Teen Girl Hospitalized After Lightning Strike Hits Family on Florida Beach

Beachgoers seen at St. Pete Beach in Florida. A teen was hospitalized Friday after she and her family were struck by lightning on the beach

A 17-year-old girl is recovering in the hospital after being struck by lightning while sitting under an umbrella with her family on St. Pete Beach in Florida during Fourth of July celebrations.

The lightning strike occurred just after noon on Independence Day, according to the St. Pete Beach Fire Department. The teen was with two adult relatives when the bolt struck, leaving her with potentially life-threatening injuries. She was transported to Tampa General Hospital as a “trauma alert” patient.

The two adults were treated at the scene by first responders and declined further medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that the family had been sitting together under a beach umbrella when the lightning hit.

Eyewitness Kyree Mejias, who was also on the beach with his family at the time, described the terrifying moment. “It was so close to us, we could see the flash,” Mejias said. “As soon as we felt the vibration and the shock, everybody just let go.”

A 17-year-old girl was transported as a trauma alert to Tampa General Hospital.

The incident highlights the serious risk of lightning-related injuries in Florida, which is often referred to as the “lightning strike capital” of the United States. The state averages approximately 1.2 million lightning strikes annually and has more lightning activity per square mile than any other state.

Nationally, lightning strikes about 25 million times each year, resulting in approximately 20 fatalities, according to meteorological data.

This recent strike comes just weeks after a similar incident involving a 15-year-old boy, Yassin Khalifa, who was struck by lightning while standing under a tree in New York City’s Central Park. Khalifa, who temporarily lost movement and speech following the strike, is expected to make a full recovery. “I can see, but I can’t talk. I can’t move,” Khalifa said, recalling the frightening moment. “Apparently, I’m pretty lucky, because my spine was directly against the tree and no nerve damage happened.”

As lightning-related injuries continue to rise during summer months, authorities are urging beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts to heed weather warnings and seek shelter during storms.