HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – If you were planning to soak in the sun and surf at Cypress Point Park this weekend, you might want to keep your feet on the sand.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County issued a formal water quality advisory on Wednesday after recent tests revealed a spike in bacteria levels that could make swimmers sick.
Health officials conducted their routine monitoring on April 1, 2026, and the results weren’t what locals want to hear. The water at the popular Tampa spot, located at 5620 W Cypress St., failed to meet state standards for Enterococcus bacteria.
This specific type of bacteria is often used as an indicator of fecal pollution, and its presence in high numbers suggests an increased risk of intestinal issues or skin rashes for anyone who dives in.
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Because the samples exceeded the safety thresholds established by the state, DOH-Hillsborough is currently advising against all water-related activities at the park. This means no swimming, wading, or splashing around until the numbers head back down into a safe range.
The advisory isn’t permanent, but it is indefinite for the moment. Officials confirmed that the warning will stay in place until follow-up testing shows that the bacteria levels have dropped below the accepted health level. In the meantime, the park remains open for those who want to use the trails or picnic areas, provided they stay out of the water.
If you’re looking for real-time updates on when it’s safe to head back in, the department posts all its latest test results at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches. For those who prefer to talk to a person or have specific health questions, the local health department can be reached directly at 813-559-4065.
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