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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Beach Sampling Sites

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County Environmental Health

We have sampling sites which are spaced out beginning in Ormond Beach south to Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet and concluding in New Smyrna Beach. We now have many years of sampling data and have established some very clear trends regarding the water quality of Volusia County beaches.

During the heart of the bathing season, April through October, the water quality at all sampling sites is consistently good. During the winter and early spring a small stretch of our beaches experiences extremely large numbers of migratory birds such as seagulls, terns and other wading birds. As these bird numbers increase so do the elevated bacteria levels at these selected sites.

Weather also plays an important role in water quality here as windy conditions appear to have a flushing effect in these areas not allowing bacteria levels to build up over time. Results of our weekly sampling are published in the local newspapers as well as entered into the Florida Healthy Beaches Program database.

When any of the sample sites exceed the established microbiological standards an advisory is issued and signs are posted. A press release is also issued advising against swimming at these sites until conditions improve and the advisory is rescinded.

Volusia County Beach Cam