Sure its cold outside and swimming in the Gulf is unlikely but there is another reason to skip the dip.

Recent tests of Gulf waters in North Naples shows bacteria contamination and health officials advise against all water-related activity.

The state Department of Health in Collier County said testing conducted Feb. 4 indicates that the water quality at North Gulf Shore beach access at Clam Pass does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommend by the state health agency.

Enterococcus bacteria signifies fecal contamination that carries health risks.

It often originates from sewage spills, storm runoff, septic systems, and animal waste.

The health department advises against any water-related activities at this location  due to increased risk of illness.

Sampling is done on a regular basis.

 Swimming in infected water can cause a range of gastrointestinal illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever.

Symptoms typically start one to 10 days after exposure. In some cases, Enterococcus can cause more severe infections like urinary tract infections or endocarditis, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

For more information, visit  FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches or visit collier.floridahealth.gov.

Liz Freeman is a health care reporter. Reach her by emailing lfreeman@naplesnews.com 

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TAMPA, Fla. – Opening night at the Florida State Fair brought high-flying rides, fried food and hundreds of families to Tampa on Thursday night.

What we know:

Organizers expect more than 400,000 people to visit the fairgrounds, as the annual event runs through Feb. 16. 

This year’s theme, “America’s Sunniest Celebration,” honors the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday.

One familiar face is Gage Sears, a fourth-generation vendor at the Florida State Fair. He described all the sweet treats he sells in his booth.

Florida State Fair debuts new foods for 2026

“Funnel cakes, Oreos, slushies, lemonade, anything sweet,” Sears said.

He says rides and food go hand in hand, especially on opening night.

“Rides are a big thing, but everyone gets hungry when you’re enjoying the thrill of everything,” Sears said. “They’re coming out and eating good food, fair food.”

What they’re saying:

Crystal Gunn attended opening night with her twin daughters, Brianna and Tianna, to celebrate their 15th birthday. 

She says it’s become a family tradition.

“We do this every year,” Gunn said. “We come to the fair every year on its first day.”

Opening night came with temperatures dropping and gusty winds. 

Nevertheless, Gunn and hundreds of other visitors chose to brave the cold.

“I’m a true Floridian, so this is cold for us,” she said. “I’m not used to this kind of cold, but we’ll get through it.”

New Attractions:

Among the new attractions this year is the world’s largest portable observation wheel. 

The Ferris wheel stands at 230 feet tall and features 45 gondolas, each themed after a U.S. president.

Hope Thaler says the fair’s wide variety of attractions offers something for everyone.

READ: Florida’s new ‘America 250’ license plate design catching drivers’ attention

“I’ve been coming to the state fair since I was a kid,” she said. “So it’s very well-rounded.”

From rides, games, animals and live music, Joshua Lewis says the fair is all about making memories.

“Riding the rides was fun,” Lewis said. “From the animals to everything, it’s a great atmosphere.”

By the numbers:

Security remains a major focus throughout the fairgrounds. 

More than 1,000 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies will work the fair over the next 11 days on foot, bike and horseback.

Organizers are also reminded families that kids under 17 must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m. each night.

If you are interested in attending the fair and want to map out your visit, just click here.

• If your yard was damaged by the freezing temperatures, don’t panic. Some plants may look worse before they get better.
• Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive.
• Water your plants. Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight.

Recent freezing weather may have damaged plants in your yard, but not all damage is permanent.

Some plants may look worse before they get better, according to Sara MacDonald at the St. Lucie County Extension office of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

We compiled a list of things residents should do with their plants after freezing temperatures to help them recover and avoid causing more damage, along with some tips for preventing damage before the next freeze. Here’s what to do to tell if your plant has been killed, and how to save it if it still has a chance.

How to tell if a plant is killed by freezing temperatures, or just damaged

Scratch the bark of a plant lightly with a fingernail or a coin. If the revealed area is green, the plant is still alive. If it is brown or black, the plant is likely dead.

Guidelines for watering Florida plants before and after a freeze

Here are some things to remember when watering plants:

• Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and releases it slowly overnight
• Cold, windy weather can dry plants out
• Water plants to help thaw soil and rehydrate roots
• Container plants may need extra attention
• Suspend irrigation during freezing conditions