FBFD: 13-year-old bitten by shark in Fernandina Beach

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — A 13-year-old girl was bitten by a shark Sunday in Fernandina Beach, officials said.

Fernandina Beach Fire Department said the girl suffered minor lacerations on her right foot and ankle, but is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. She did not know the type or size of what bit her.

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The attack happened at Seaside Park, 2002 S Fletcher Avenue / Beach Access #20 around 2:20 p.m. Sunday.

After the attack, lifeguards immediately closed the waters and made all efforts to alert the public of the incident, officials said.

After closing the beach for two hours with double red flags, officials reopened the waters to the public.

Officials said Lifeguard Zone Supervisors will continue to monitor the beaches for any dangerous marine life.

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Ocean Rescue personnel want the public to know not to wear shiny jewelry in the ocean, because the reflected light looks like shining fish scales.

They also said to avoid areas near sandbars or steep drop-offs because sharks congregate there.

According to the fire chief, this is the first shark bite in Fernandina Beach since 2019. There were none reported in 2020.

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