Healthy Beaches Program

In August 2000, the beach water sampling program was expanded to include the 34 Florida counties. In August 2002, the coastal counties began collecting weekly samples and today perform biweekly sampling at designated locations. The coastal beach water samples collected by the county health departments are analyzed for enterococci bacteria. High concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the presence of microorganisms that could cause disease, infections, or rashes. County health departments will issue health advisories or warnings when these conditions are confirmed. Testing is done at a local state certified laboratory and the results are updated twice monthly. Results for our local beaches can be found at: Florida Healthy Beaches Website.

You can also contact St. Lucie County Health Department at (772) 873-4931 for information on all sites and current results. The ocean beaches program is funded in part through the Florida Healthy Beaches Program.