safety
Florida lightning strikes injure lifeguard, sheriff's deputy over Fourth of July holiday weekend
By Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
The Fourth of July holiday weekend turned dangerous as separate lightning strikes injured a lifeguard who volunteered to work on the holiday, as well as a sheriff's deputy about an hour away.The lifeguard said he was lucky to be alive after surviving the indirect lightning strike, and he still manag
Key takeaway Damien Curry said he was on the sand near the Seminole Avenue approach in Ormond Beach, north of Daytona Beach on Florida's east coast, on July 4 and had his hand on his truck when the lightning struck.
Why this matters in The Miami
The recent lightning strikes that injured a lifeguard and a sheriff's deputy over the Fourth of July holiday weekend serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of Florida's summer weather. Miami -Dade County residents, though not directly affected by these incidents, should remain vigilant during the Atlantic hurricane season, which brings increased risks of lightning strikes and flooding to the area. The fact that these strikes occurred in coastal areas, similar to Miami Beach, highlights the importance of being aware of weather conditions when visiting beaches or engaging in outdoor activities. As the summer months continue, it is crucial for residents and visitors to stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings, and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This is particularly relevant for Miami's coastal neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and Wynwood, where residents may be more likely to engage in outdoor activities during the summer.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Fourth of July holiday weekend turned dangerous as separate lightning strikes injured a lifeguard who volunteered to work on the holiday, as well as a sheriff's deputy about an hour away.The lifeguard said he was lucky to be alive after surviving the indirect lightning strike, and he still manag
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steven Yablonski at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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