Florida beach gets marine patrol after 3 shark attacks

Cops in Florida Panhandle on High Alert After Shark Attacks

Law enforcement in Florida’s panhandle are on high alert following three shark attacks in a single day that resulted in one woman severely injured and two teenage girls wounded along the same coastline.

Beaches were temporarily closed, and authorities are now patrolling the waters after the incidents, which led to a 45-year-old woman having part of her left arm amputated due to severe injuries.

The beaches have since reopened, but officials urge swimmers to remain vigilant.

According to a Facebook post by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Beach Marine Unit is monitoring the shoreline and beaches following the shark incidents. They spotted a 14-foot hammerhead shark near Santa Rosa Beach, emphasizing that sharks are always present in the Gulf and advising caution for swimmers and beachgoers.

Red and purple flags have been posted on the beach to warn swimmers of high hazard and dangerous marine life.

In another Facebook post, the sheriff’s office reminded visitors to be mindful of their surroundings and to remember that they are guests in the Gulf of Mexico.

The 45-year-old woman attacked at Watersound Beach in Walton County was swimming with her husband when the shark struck, causing significant trauma and leading to the amputation of part of her left arm. She was airlifted to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital in critical condition.

Later in the day, two teenage girls were attacked by a shark near Inlet Beach, with one girl suffering significant injuries to her upper leg and hand. Two doctors who were present at the scene provided immediate medical care to the injured girl.

When the doctors reached the shore, they worked with other medical professionals to apply tourniquets and provide pressure to the wounds.

The victim was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital in critical condition, while her friend with minor injuries was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. emphasized that such incidents are rare in the area, with the last shark attack occurring in 2021 and the last fatal attack in 2005.