The City of Bradenton is committed to protecting water quality in Palma Sola Bay and throughout our community. At the September 10 City Council meeting, Dr. Dave Tomasko of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program presented an overview of the ongoing Palma Sola Bay Source Identification Study.
This study is designed to provide a clearer, science-based understanding of the sources that can contribute to bacteria levels in the bay. One area of public interest has been horse activity, and early testing indicates that horse-related bacteria made up less than 1% of what was detected.
Long-term monitoring shows that the overall health of Palma Sola has been consistently rated good to excellent for nearly two decades, including the years since horses have been present.
The City will continue working closely with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and other partners to share fact-based updates with the public as the study progresses.
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mcmplm
Other studies done by Suncoast Waterkeepers show that North Palma Sola Bay is unsafe for human contact ten or so months per year. Go to the Suncoast Waterkeepers website for a month by month bacterial breakdown specific to North Palma Sola Bay. The local Florida Dep't. of Health publishes bacteria data on South Palma Sola Bay, but does not monitor North Palma Sola Bay.
Mike Meehan, CFA, MBA
Sunday, September 28, 2025 Report this