Beaches reopen Saturday after Panhandle shark attacks | News

Beaches along the Florida Panhandle in Walton County reopened Saturday after two shark attacks the previous day injured three people, authorities said.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said its officers searched the coast for sharks and found a 14-foot-long hammerhead shark in Santa Rosa Beach, east of South County Highway 395. Officials say it is not uncommon to see sharks in the area.

“We want to reiterate that sharks are always present in the Gulf,” the sheriff’s office said. “Swimmers and beachgoers should exercise caution while swimming and be aware of their surroundings.”

Beaches were closed Friday afternoon after a woman lost part of her left arm and two others were injured in shark attacks in the Gulf. The woman’s condition is critical, as is that of one of the two teenagers injured in the attacks. Authorities said Friday that the third victim was in stable condition after a shark bit her on the foot.