Lightning strikes Florida beachgoers despite clear skies, officials warn of 25-mile danger zone
Advertisement
Lightning strikes Florida beachgoers despite clear skies, officials warn of 25-mile danger zone
00:49
Advertisement
Three people were struck by lightning in New Smyrna Beach on June 20 during a round of severe weather that swept through Central Florida, officials confirmed.
A 29-year-old man was critically injured after being directly struck by lightning near the 27th Avenue beach approach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs. First responders performed CPR before transporting him to a hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of Friday evening, CBS affiliate WKMG reported.
Two golfers also hit by lightning in New Smyrna Beach
Shortly after the beach incident, around 12:18 p.m., two golfers were indirectly struck by lightning at the Venetian Bay Golf Course, the city of New Smyrna Beach said in a statement.
“This serves as an important reminder of, ‘When thunder roars, go indoors.’ If you can hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning, even if the sky looks clear. Don’t wait for rain. Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle immediately,” said Ava Hanner, Public Information Officer for the City of New Smyrna Beach.
Emergency crews from the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department evaluated the golfers on scene. Neither required transport to the hospital, the city confirmed.
Advertisement
Storms prompt weather warnings
Storms began developing around midday Friday across Central Florida and moved into the New Smyrna Beach area shortly afterward, triggering weather alerts. Photos from the beach scene showed first responders and bystanders surrounding the injured 29-year-old man shortly after the strike.
No additional details about the lightning incidents have been released.
CBS Miami Team
Advertisement
The CBS Miami team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSMiami.com.
As tensions escalate overseas, locals in South Florida express a complex mix of concern, hope, and fear—especially for loved ones in Israel and Iran. Community leaders and families share their perspectives on uncertainty, security, and what the future holds.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: March 1, 2026
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — On the latest episode of “This Week in South Florida” host Janine Stanwood welcomes President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County Audra Berg, Secretary General of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, Division Director of Flood Control and Water Supply Planning for the South Florida Water Management District Carolina Maran, State Rep. Juan Carlos Porras and State Rep. Kevin Chambliss.
The full episode can be seen at the top of this page.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
Advertisement
Janine Stanwood
Janine Stanwood is a Emmy award-winning reporter and anchor. She joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor.
