Patrol vehicle protects Florida deputy from lightning strike

Photo by Walton Co. Sheriff | Twitter

Florida's often touted as being one of the best places to vacation between some of the nation's top beaches, theme parks, and hidden gems. However what you may not know is that Florida's also called the Lightning Capital of the World — and today, a Florida deputy with the Walton County Sheriff's Office experienced that first hand.

"Today, a @WCSOFL deputy was driving south on 331 S near Sherwood Drive when his patrol vehicle was struck by lightning." the August 6 post from the Walton Co. Sheriff on Twitter reads, in part. And it appears that the patrol vehicle did its part in protecting the deputy from major harm.

The post continues to state that the deputy was promptly transported to Sacred Heart by Walton County Fire Rescue. Although his vehicle was rendered inoperable as a result of the lightning strike frying the electrical system, the deputy is awake, conscious, and expected to make a full recovery.

The lightning strike to the deputy's vehicle wasn't the only lightning-based event to occur in Walton County today, though. Deputies also responded to a water rescue at Morrison Springs at 11:45 am. A female was stricken by lightning while recreating in the water.

Bystanders who witnessed the event performed CPR on the female victim until Walton Air Rescue could transport her. As of publication, the status of the female lightning strike victim is unknown. If further details become available, Uncovering Florida will update this article.
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The Walton County Sheriff warns Floridians and visitors that storms can be unpredictable and come up quickly in the Sunshine State. They recommend using your best judgment to get yourself to a safe area when clouds roll in.
Article by Rachael Volpe