In a series of rare shark attacks off the beaches in the Florida Panhandle, three individuals were bitten over the weekend, leading authorities to temporarily close several beaches to swimmers. The incidents have sparked concerns among first responders and wildlife experts, who are urging beachgoers to be cautious while enjoying the waters this summer.

The attacks occurred in Walton County, an area that stretches from Miramar Beach and Seaside to Seacrest and Rosemary Beach. One of the victims suffered critical injuries to her midsection and arm, resulting in the amputation of a portion of her arm. She was flown to a trauma center for treatment, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson expressed the rarity of having three shark attack victims in a single day, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance. To ensure the safety of residents and tourists, the sheriff's office, fire department, and the state's wildlife agency have joined forces to patrol the water with boats and the shore with vehicles.

In response to the incidents, beaches were temporarily closed on Friday and reopened on Saturday with red and purple flags warning swimmers of high hazards and the presence of dangerous marine life. The Bay County Sheriff's Office explained that the smaller fish schools near the shore this time of year could have played a role in attracting sharks and contributing to the attacks.

The Florida Panhandle's 30A area, known for its pristine beaches and popular among vacationers, is also a favored destination for Kentuckians. With numerous nonstop flights connecting the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport to nine Florida airports on various airlines, the region sees significant travel traffic during the summer.

Kayla Least, Macey Potts, and Cassidy Ratterman, all from Louisville, were in the 30A area for a friend's bachelor party, approximately 40 miles west of the attack sites. Despite being reassured by locals about the rarity of such incidents, the group was still taken aback by the unfortunate events. "Even our captain was like this was really weird that this even happened," Least remarked.

As beachgoers flock to the Florida Panhandle this summer, authorities continue to urge caution and awareness when entering the water. The recent shark attacks serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface, emphasizing the importance of heeding the warnings and taking necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.