There are no worries about pollution or sharks or so forth. The only real issue is that there are no real good beaches to swim from within the bay compared to the nearby Gulf beaches.
Is it safe to swim in Tampa Bay right now?
Swimming ‘not recommended‘ at several Tampa Bay beaches due to high bacteria levels.
Is Tampa Bay Water clean?
We are pleased to report that in 2021 the water we provided to our member governments met or was better than all state and federal drinking water health standards. Public health and safety are top priorities and Tampa Bay Water is committed to providing a clean and reliable drinking water supply.
Are there sharks in the bay of Tampa?
About a dozen shark species frequent Tampa Bay. Tenants include hammerheads, bonnetheads, nurse sharks, blacktips, lemon sharks and bull sharks to name a few.
Does Tampa Bay have alligators?
Sawgrass Lake Park in Pinellas County is one of the best places for viewing alligators at a safe distance. Visitors can walk on the elevated boardwalk and tower to see lots of Florida animals while still keeping a safe distance.
Does Tampa have a lot of sharks?
For example, are there sharks in Tampa Bay? 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.
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 Tampa Bay freshwater or saltwater?
Freshwater inflow to Tampa Bay is about 525 billion gallons on an annual basis, with four major rivers (Alafia, Hillsborough, Little Manatee, and Manatee Rivers) contributing about 70%-85% of this. Salinity generally ranges over 25-38 ppt in Lower Tampa Bay, nearest the mouth of the bay.
What is the water quality in Tampa Florida?
For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 – March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Which beach in Florida has most shark attacks?
1) Volusia
Volusia in Florida has a record high of shark attacks of any state in the US. Through history, 275 shark attacks have been recorded; the period between 2000 and 2015 accounts for 176 of those.
Are Tampa Bay beaches nice?
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. Make plans for your trip with this list of the best beaches in Tampa, FL.
Are there great white sharks in Clearwater Florida?
Hey Florida: Call us when you see a Great White… CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla., May 26 (UPI) — An Orlando, Fla., man was treated for an ankle injury after a rare attack by a shark off Clearwater Beach, family members said. Dana Joseph said he was swimming about 100 yards offshore when a shark latched on to his ankle.
Are there rattlesnakes in Tampa?
There are two types of rattlesnakes in the Tampa Bay area to be concerned with. The first is a Pygmy rattlesnake. It is a small rattler and although poisonous it is not fatal except for maybe small pets. The second type is the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake.
What do you do if you see an alligator while swimming?
Hold very still. If you are in the water and you see an alligator passing by, stay as still as possible until it has moved on, then get out of the water immediately. If you can avoid drawing attention to yourself, chances are the gator will leave you alone.
What to do if you come across an alligator?
Alligators have a natural fear of humans, and usually begin a quick retreat when approached by people. If you have a close encounter with an alligator a few yards away, back away slowly. It is extremely rare for wild alligators to chase people, but they can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances on land.
Are there sharks on Clearwater Beach?
There are sharks, but it is not something to worry about. While problems CAN happen, the odds are just so teeeeeeeeeeeny that it is not something to worry about. MUCH greater chance of getting in a car wreck, getting hit by lightning, etc. Though many people will do the “Stingray Shuffle” when walking in the water.
What are the dirtiest beaches in Florida?
At the state’s most polluted beach — South Beach in Key West — water tests found excessive bacteria counts 22 days out of 43 tested.
Can you swim in Florida right now?
You can certainly swim in Florida in the wintertime. Florida boasts some of the best water temperatures in the continental United States, year-round. But just because you can swim doesn’t mean that the water temperature is going to be warm.
Is Clearwater beach safe to swim?
Yes, you can swim at our beaches, year ’round! Most visitors find our Gulf water temperatures quite pleasant, especially if they are coming from colder climates.
Where is the clearest water in Florida?
Dry Tortugas National Park is a 100-square mile park with seven small islands and is a tropical paradise. Declared a national park in 1992 the water is the clearest water in Florida and the sand is white and pillowy. The waters are also home to the only tropical reef in the States and the third-largest in the world.