Debate Continues Over Horseback Riding in Palma Sola Bay as City Seeks More Water-Quality Data
Palma Sola Bay has long drawn visitors from around the world with its scenic shoreline and the rare opportunity to ride horses in the water. For decades, businesses such as Florida Beach Horses have offered the experience, attracting tourists eager for a unique adventure that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.
Local guides say the activity remains a significant draw. Riders from as far as England and Brazil travel to the area to participate, and operators note that Palma Sola Bay is one of the few remaining places where horses can legally enter the water. The industry, however, continues to face scrutiny over concerns about water quality and public health.
Environmental groups, including Suncoast Waterkeeper, warn that allowing horses in the bay poses risks to swimmers. They point to the potential for infections associated with exposure to water contaminated by animal waste. The concern has fueled a years-long debate over whether horseback riding contributes to elevated bacterial levels in Palma Sola Bay.
The City of Bradenton commissioned a study to evaluate the issue, and initial findings detected fecal bacteria from horses, but at levels not high enough to distinguish them from contributions by birds or other wildlife. Business owners say the results reaffirm that horses are not the primary source of contamination and object to what they view as recurring attempts to restrict their operations.
Despite the uncertainty, Suncoast Waterkeeper argues the data supports precautionary steps. The organization has encouraged the city to post signage warning visitors of potential risks and to establish a permit system that could include limiting the number of horses in the water or requiring waste-containment measures.
City officials addressed the matter this week for the first time since releasing the study’s findings. In a statement, Bradenton leaders said they intend to gather additional data before making any long-term decisions. They also noted that the horseback riding area along Palma Sola Causeway is not a designated swimming area and emphasized that vendors have already adopted additional waste-control measures.
The city described the initial study as only a starting point and said a more comprehensive evaluation will be needed to understand the source of bacteria and determine future policy. Officials said their approach will focus on balancing public health, environmental protection and responsible recreational use.
Environmental advocates maintain that people do swim in the area where horses enter the water and hope the city will consider both immediate and long-range recommendations. The debate is expected to continue as Bradenton seeks more scientific clarity on the bay’s water quality and the role of horseback riding within it.