Florida county in the Ocala region
A 31-year-old woman hiking with her boyfriend and friend was attacked by an alligator in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, Florida. She died en route to hospital. Florida Wildlife officials euthanized two nearby alligators; DNA testing will confirm if they are the animal involved. Alligators are common in Florida waters and can be territorial during mating season and low water periods.
florida health data show 12 Vibrio vulnificus infections this year with a fatal case in Palm Beach County. new cases are reported in Bay, Miami-Dade and other counties. health officials warn vulnerable groups to avoid warm coastal waters and shellfish during peak season.
A Florida woman on a Silver River swim has lost her right arm after an alligator dragged her underwater. A nearby boater stabilized her wound with a rope and helped victims reach shore; authorities captured the alligator and reopened the river after the incident.