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The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Inside ‘shark bite capital' where bloodthirsty beasts savage swimmers in shallows… but tourists face even bigger threat
WHEN people seek thrills in Florida, they typically head straight to Orlando's world-famous theme parks for an unforgettable adrenaline rush. However, just an hour down the coast, a different kind of excitement awaits in the Atlantic—one that doesn't require rollercoasters or long queues. 13 New Smyrna Beach appears to be the picture-perfect destination for sun, sand, and soaking up the glorious weather Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun 13 You can even drive along the sand to locate your ideal patch Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun 13 But the area is notorious for shark bites - with pictures showing how close the beasts get to surfers At first glance, the quaint seaside town of New Smyrna Beach appears to be the picture-perfect destination for sun, sand, and soaking up the glorious weather. Nestled on Florida's Atlantic coast, its golden beaches, diverse selection of restaurants, and vibrant spots to enjoy something cold and refreshing make for an idyllic summer holiday. The beach stretches for miles, vast enough for everyone to find their own space without the hassle of jostling for position. You can even drive along the sand to locate your ideal patch. Beneath the surface of this American dream, however, lies a sharper reality. Regularly dubbed America's 'Shark Bite Capital,' New Smyrna Beach has an unusually high number of shark encounters. Since the late 19th century, the area has recorded more than 300 bites—more than anywhere else in the United States. The reasons? It's not simply a matter of bad luck. While the rip currents, particularly near Ponce Inlet just north of New Smyrna, are a known hazard, the region's topography attracts a multitude of shark species. The inlet's man-made channel—approximately 40 feet deep—creates powerful currents that not only pose risks to swimmers but also draw schools of baitfish and other marine species. Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters These dense concentrations of prey attract sharks, which in turn lure anglers and surfers, who lap up the consistent offering of surfable waves. This creates a perfect storm for opportunistic blacktips, hammerheads, and spinners, who can gravitate towards the people in the water, looking for something to nibble on. In 2023 alone, eight confirmed shark bites occurred here, accounting for half of all incidents reported in Florida that year. In July 2024, four bites were recorded in the span of a single week. By comparison, Australia reported 15 shark attacks in 2023—four of them fatal—largely due to the presence of larger, more aggressive species like the great white. North American waters are typically home to smaller sharks, which are responsible for most bites and rarely pose a life-threatening risk. Seasonality also plays a role, as warmer summer waters attract fearsome beasts closer to shore. 13 A shark lurks just metres from a surfer at the notorious beach in Florida Credit: FOX 35 Orlando 13 19-year-old surfers Trey King (left) and Jeremy Zahnle (right) aren't afraid of the sharks Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun 13 Mike DeNato, pictured at Cap'n Lu's Pet Supply Store in New Smyrna Beach, says people get 'emotional' when talking about sharks Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun 13 As well as the sharks, the picturesque beach hides another threat - rip currents Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun Peak activity months run from April to October. Just days before The Sun visited New Smyrna Beach to speak to locals and surfers about the risks, a Floridian was hospitalised after being bitten. Matthew Bender had to go under the knife after his arm was left savaged - saying he felt the shark "clamp down like a bear trap out of nowhere". The threat - whether exaggerated by statistics or not - is real, and ever-present. On the main, picturesque stretch of white sandy beaches, families were happily enjoying the waves. Tom, a local in his 80s, said: 'I've lived here for 30 years. I've never seen anyone attacked by a shark on this part of the beach.' The only problem beachgoer Karen encountered was her little granddaughter growing tired and wanting to go home. 'Of course I've heard about this place being called the shark bite capital,' Karen explained. 'The stats are there, but I had no issue going into the water. I just stand near other people to make sure they get bitten first,' she added with a laugh. However, the situation is vastly different a few miles down the beach, where the inlet's currents are at their strongest. Earlier this year, The Sun spoke to Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Stephen Canfield, who admitted he was more worried about people drowning than being eaten alive. 13 Surfer Matthew Bender was hospitalised after being attacked by a shark off New Smyrna Beach Credit: WOFL-TV 13 Warning signs at New Smyrna Beach in Florida Credit: AP 13 At a locally renowned surf Shop, manager Caleb Johnston introduced us to SharkBanz - special bands designed to deter sharks Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun But to get a clearer picture, we visited local business owner and surf club leader, Mike DeNato. Mike has surfed the lively waves of New Smyrna for decades and is all too aware of the risks. He explained that most incidents occur when people accidentally fall on a shark or step on one. As we spoke, a customer in Mike's pet shop, Cap'n Lu's, overheard the conversation and immediately dismissed the concerns, accusing us of exaggerating the danger. 'People get very emotional when you talk about sharks here,' Mike confirmed. 'Everyone has their own perspective. Some make light of it, saying, 'It's only a bite.' 'But it's not just a bite—it's traumatic. Seeing a shark next to you is terrifying.' Mike knows this firsthand. 13 Recently, he encountered a massive 450-pound great white shark just metres away from him and a friend. While such sightings are rare, they're no less frightening. Thanks to advancements in tracking technology and research collaborations with groups like the ones at Florida Atlantic University, scientists are gaining valuable insights into shark behaviour and movement. This research is helping to improve safety measures for both locals and visitors. The shark Mike saw had been tagged by marine biologists and named 'Danny'. Researchers at FAU monitor these apex predators to observe their movements. Mike shared another story involving friends who mistakenly thought they had caught a broken fishing pole, only to realise it was attached to a shark. The creature began circling agitated surfers, but he managed to guide the group back to shore safely. 13 Caleb Johnston is pictured at Red Dog Surf Shop in New Smyrna Beach Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun 13 Peak activity months run from April to October Credit: Romain Maurice for The U.S. Sun Despite these harrowing encounters, Mike remains undeterred from surfing. He recalled witnessing a woman in her 70s suffer a severe foot injury from a shark bite. Although she took some time away from the water, she eventually returned to surfing. In his role at the local Smyrna Surfari Club, the business owner and local surf veteran frequently advises young surfers - stressing the importance of awareness and reminding them that most bites occur in shallow water. 'I wouldn't swim in there,' he admitted. 'No matter how shallow it is.' At the locally renowned Red Dog Surf Shop, manager Caleb Johnston introduced us to SharkBanz—special bands designed to deter sharks. The device uses powerful magnets to disrupt a shark's electroreceptors, startling them and causing them to swim away. Caleb, an experienced surfer, has had his own close calls. In the early 2000s, he stepped on a shark's head while surfing. 'I felt the sharp edge of its teeth ,' he recalled. 'It was like a burning needle going into my foot. I was in shock.' Though his injury required hospital treatment, Caleb considered himself lucky. Others haven't been so fortunate. Some of Caleb's friends have given up surfing altogether, still grappling with the physical and emotional scars of their painful,nightmare encounters. 'The toughest part is you never know if it'll happen again,' he admitted. Still, surfers continue to chase the perfect wave. With New Smyrna offering 365 days of action, the fun never stops. As The Sun visited a local surfing hotspot, two teenagers , Trey King and Jeremy Zahnle, were enjoying the waves. 'I think it'd be cool if I got a shark bite, as long as it's not life-altering,' Trey joked. 'The girls would love it,' Jeremy added. Surfers clearly won't be deterred. Events like the upcoming Pro-Am surf competition, organised in memory of legendary boarder Mike Martin, and the scholarships awarded by the Smyrna Surfari Club continue to inspire the community. 'The surf here is so good,' said Jeremy. 'It would suck if a shark bit me, but we know the risks.' 'If you let fear stop you from enjoying life, you'll be afraid of everything,' concluded Caleb. 'It's just nature. There are dolphins, turtles, sharks, and crabs. You have to take your chances and accept the risks.'
Boston Globe
11-07-2025
- Boston Globe
Thief makes off with $110,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards
'It was definitely targeted,' Andre said. 'There was somebody that was familiar enough with our store to know where these items were.' Andre said he learned about the burglary after employees from a coffee shop next door saw the smashed glass door and called him around 5:45 a.m. 'We came down directly after to gather the footage and get the police involved,' he said. Advertisement Andre said the store has insurance and he filed a claim 'the minute' he got the police report. As Pokémon grows in popularity, robberies like this one have 'been popping up all over the country,' Andre said. Last month, FOX35 Orlando reported In May, a suspect In April, Police in New Bedford did not confirm the value of the stolen cards. No arrests have been made. Advertisement Truman Dickerson can be reached at
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illegal immigrant in Florida arrested after alleged attack during car repossession leaves woman with stroke
An illegal immigrant was recently arrested in Florida after allegedly attacking a couple trying to repossess his car, according to local law enforcement. Enio Corgozinho is charged with aggravated battery, simple battery and burglary with battery, FOX 35 Orlando reported. A husband and wife were repossessing Corgozinho's car when he hit the woman in the chest, stomach and left arm, before pulling her out of his car, according to Lake County Sheriff's Office records. He also allegedly pushed the husband, who was driving the tow truck. Mexican Illegal Immigrant Released Under Biden 'Sexually Battered' Boy While Playing Hide And Seek: Sheriff Following the alleged assault, the wife stopped breathing and later suffered a stroke, causing her to lose oxygen to the brain for eight minutes after the attack, her husband told FOX 35. Read On The Fox News App In 911 audio of the incident, the woman's husband could be heard yelling at who appeared to be Corgozinho. Florida Woman Poses As Ice Agent To Kidnap Wife Of Ex-boyfriend From Work, Authorities Say "Please! He's attacking my wife," the man told 911. "Back away," he yelled, seemingly at Corgozinho. After deputies arrived, body camera video shows personnel repeatedly demanding Corgozinho turn around and get on his knees, according to the report. Sheriff's office records show he followed orders after being noncompliant. Corgozinho is in custody under an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold, pending further legal proceedings. Two Venezuelan Illegal Aliens Charged With Kidnapping, Torturing, Attempting To Kill Washington State Woman Corgozinho was arrested less than two years ago for driving with a suspended license and using an out-of-state license, while his Florida license was suspended, according to the report. It is unclear why he was not deported from the country after previous arrests. ICE did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for article source: Illegal immigrant in Florida arrested after alleged attack during car repossession leaves woman with stroke
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida mom killed, three small children injured after truck collides with their van following tire blowout
A Florida mother was killed and her three young children were injured in a car accident on Interstate 95 on Memorial Day after a truck experienced a tire blowout and collided with their van. Olivia Maggs, 32, was driving in the southbound lanes of I-95 by the Pineda Causeway in Brevard County on Monday afternoon when a tire blew out on an F-350, according to FOX 35 Orlando via Florida Highway Patrol. The blowout caused the driver of the truck, which was traveling in the center lane, to lose control and collide with Maggs' Honda Odyssey van, the outlet reported. Both vehicles went off the road and struck a guardrail. Driver Suddenly Stops In Middle Of Highway, Causes Multi-car Crash, Then Leaves: Video Maggs was pronounced dead at the scene, while her three children – an infant girl and two toddler boys – were airlifted to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, according to a GoFundMe set up by Maggs' sister-in-law. "By the grace of God, kind strangers stopped to help and pulled the children from the vehicle," she wrote, adding that the baby girl had a broken femur and a brain bleed. The two boys were also hurt, but "they are okay," she said. Read On The Fox News App The 58-year-old truck driver and his 20-year-old passenger were not injured and remained at the scene of the crash, FOX 35 reported. Dramatic Video Shows Hero Cops Drag Dazed Driver From Car Before Train Smashes Into It Maggs was a "dedicated" and "beloved" nurse at Parrish Medical Center, the health system wrote on Facebook in a post mourning her death. She worked at the hospital for nine years and began in the Medical-Surgical Department as a graduate nurse before transferring to the Women's Center. "Olivia's kindness, strength and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on her patients, fellow Care Partners and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Our hearts are with her family, friends and children during this unimaginable time. We are grieving alongside them and will forever carry her memory in our hearts," the post stated. Hundreds of comments were left on the post, with dozens of women sharing their positive experiences with Maggs as a nurse and as a friend. "You never forget the name and face of someone who made such a lasting impression on you. For all three of my children's births at Parrish Olivia was one of the most encouraging and supportive nurses. She guided me through strapping my firstborn in his car seat as we had never done it before and I was so anxious. My heart is with her family and all who mourn her," one woman wrote. More than $126,000 had been donated to the GoFundMe account as of early Wednesday morning. "Olivia was a kind, beautiful soul—a loving and gentle mother, devoted wife, and cherished daughter, sister, friend, and compassionate nurse. Her absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her," the GoFundMe article source: Florida mom killed, three small children injured after truck collides with their van following tire blowout
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Jellyfish sting nearly 350 people on Florida beach over Memorial Day weekend
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Memorial Day weekend was jam-packed at Daytona Beach, as people came out to enjoy the holiday weekend. While people were soaking up the sun and waves, jellyfish decided to join the party. Jellyfish stung 346 people over the Memorial Day weekend, according to AJ Miller, deputy chief of Volusia County Beach Safety. Miller said no one was seriously injured by the stings. Jellyfish are a common hazard on beaches in Florida. While most stings aren't life-threatening, they can be very painful. Miller said the jellyfish were most likely moon jellyfish. Jellyfish can be hard to spot. The best advice is to tread carefully when walking along the beach and in shallow waters. "You can see them if you're really watching," Miller said to FOX 35 Orlando. "But then you're going to spend your whole day staring at the water and not enjoying the day." Wearing a rash guard can also help protect your skin from a sting in the water. Miller said all lifeguard towers and any vehicles used to patrol the beach are stocked with vinegar to treat jellyfish stings. According to the Florida Department of Health, always go to a lifeguard when you've been stung by a jellyfish. Never touch jellyfish that have washed up on beaches because even dead jellyfish can sting. Miller said the beaches remained open and the jellyfish were not interfered with, as they dry up after about a article source: Jellyfish sting nearly 350 people on Florida beach over Memorial Day weekend
