MS Coast beach advisories move east. Swimmers urged to avoid water at 7 beaches

The Mississippi Department of Environmental quality found increased levels of bacteria at another Mississippi Coast beach on Tuesday, and removed advisories from two beaches, leaving the number of affected beaches at seven.

The new advisory against water contact was issued for Biloxi East Central Beach, which includes the area between St. Peter and Dukate streets. Beachgoers are being advised to avoid contact with the water or face an increased risk of illness.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the water-contact advisories on Tuesday afternoon as part of its Beach Monitoring Program.

“These beaches are not closed,” MDEQ advised in a news release, “However, there may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in these areas.”

Water samples indicate bacteria levels are high in the following areas:

• Pass Christian Central Beach — Henderson Avenue east to Hiern Avenue.
• Pass Christian East Beach — Espy Avenue east to Hayden Avenue.
• Long Beach Beach — Oak Gardens Avenue to Girard Avenue.
• Gulfport West Beach — Marie Avenue east to Camp Avenue.
• Gulfport Harbor Beach — 20th Avenue east to Thornton Avenue.
• Gulfport Central Beach — Alfonso Drive east to Arkansas Avenue.
• Biloxi East Central Beach — St. Peter Street east to Dukate Street

MDEQ lifted an advisory for Pass Christian West Beach and East Courthouse Road Beach.

Also, MDEQ says, swimming in the Mississippi Sound is inadvisable for 24 hours after any significant rainfall.