Georgia Man Recovering After Shark Bite at Florida Beach

A Georgia man in his early 20s is recovering from a shark bite incident that occurred while he was protecting his pregnant fiancée at a Florida beach. The attack took place shortly before 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday at Daytona Beach Shores, near the Dunlawton Beach Approach.

Beach Safety officials from Volusia County reported the shark, estimated to be about 4 feet long, bit the man’s left foot and ankle. The man, Jacorey High from Henry County, Georgia, was treated by Beach Safety personnel on the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

High’s priority during the incident was ensuring the safety of his pregnant fiancée. He described the shark’s aggressive pursuit, noting it attempted to bite his arm and later tried to go for his other leg. High identified the shark as gray and approximately the height from his waist to his feet.

After reaching the shore, the severity of High’s injuries became apparent. He did not feel the extent of the injuries until receiving medical treatment at the hospital, where he underwent surgery on his foot. High anticipates a recovery period of about three months and hopes to return to work soon, without significant damage to his foot.

This incident occurred just as Shark Week gets underway, a time when shark sightings often increase. Experts caution beachgoers to remain vigilant, though shark bites are rare. Marine biologist Mike Heithaus advises avoiding murky water and areas with large schools of fish or active fishing activities.