BEACH DRIVE
Bay County, Florida
Last Updated: 4/17/2026, 6:01:18 AM
Active Weather Alerts
Fire Weather Watch issued April 17 at 2:19PM EDT until April 20 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Tallahassee FL
...Critical Fire Weather coming up from Saturday through Monday... .Critical fire weather conditions are coming up from Saturday through Monday, with the most critical conditions expected on Monday. On Saturday, a Fire Weather Watch is in effect for portions of the Florida Big Bend and east of the Flint River in Georgia, where RH will tank to near or below 30 percent, wind will exceed 12 mph, where dispersion will exceed 100, temperatures WILL reach 88-92 degrees (within a few degrees of record highs), and where the Hot Dry Windy Index exceeds the 90th percentile at a time of year when its climatology is already nearing its annual peak in early May. A dry cold front on Sunday will bring northerly afternoon wind gusts of 20-25 mph, and RH will be dropping in the afternoon as a drier air mass arrives. Lingering cloud cover and shading of fuels will be the main inhibitor to active fire behavior on Sunday. On Monday, a very dry air mass will overspread the region, with Min RH commonly in the 15-20 percent range. Sustained northeast winds will be near 15 mph, supporting extremely high dispersion. Full sunshine, seasonably warm late April temperatures, and ongoing drought will all contribute to a critical fire environment. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for Monday where winds are currently forecast to exceed 15 mph, and the watch could be expanded in later forecast updates. The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Monday morning through Monday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...Florida fire weather zones 010, 011, 012, 014, 015, 028, 029, 034, 112, 114, 115, 118, 127, 128, and 134. Georgia fire weather zones 143, 144, and 155. * WIND...Northeast near 15 mph, with gusts near 25 mph. * HUMIDITY...15-20 percent, followed by poor humidity recovery on Monday night. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Current Water Quality Status
Water quality is good for swimming and recreational activities.
Is it Safe to Swim?
No Current Advisory
Based on the latest testing, water quality meets acceptable standards for recreational use.
General Safety Tips
- Always check current conditions before swimming
- Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels may be higher
- Don't swim if you have open wounds or compromised immune system
- Shower immediately after swimming in natural waters
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure
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Recent Water Quality History
| Date | Enterococcus Level | Status | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4/13/2026 (Latest) | 20 | Good | ✅ No |
| 3/30/2026 | 10 | Good | ✅ No |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrio and how can I avoid it?
Vibrio is a type of bacteria that lives in warm seawater. To avoid it, do not swim with open wounds, and avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish. If you get a cut while in the water, wash it immediately with soap and clean water.
How is the water quality tested at the beach?
Water quality is typically tested for enterococci (a type of fecal indicator bacteria) and sometimes E. coli. Samples are collected and analyzed in a lab. The results help determine if the water is safe for swimming.
What does an ‘advisory’ for water quality mean?
An advisory means that recent tests have shown high levels of bacteria in the water, which can increase your risk of illness. It is recommended to avoid swimming or wading until the advisory is lifted.
Is it safe to swim after it rains?
It is generally recommended to avoid swimming for at least 24-48 hours after heavy rainfall. Rain can wash pollutants and bacteria from the land into the water, temporarily increasing health risks.
What do the different colored lifeguard flags mean?
Green flag: Low hazard, calm conditions. Yellow flag: Medium hazard, moderate surf/currents. Red flag: High hazard, strong surf/currents. Double red flag: Water is closed to the public. Purple flag: Dangerous marine life spotted.
What should I do if I see a jellyfish?
If you see a jellyfish, it’s best to avoid it. Even beached jellyfish can sting. If you are stung, rinse the area with vinegar if available, and carefully remove any tentacles with a towel or tweezers. Seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction.
Are sharks a common threat at Florida beaches?
Shark attacks are very rare. To reduce your risk, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, don’t swim alone, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry. Most sharks are not interested in humans.
Can I get sick from swallowing beach water?
Yes, swallowing water contaminated with bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness (stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting). Try to avoid swallowing water while swimming.
How can I protect marine life while at the beach?
You can help protect marine life by properly disposing of your trash, not feeding wildlife, and keeping a safe distance from animals like sea turtles and nesting birds. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs.