safety
Shark attack alerts for cellphones authorized by new federal law
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life. What she didn't know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 miles
Key takeaway What she didn't know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 miles down the beach.
Why this matters in The Miami
For Miami -Dade County residents and visitors, the new federal law authorizing emergency alerts for shark attacks is particularly relevant given the area's extensive coastline and popularity of its beaches, including Miami Beach. As a major hub for water activities, the county's beaches attract millions of people each year, increasing the risk of shark encounters. The law's implementation will depend on the state of Florida, which will need to work with the Federal Communications Commission to establish a warning system. Miami-Dade County's emergency management officials will likely play a key role in implementing the system, which could involve coordination with the Miami-Dade Police Department and other local agencies. As the system is developed, it will be important to consider how alerts will be targeted to specific areas and how they will be integrated with existing emergency alert systems.
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 2, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life. What she didn't know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 miles
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami 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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