'No swim' zone temporarily implemented at Bean Point after multiple drownings, mayor says
Share this @internewscast.com

ANNA MARIA, Fla. (WFLA) — Temporary “no swim” signs are now displayed at a section of Bean Point Beach as city officials, Manatee County, and law enforcement collaborate to establish a permanent agreement to limit swimming in this part of the beach, stated Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short.

Mayor Short emphasized that the signs and proposed swim ban would affect only a 300-yard stretch.

“It’s just the very tip of Bean Point where the tides from Tampa Bay are treacherous,” Short explained.

The city decided last week to post the signs after the area experienced six drowning incidents in August, including two fatalities. 

Most recently, a 20-year-old man drowned after getting caught in a riptide, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Short added that while residents know the dangers, visitors may not.

 “It’s a very quick drop-off in terms of the depth, and then you throw on top of that the very fast currents that you cannot see,” Short said.

Summer Whitton, a resident of nearby Bradenton, said he takes precautions when entering the water. 

“It’s probably best to stay safe and just sunbathe and, you know, maybe just dip your toes in the water,” Whitton said.

Short noted that an emergency ordinance is an action item on the agenda for the City Commission’s meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11. 

The ordinance would ban swimming and certain water activities on Bean Point until a permanent agreement with the county is reached.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Boswell’s Lawyer Unhappy with Decision, Intends to Request a New Trial

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Megan Boswell has received an additional 33 years…

University of Texas Receives Federal Funding to Research Camp and Flood Evacuations

AUSTIN (KXAN) — During the July 4 Hill Country flooding, why did…

Downtown Urbana Boil Orders Issued Due to Water Main Breaks

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Part of downtown Urbana is currently under boil…

Veterans Stories: Former Navy Commander Reflects on the Night Following 9/11

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) — Like many others, September 11, 2011, is a…

More Than $1 Million in Funds Allocated to NETN Fire Departments and Rescue Teams

A luncheon event took place on Friday at the Ron Ramsey Regional…

How Local Police Departments Utilize Drones to Combat Crime

AIKEN, S.C. () – Law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly…

Tragic Aircraft Crash Near Centennial Airport Claims Two Lives

DENVER (KDVR) Two people are dead after a small aircraft crashed and…

Mahjong Evenings Attract Younger Crowd to San Francisco’s Bars and Eateries

SAN FRANCISCO – Two years ago, when Ryan Lee tried mahjong for…

Only 22,000 New Jobs Created in Lackluster Employment Report

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Kemp Plans to Deploy 300 National Guard Troops to Washington

ATLANTA, Ga. () — On Friday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared that…

Guidelines for Navigating Roads alongside Farmers in Central Illinois During Harvest Season:

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — As the fall harvest approaches, the Illinois State…

Local Highlight: Celebrating the 5th Muncie Acorn Festival

MUNCIE, Ill. (WCIA) — Julie Wahls and Jessica Aquino from the Muncie…