Florida shark attacks leave beachgoers on edge

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — As beachgoers gear up for a fun day at Tampa Bay area beaches, recent shark attacks are reminding all Floridians and tourists that sharks are always present in the gulf.

“Absolutely definitely nervous going into the water,” Alan Morrison said as he finished his day at St. Pete Beach. “You don’t know what’s in there.”

“I’d never go into the water deep enough to where I feel like a shark could get me,” he said.

Friday in the panhandle, first responders said a woman swimming near a sand bar was bit in her midsection and arm.

Nearly two hours later, two teen girls four miles away were seen fighting for their lives in the midst of another shark attack.

“When I looked back over my left shoulder, I saw the water filled with blood,” said Ryan Forbess, who assisted one of the victims.

Here in Tampa Bay, a hammerhead was seen off of St. Pete Beach chasing tarpon underneath paddleboarders.

To anyone headed to the beach, don’t forget to look up at the flags.

A green flag means good to go.

A yellow flag means there is moderate surf or currents.

A single red flag stands for high hazard and lifeguards may ask swimmers to get out of the water.

A double red flag indicates the water is closed to the public.

If you see a blue flag, there is hazardous marine life nearby, something experts say to always be on the lookout for.

“This time of the year, there’s quite a bit of bait fish very close to the shore,” Research biologist Dr. John Carlson said. “Sharks are attracted to that. It’s just their normal prey.”

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