07/17/2010 Jimmy Johnston ( Florida )

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Shark bites New Smyrna Beach surfer

A 55-year-old New Smyrna Beach man became Volusia County's second shark bite victim of the year over the weekend, a Beach Patrol official said.

Deputy Chief Mike Hensler said the surfer, identified as Jimmy Johnston, told Beach Patrol officers he was sitting on his surfboard with his feet out of the water Saturday near the Ponce de Leon Inlet's south jetty.

He said he saw a baitfish jump into the air nearby. It was followed by a small spinner shark, Hensler said.

"The guy said the shark missed the fish, but grabbed his foot," Hensler said.

In alarm, Johnston pulled his right foot from the shark's mouth, causing most of the injury, which consisted of two cuts to the top and seven to the bottom of the appendage, the deputy chief said.

The surfer, a lifelong resident of the area, told officers he has been riding waves at the inlet for 45 years and this was the first time he had been bitten.

Johnston was taken to Bert Fish Medical Center in New Smyrna Beach by personal vehicle.

Beach Patrol spokesman Capt. Scott Petersohn said Johnston becomes Volusia's second bite victim of the year. The first was in May when a 10-year-old from Orlando suffered a minor bite while playing in shallow water near 20th Avenue, also in New Smyrna Beach.


http://www.news-journalonline.com/break ... urfer.html

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Surfer, 55, Bitten By Shark In Volusia Co.
Local Man Becomes Second Victim Of Year In County

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- The second shark bite of the year in Volusia County occurred over the weekend.

A 55-year-old local man was surfing at the jetty in New Smyrna Beach Saturday. He was lying on his board and saw bait fish jumping out of the water. Then he spotted a 4-foot spinner shark behind them.

The shark, likely chasing the bait fish, bit the man on the bottom of the right foot.

He was treated at the hospital and received several stitches.


http://www.wesh.com/green-pages/24307964/detail.html