riverwalk almost daily. There is always lots to see from parks to architecture to boat traffic. At night the bridges are lit and change color.
Is Clearwater safe?
Clearwater’s crime rate is higher than the Florida average, but that’s just based on residency alone. When you factor in tourism numbers, the city is quite safe. The highest crimes are property crimes, followed by larceny/theft and burglary coming in a distant third.
Is Tampa safe for families?
Tampa is a good place to raise a family and it was recently ranked one of the top 10 family-friendly cities in America thanks to its cost of living, school quality, crime rate, commute times, and parks.
Does Tampa have a lot of sharks?
There are about a dozen species of sharks that live in and around Tampa Bay. In fact, Tampa Bay is known as one of the most shark-dense areas in the world. That said, there’s not a lot of need to worry when swimming or boating in Tampa Bay: shark attacks are very, very rare.
Which Florida beaches are contaminated?
According to the Florida Department of Health, multiple beaches in De Funiak Springs, Bay, and Pasco Counties, along with one in the Tampa Bay area, have been contaminated by the bacteria with swim at your own risk advisories in effect until further notice.
Is it safe to swim Apollo Beach FL?
Currently, the county has no evidence suggesting Apollo Beach is at unique risk for rip currents, Turbiville said. No-swimming signs already are in place because of risks from a nearby boating channel and from rip rap installed to prevent erosion.
Are there saltwater crocodiles in Tampa?
While alligators can be found throughout the Southeastern U.S., the crocodile footprint in the U.S. is generally limited to South Florida, though they have occasionally been spotted as far north as the Tampa Bay area. That makes Florida the only ecosystem in the world where alligators and crocodiles peacefully coexist.
Does Tampa have snakes?
Florida, with its hot tropical climate, is home to dozens of different species of snakes. At least a dozen of these snakes are venomous, which means you definitely do not want to see them in your backyard or find them swimming about in your pool.
