In an alarming turn of events, the waters off Walton County, Florida, have been closed following two back-to-back shark bite incidents that occurred on Friday. The county experienced an unfortunate series of attacks, raising concerns among officials and beachgoers alike.

South Walton Fire District Chief Ryan Crawford reported that the first incident took place around 1:20 p.m. near Founders Way in Watersound Beach. A 45-year-old woman, swimming with her husband past the first sandbar, fell victim to a shark bite. She suffered severe injuries to her midsection, pelvic area, and had her left lower arm amputated. The woman was promptly transported to a medical center in critical condition.

Following the initial attack, beaches in the surrounding areas raised double red flags, indicating a high risk of danger. The Gulf in the Walton County region was closed to the public as a safety precaution.

Just over an hour later, at approximately 2:56 p.m., a second shark incident occurred in the Sandy Shores Court area off Seacrest Beach. Two female victims, aged between 15 and 17, were part of a group of friends swimming just inside the first sandbar when they were attacked. One victim sustained significant injuries to her upper and lower extremities and was rushed to a trauma center in critical condition. The other victim suffered flesh wounds to her right foot and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

The swift actions of nearby citizens and first responders have given all three victims a fighting chance, according to Walton County Sheriff Mike Atkinson. However, the seriousness of the incidents prompted authorities to shut down public access to the water throughout the entire county.

The exact type of shark involved in the attacks remains unknown, though officials acknowledged that sharks are commonly present in these waters. To gain further insight into the incidents, local officials have reached out to experts at Mote Marine in Sarasota, Florida, for assistance. Sheriff Atkinson expressed his belief that the dual attacks were not "anomalous," but nevertheless emphasized the importance of a thorough assessment before reopening the waters to the public.

As the closure remains in effect, authorities are advising residents and visitors to exercise caution and stay updated on any developments. Further updates on the situation are expected to be provided on Saturday, as officials continue to monitor and reevaluate the situation.

The series of shark bite incidents in Walton County has raised concerns about the safety of beachgoers and highlighted the unpredictable nature of these encounters.