CLEARWATER FL -- Cocoa, Shorty, and Karma, Karri Brennan's three american pit-bull terriers have Courtney Campbell Beach all to themselves. "They love to swim. You even say beach to them inside the house and they go crazy. They can't wait to go in the water," said the Dunedin dog owner. "If you're human going in the water, you may wanna not go in. But dogs have different immune systems I think and are able to handle the bacteria and stuff."
The popular Pinellas County beach is populated with seagulls, instead of sunbathers, as the July Fourth weekend kicks-off. At the front gate, most cars turn around and leave when a Clearwater Police aide tells them about the polluted water. "I just wanted to let you know we do have a water advisory in effect now for bacteria," the aide told a family in their car.
Signs also warn of a high bacteria count in the water that could make you sick or cause infections and rashes, according to Pinellas County Health Department. "As long as you stay outta the water you're o-k. Now that I know that I won't jump in that's for sure," jet skier Jack Connolly told WFTS. You can blame the pollution on storm water runoff from all the recent rain and sewage from a nearby wastewater treatment plant.
"Oh, that's awful!," said Sue Knowlton, a visitor from New York State. She and her family say they'll stay out of the water. "No, I'm a nurse. I know better, " said Knowlton.
Down the beach, a fresh drink of bottled water cools down Brennan's dogs. Health department officials say it may be another week before you can take a dip too. They'll test the water again after the holiday.
