A 17-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital Friday afternoon after a lightning bolt struck her and two family members while they were sitting under an umbrella at St. Pete Beach, just outside St. Petersburg, Florida.
The teen was listed as a “trauma alert” as she was transported to Tampa General Hospital—an indication that her injuries could be life-threatening. The incident occurred shortly after noon on Independence Day, according to Bay News 9.
The two adults accompanying her were treated at the scene by first responders but declined to be taken to the hospital.
Eyewitness Kyree Mejias, who was at the beach with his own family, told 10 Tampa Bay the lightning strike was alarmingly close.
“It was so close to us, we could see the flash,” he said. “As soon as we felt the vibration and the shock, everybody just let go.”
The St. Pete Beach Fire Department responded to the emergency, though they have not yet released additional information about the teen’s condition.
Florida’s Dangerous Lightning Record
Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes, averaging about 1.2 million per year. With more lightning activity per square mile than any other state, it has earned the title of “lightning strike capital” of the U.S.
Nationwide, lightning strikes around 25 million times a year, causing an average of 20 fatalities annually. Just last month, a 15-year-old boy was also struck while sheltering under a tree in New York City’s Central Park. Though temporarily paralyzed and unable to speak after the incident, he’s expected to make a full recovery.
“I could see, but I couldn’t talk or move,” the teen told CBS News. “It was like I was locked in my body for a second.”
Safety Warnings During Storms
The Fourth of July tragedy serves as another reminder of how dangerous outdoor activities can be during Florida’s frequent and fast-moving storms. Experts advise beachgoers and park visitors to seek immediate shelter at the first sign of thunder or lightning, as strikes can occur even miles away from an approaching storm.
The Independent has reached out to local authorities for updates on the Florida teen’s condition.
