Beaches reopen Saturday after beggar shark attacks | News

Beaches along the Florida panhandle of Walton County reopened Saturday after three people were injured in two separate shark attacks the day before, authorities said.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office said its deputies were monitoring the shoreline for sharks and at Santa Rosa Beach they found a 14-foot hammerhead shark east of South County Highway 395. Officials say shark sightings are not uncommon in the area.

“We want to reiterate that sharks are still present in the Gulf,” the sheriff’s office said. “Swimmers and beachgoers should use caution when swimming and remain aware of their surroundings.”

Beaches were closed Friday afternoon after a woman lost part of her left arm and two other people were injured in shark attacks in the gulf. The woman is in critical condition, as is one of the two teenage girls injured in the attacks. Authorities said Friday that the third victim was in stable condition after a shark bit his foot.