Mississippi Officials Close Beaches Because of Bacteria

If you've ever opted for a vacation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast rather than the Alabama shore or Florida beaches, you probably made the decision not to enter the water... Especially if you're used to the waters in Gulf Shores or anywhere farther down the coast. The Mississippi waters just aren't as clear. And now, there's an even better reason to stay in the sand: bacteria!

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has closed almost two dozen beaches , as floodwaters are said to have fed an outbreak of cyanobacterium, which can cause rashes, diarrhea, and vomiting. So, while hitting the beach may seem like a fun way to spend vacation, doing so might make the return to work, summer camp, and everyday activities a bit longer to do.

With sharks being spotted off the Florida Panhandle and offshore from Orange Beach, water parks and pools are starting to sound even better.