Reactions mixed to Fort Myers Beach water study

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. Not everyone is satisfied with the results of a Fort Myers Beach water study.

The Marine Resource Task Force research, commissioned by town government, concluded the water is safe, but a clean water activist calls the report a “a slap in the face.”

“Based on our research, the water is fundamentally safe here,” said Bill Veach, Chairman of the Marine Resource Task Force. “You are at more risk for drowning, or stepping on a sharp shell.”

Clean water proponents are calling for additional testing for harmful bacteria along multiple Southwest Florida beaches.

“I believe what the town is doing is showing people they are not stepping up to the plate to provide info to the general public,” activist John Heim said. “That is a huge slap in the face to the general public.”

Both sides of the debate agree that common-sense safety is key. Beachgoers shouldn’t enter the water with an open wound, Veach said.

“This is a natural body of water, not a chlorinated swimming pool,” Veach said.

The task force will present its findings March 5 at the next Fort Myers Beach Town Council meeting.