Bay closes beaches after two shark attacks in Walton County

PANAMA CITY BEACH – Bay County beaches were closed Friday after two shark attacks in neighboring Walton County.

According to a news release from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, beach flags were changed to double red on Friday and the Gulf of Mexico was closed to beachgoers in response to “multiple reported shark attacks this afternoon in the waters off near Walton County.”

“Sheriff Tommy Ford has spoken with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and learned that baitfish are present near shore at this time of year, which may have contributed to the attacks,” the press release said.

Related coverage:Two consecutive shark attacks injure child and adult near Florida beach; one victim loses a hand

According to reports from the Northwest Florida Daily News, two shark attacks occurred Friday that injured three people, two of whom were taken by helicopter to local hospitals. A 45-year-old woman lost her left forearm and was in critical condition Friday afternoon.

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