Officials stop beaches from Public Beach to Coquina as they investigate dim water.

Officials stop beaches from Public Beach to Coquina as they investigate dim water, oily substance

A large swath of beach upon Anna Maria Island, from Manatee Public Beach southward to Coquina Beach, will be clos until at least mid-morning today, as officials investigate what Holme Beach Mayor Carol Whitmore said is "something actual suspicious in the water."

Police officers will be ready to prevent people from having contact with the water, as "an proper state of caution," said Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County's conservation lands manager.

Local officials, as well as the U Coast Guard, late Tuesday were gathered at 28th way and the Gulf of Mexico, collecting water samples for testing this morning. Also quick in emergencies were volunteers from a turtle-dove watch program.

Whitmore and Hunsicker said that overcast water stretched from 28th road in Holmes Beach to Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.

Also, near 28th highway officials said ...