Surfer Bitten by 4-Foot Shark at Huguenot Park

On the afternoon of September 22, 2007, a female surfer was bitten by a shark while surfing in the Atlantic Ocean at Huguenot Park in Jacksonville, Florida. The incident occurred in deeper waters where surfers commonly surf, an area known for shark activity according to park supervisors. The woman was surfing just a few feet from fellow surfer Aaron Abbott when the bite occurred. Abbott heard her screaming and realized she had been injured. The victim did not initially panic severely, but her reaction intensified upon seeing the amount of blood in the water. The shark, estimated at approximately four feet in length by an eyewitness, bit the woman's foot, causing lacerations classified as minor injuries. Her boyfriend and other beachgoers immediately assisted her to shore, providing first aid by applying pressure to control bleeding and fashioning a makeshift tourniquet using a surfboard leash around her leg. Additional beachgoers, including Cathie Burns, brought dry towels, covered the victim, and worked to keep her calm while waiting for emergency response. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue transported the woman to Shands Hospital as a precaution. She was listed in stable condition. Park officials posted shark warning flags following the incident. Despite the bite, the beach community's response was measured—several surfers returned to the water within minutes, noting that shark attacks remain statistically rare compared to other ocean hazards. Park records indicated no shark bite incidents at Huguenot Park for at least six years prior to this occurrence, though shark sightings in the area were reported as relatively common.