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7h ago

Second Shark Bite in Florida This Year Injures Surfer at New Smyrna Beach

He underwent surgery for non-life-threatening forearm injuries following a July 6 encounter that signals a surge in summer shark activity at Florida’s busiest bite hotspot.

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A surfer eyes a passing shark at New Smyrna Beach, in Volusia County, the area responsible for 68% of the state's unprovoked shark bites.
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Overview

  • On July 6 at around 3:30 p.m., 40-year-old Winter Park resident Matt Bender was bitten on the right forearm while surfing at New Smyrna Beach and rushed to hospital for treatment.
  • The attack represents Florida’s second unprovoked shark incident of 2025 after a June encounter in Boca Grande injured a 9-year-old girl.
  • New Smyrna Beach averages nine shark bites each year and has been designated the “shark bite capital of the world” by the International Shark Attack File.
  • Researchers attribute increased nearshore shark presence to warm-season migrations of baitfish such as mullet, sardines and menhaden.
  • Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue has deployed additional drones and lifeguards to monitor coastal waters and warn beachgoers of shark activity.