Panama City, Fla. – The City of Panama City is reporting three separate releases totaling approximately 120,675 gallons of raw sewage. This is due to an overflowing lift station at 530 East 6th Street because of heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Fred and a power outage at the lift station. The release entered a storm drain which empties into Massalina Bayou.  

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 Massalina Bayou from East 4th Street to East Beach Drive 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 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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