Charlie Leighton Park Closed: Bacteria Found in Water

The Florida Department of Health in Martin County closed Charlie Leighton Park to recreational water use after tests found Enterococcus bacteria at unsafe levels.

Water samples collected Monday, May 4, exceeded state health guidelines at the park, 2701 SW Cornell Ave. in Palm City. Enterococcus bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin infections and typically signals fecal contamination.

Residents should avoid swimming, wading, and other water activities until follow-up testing confirms bacteria levels have dropped below acceptable thresholds. The department has not announced when it will retest the water.

Charlie Leighton Park offers boat ramps, fishing access, and swimming areas along the South Fork of the St. Lucie River.

For more information, call DOH-Martin at 772-221-4090 or visit Martin.FloridaHealth.gov.