April 9, 2021

PORTION OF ST ANDREWS BAY UNDER ADVISORY AFTER RAW SEWAGE RELEASE
City of Panama City reports approximately 28,800-gallon raw sewage release

Contact:
Joe Scully
850-481-4806
joseph.scully@flhealth.gov

Panama City – The Florida Department of Health in Bay County, DOH-Bay, advises against swimming in St. Andrews Bay from W 14th Street south to Chestnut Avenue until further notice.

The City of Panama City is reporting a release of approximately 28,800 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to a force main line failure at 3003 W13^th Street in Panama City. The release entered a storm drain which empties into St Andrews Bay.

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 City of Panama City will test the water and share results with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Health in Bay County. Once levels are safe, the advisory will be lifted.

For more information, contact the DOH-Bay’s Environmental Health office at 850-481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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