Beach Lightning Strike: A Close Call for a Florida Family

A family of three had a terrifying experience on a Florida beach when lightning struck them. The incident happened at St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County. It was a sunny day, but a thunderstorm rolled in quickly. The family was under an umbrella when lightning hit. Two adults were hurt but refused further help. A 17-year-old girl was rushed to Tampa General Hospital. Her condition is not known. A witness, Jennifer Tillman, saw the whole thing from her apartment. She said the lightning came closer and closer before striking. She described it as something you can't forget. The family's umbrella was damaged and broken. Other belongings were also hit by the lightning. Dead birds were seen in the area. Experts say the safest place during a lightning storm is inside. They warn against using metal objects, like umbrellas. Metal can attract lightning. Just hours after the strike, the storm cleared. New beachgoers arrived to celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks. It was as if nothing had happened. St. Pete Beach is a small city on an island. It's about 20 miles southwest of Tampa.