Walton County beaches reopen after shark attacks injure three

SANTA ROSA BEACH – Walton County beaches and waters are reopened to the public after a woman and two teenagers were injured in two shark attacks Friday afternoon.

Corey Dobridnia, spokesman for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, said via text message that as of 8:05 a.m., the South Walton Fire District changed its flags from double red to single red and purple to indicate dangerous water conditions and potentially dangerous marine life.

“The Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Fish and Wildlife will be stationing their boats in the Gulf to monitor the shoreline,” Dobridnia said. “We just ask that everyone be aware of their surroundings while in the water.”

Dobridnia said she had no updated information on the health status of the people taken to Ascension Sacred Heart hospital in Pensacola and HCA Fort Walton-Destin on Friday.

On Friday, three people were injured in two shark attacks. Two of the injured were in critical condition and were taken to local hospitals.

Beaches of Panama City:Bay County closes beaches after two shark attacks in neighboring Walton County

The first attack occurred at 1:20 p.m. near Founders Land in Watersound Beach. The victim, a 45-year-old woman, was swimming past the first sandbar when the shark attacked. She suffered serious injuries, including the loss of her left forearm. She was transported by helicopter to HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.

The second incident occurred at 2:56 p.m. near Sandy Shores Court in Seacrest Beach, about 4 miles east of the first incident. The two victims were 15- and 17-year-old girls who were with a group of friends inside the first sandbar.

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