ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A family outing turned tragic when a teenage girl was struck by lightning on St. Pete Beach, leaving her in critical condition. The incident happened as the family sought cover under an umbrella during a sudden thunderstorm.
Witnesses, including Jennifer Tillman, watched in horror as the storm intensified. Tillman captured the scene on camera, describing it as unforgettable.
A bystander quickly intervened, carrying the girl from the scene. The family, visibly in shock, struggled to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
Nearby, Kyrie Mejia and his family felt a jolt of static electricity while holding down their cabana. “We felt a shock and knew we had to find cover,” Mejia recalled.
The lightning strike left behind charred umbrellas and debris, with dead seagulls lining the sand. Tillman pointed to the spot where the lightning hit, noting the visible damage.
As the day progressed, beachgoers returned, seemingly unaware of the earlier incident. Fireworks later lit up the sky, drawing a new crowd to the area.
Officials continue to warn the public about the dangers of lightning, emphasizing the importance of safety measures during storms. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
The girl’s condition remains serious, and the community hopes for her speedy recovery. This tragic event highlights the need for greater awareness of weather-related risks.