A beach outing turned terrifying Friday when a family of three was struck by lightning as they sought shelter beneath an umbrella on St. Pete Beach, as WFTS reports.

Emergency responders rushed to the 4700 block of Gulf Boulevard near the Dolphin Beach Resort just after noon, when severe weather produced dozens of lightning strikes in the area, leaving a 17-year-old girl hospitalized and two adults shaken but declining further treatment.

The incident unfolded around midday as storms intensified along Florida’s Gulf Coast. According to Deputy Fire Chief Adam Poirrier with St. Pete Beach Fire Department, the family appeared to have been taking cover from the weather when lightning struck nearby and traveled through their shelter. Multiple emergency units were dispatched immediately after receiving the call.

First responders arrived in about three minutes following the initial report of an electrocution. Broadcastify’s emergency scanner recording captured a dispatcher noting, “Rescue 23, St. Pete Beach 501, electrocution...” Emergency teams found the three victims at the scene and began evaluations on-site.

Two adult members of the family, whose names were not disclosed, declined further care after being examined by medical personnel. However, a 17-year-old girl was deemed a trauma alert and was transported to Tampa General Hospital for advanced medical treatment. Her condition was not immediately released following transport.

Unpredictable weather activity spurs concerns

According to weather data shared by ABC Action News meteorologists, approximately 50 lightning strikes were recorded between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. within the vicinity. The increasing intensity of the storm prompted warnings among emergency responders to stay sheltered themselves. During a scanner call, one individual advised, “We’re having active lightning strikes in the area, we recommend all responders to enter their vehicles if they’re not actively involved in patient care.”

Beachgoers nearby were rattled by the unexpected event. Kyree Mejias, who was at St. Pete Beach celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with his family, said they felt an electrical disturbance close to where they were located under their beach tent. Mejias’s uncle reportedly experienced the effect of a jolt that traced down his body.

“People were starting to feel a different shock inside their bodies," Mejias said. "My uncle, for example, had it from their face down to their arm.” The family quickly realized how close they were to danger and vacated the area amid continuing lightning threats.

Close call leaves onlookers stunned

Others on the beach described eerie moments just before they learned about the strike. Isaac Martin, a visitor to the area, told reporters he and his girlfriend had taken shelter at a nearby beach bar for over an hour due to the menacing conditions. When they eventually attempted to make their way back to the sand, they discovered what had unfolded just down the road.

“It was like a six-minute walk from where I was at, so it's kind of crazy,” Martin said. The erratic weather had created a sense of unease earlier in the day, and Martin recalled the frequency of lightning strikes around them. “The lightning was going crazy,” he added.

No further injuries were reported in connection with the weather incident, but the chaos left many shaken and served as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by fast-moving storms, especially in open beach environments.

Lessons to learn

1. Seek enclosed shelter, not partial cover: Being underneath umbrellas, tents, or trees offers no real protection from lightning. Experts advise moving into a hard-topped vehicle or building when you first hear thunder.

2. Monitor weather alerts before staying outdoors: While beach days can turn beautiful quickly, Florida is notorious for swift and severe weather changes. Keeping a weather app with lightning strike alerts can provide life-saving warnings.

3. Understand that danger still exists even near safety: Electrical currents from lightning can travel through the ground and nearby objects, striking people who believe they are at a safe distance. Despite taking precautionary steps, unexpected incidents can still occur — and it’s crucial never to blame victims who are caught in such rare, hazardous events.

Why this story matters

This case shows how extreme weather can transform a relaxing holiday into a dangerous situation within seconds.

The story reminds local residents and tourists of the serious risks that come with ignoring storm warnings, particularly during Florida’s stormy seasons.

It also calls attention to improving awareness and emergency responsiveness across beach communities.

Frightening day concludes with continued recovery process

The quick arrival of emergency services and their prompt decision to issue a trauma transport may have made all the difference for the 17-year-old victim. While her condition remains unknown, the actions taken on-site highlight the preparedness of local emergency teams facing life-threatening weather conditions.

Officials continue to urge beach visitors and locals alike to remain vigilant during summer storms, emphasizing the importance of heeding all weather warnings without delay. The crowded 4th of July weekend could have seen even more casualties if the storm’s unpredictable path had shifted by even a few feet.

With several holidaymakers reporting sensations of electrical currents, the actual range of the lightning’s impact may have been wider than a single strike zone. This event serves not only as a record of what happened but also as a wake-up call to respect the power of nature.