FL Lightning Strikes: Man Killed In SWFL; Deputy, Mayoral Candidate Struck

One person was killed and multiple others were injured in lightning strikes across Florida over the July 4 holiday weekend.

There were more than 22,000 lightning strikes reported across central Florida on Sunday alone, WESH 2 News said.

A 51-year-old man, Viktar Kiryk, died Friday afternoon after being struck by lightning while in the water on Fort Myers Beach, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

He was in the water with three family members at the time, the agency said. They were also injured and brought to a local hospital, where they’re in stable condition.

“This tragic incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder that Florida’s summer storms can develop rapidly,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately and seek safe shelter.”

A Volusia County lifeguard, who is also running for mayor of Ormond Beach, told WESH 2 News he was hospitalized after being struck by lightning Saturday on the Seminole Approach.

"Just got out of the hospital! Toes still tingling! Crazy day!" he texted the news outlet after being discharged just before 7 p.m.

A Volusia County Beach Safety spokesperson told WESH that Curry was standing next to a patrol vehicle that was struck by lightning.

A Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deputy was hospitalized following an indirect lightning strike near Mullet Lake Park on Sunday, Fox 35 said.

The deputy was conscious and alert after the lightning strike and brought to the hospital as a precaution, WFTV said.

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