Beach Day Nightmare Lightning Strikes Florida Family

Tragedy Strikes on Florida Beach: Teenager Hospitalized After Lightning Incident

A day of leisure turned into a harrowing ordeal for a family of three visiting a Florida beach, after they were struck by lightning on Friday. The incident occurred in Pinellas County's St. Pete Beach, leaving a 17-year-old girl hospitalized and sparking renewed warnings about beach safety during thunderstorms.

According to officials, St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue responded to the scene at approximately 12:19 p.m. after receiving reports of the lightning strike. Deputy Fire Chief Adam Poirrer confirmed that multiple units, including the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, were dispatched to provide emergency assistance.

Here's what we know so far:

• The family was reportedly seeking shelter under an umbrella when the lightning struck.
• Two adults were treated at the scene and declined further medical attention.
• A 17-year-old girl was transported to Tampa General Hospital; her current condition remains unknown.

Jennifer Tillman, an eyewitness who observed the incident from her nearby apartment, recounted the terrifying event to CBS affiliate WTSP. "You could hear it, it was coming closer and closer and closer, and then it happened," she said. "I don't know, I don't know. It was just one of those things, I don't know, that you can never - you can't unsee."

Tillman also noted that a bystander, a "Good Samaritan," rushed to aid the young girl immediately after the strike, while the other two family members appeared to be in shock. Images from the scene paint a grim picture, showing the family's umbrella severely damaged, singed, and broken. Deceased seagulls were also seen in the vicinity.

The Dangers of Umbrellas During Thunderstorms

Health and safety organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize the critical importance of seeking indoor shelter during thunderstorms. The CDC specifically advises against carrying metal objects, including umbrellas, as metal can conduct electricity and increase the risk of a lightning strike.

WTSP meteorologist Bobby Deskins further explained the risk: "If you are out on the beach or anywhere with an umbrella that is taller than you, you are literally creating a lightning rod."

A Stark Contrast

Adding to the unsettling nature of the event, Tillman shared that the beach quickly filled with new visitors eager to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks, just hours after the lightning strike. "A whole new wave of people came," Tillman said. "Like nothing had ever happened."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of heeding safety warnings, particularly during the summer months when thunderstorms are common. Taking precautions, such as seeking shelter indoors during electrical storms, can be the difference between a fun day at the beach and a life-altering tragedy. Let's keep the young girl in our thoughts and hope for her speedy recovery.

Tags: Lightning strike, Florida beach, Umbrella, Pinellas County, St. Pete Beach, Tampa Hospital, Thunderstorm, Accident, Injury, Emergency, Beach Safety, Weather Warning

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lightning-strike-florida-beach-st-pete-pinellas-county/