Several beaches on Sanibel and Captiva remain closed because of an increase in bacteria. Lee County Health officials say the bacteria may have come from animal droppings and human waste carried to the Gulf of Mexico in storm water runoff. Advisories are posted saying the area is unsafe for swimmers. Health officials say the bacteria could cause skin infections, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Nancy Hamilton says she’s not hearing many complaints.

“I’m sure some of our guests are disappointed. I know that hoteliers are sort of pointing out other options to people, which are move to some of the other beaches or of course most of the resorts have swimming pools and kids love to play in those too.”

Workers discovered the high levels during testing at Blind Pass
Beach on Captiva and Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Park Beach on Sanibel. Poor conditions also exist at the Cape Coral Yacht Club and at Lynn Hall Park on Fort Myers Beach. Testing will be done again this week.