Carl Gray Park water advisory: high bacteria, no swimming

Health officials are advising people to stay out of the water at Carl Gray Park in Panama City after a test found high levels of bacteria.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County issued the water quality advisory, and the city posted it Wednesday in its Alert Center notice for Carl Gray Park.

What the test found

The sample was taken Monday, Oct. 26, at the park’s sampling point on Collegiate Drive. It did not meet the state’s recreational water standard for Enterococcus bacteria, the health department said.

The department advises against any water-related activity at the site because of “an increased risk of illness in swimmers.”

When it could be lifted

The health department will test the water again Monday, Nov. 2. Check the result before going back in the water.

Results for monitored beaches in Florida are posted on the state’s Healthy Beaches program page.

What it means for you

• Stay out of the water at Carl Gray Park until the advisory is lifted.
• Check before you go: the next result is due after the Monday, Nov. 2, test.
• Questions: call the Florida Department of Health in Bay County at 850-481-4814 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.gov.

For the rest of the city’s parks and launches, see our parks and trails guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I swim at Carl Gray Park right now?

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County advises against swimming and any other water-related activity at Carl Gray Park because a test on Monday, Oct. 26, found Enterococcus bacteria above the state’s recreational water standard.

When will the Carl Gray Park advisory be lifted?

The water will be tested again Monday, Nov. 2. Check the result on the Healthy Beaches site before going back in the water.

Where can I check beach water test results in Bay County?

Results are posted at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County answers questions at 850-481-4814.