Tests reveal who’s behind Palma Sola Bay bacteria levels

SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - After months of concern over high bacteria levels in Palma Sola Bay, recent test results indicate that horses and birds were the main contributors.

Results stream in for Palma Sola Causeway bacteria analysis

Testing at sites north and south of the causeway most often detected bacteria from birds and horses, but the study’s quantitative results were not strong enough to determine how much each source contributed.

Human DNA was not detected above the study’s high threshold for detection. However, researchers note that lower concentrations—levels below what the contracted lab could identify—have been shown in other studies to be enough to cause illness.