GULF COUNTY, Fl. — As Florida enters the height of its summer thunderstorm season, officials are sounding the alarm after the state’s first lightning-related death of 2025 occurred in Gulf County. The tragic incident serves as a chilling reminder that even a sunny beach day in Florida can turn deadly in a flash.

A Vacation Turned Tragic

On June 20, 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz, a newlywed from Ohio visiting Florida for a delayed honeymoon, was struck by lightning while standing in shallow water at New Smyrna Beach, located along the Gulf Coast. According to witnesses, the skies were mostly clear at the time of the strike — but a distant thunderstorm, located several miles away, produced what meteorologists call “blue sky lightning”, a rare but deadly phenomenon in which bolts strike far from the visible storm front.

Rosencranz collapsed instantly after the bolt hit. Lifeguards on duty began CPR within seconds, and emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

His wife, still in disbelief, told reporters, “We were just enjoying the day. We didn’t even hear thunder.”

Florida Leads the Nation in Lightning Strikes

Florida has long held the title of the “Lightning Capital of the United States.” According to data from the National Lightning Safety Council and Vaisala’s National Lightning Detection Network, the state recorded over 1.2 million lightning strikes in 2024, accounting for about 13% of all cloud-to-ground strikes nationwide.

Florida's five-year average (2019–2023):
1,260,000+ strikes per year
Average of 5–7 lightning-related deaths per year
Hundreds of nonfatal injuries annually, often involving burns, cardiac arrest, or neurological damage
Nationally (2024):
19 confirmed lightning deaths in the U.S.
5 of those occurred in Florida
More than 275 lightning injuries

Already in 2025, six lightning-related deaths have been reported across the country — with Rosencranz's being Florida’s first this year. In recent years, Gulf, Brevard, and Polk counties have seen some of the state’s highest per-capita lightning strike rates.

Summer Storms Bring Hidden Dangers

Though lightning fatalities are rare, they are often preventable. Meteorologists and safety officials urge residents and tourists alike to treat every rumble of thunder as a serious warning.

“If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning,” said Florida Emergency Management meteorologist Lisa McCallister. “Don’t wait until it rains — lightning can strike more than 10 miles from the core of a storm.”

That warning proved tragically true in Rosencranz’s case. The bolt that killed him originated from a storm that had not yet reached the beach — a common scenario in Florida, where fast-moving storm cells often form during hot, humid afternoons.

How to Stay Safe During Thunderstorm Season

As Floridians gear up for Independence Day and the busiest part of the summer season, safety officials are stressing the importance of lightning awareness and storm preparedness.

Top Lightning Safety Tips:

“When thunder roars, go indoors.” Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle.
Avoid open spaces, beaches, pools, and lakes.
Stay away from metal objects, trees, and fences.
Unplug electronics and avoid plumbing or corded phones indoors.
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

For Homeowners:

Consider installing a lightning protection system or whole-house surge protectors to reduce fire and electrical risks.
Secure insurance coverage that includes storm-related damage and injuries.

“People assume lightning safety is common sense, but many don’t realize how dangerous it can be even when a storm is far off,” said Sheriff Mike Harrison of Gulf County. “This death is heartbreaking — and we don’t want to see another.”

Remembering Jake Rosencranz

Friends described Rosencranz as an adventurous and kind-hearted man who loved the outdoors. His wife said they had delayed their honeymoon to save for a trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast — a place he’d always wanted to visit.

“Jake was the kind of person who made friends everywhere. He deserved more than this,” she shared.

His death — while rare — has resonated across the state. Memorial funds have been established in his honor to promote lightning safety education and beachside weather awareness programs.

A Wake-Up Call for All Floridians

With Florida entering its most active thunderstorm months (July–September), officials say the time is now to increase public education and situational awareness.

Whether you're boating on Lake Okeechobee, camping in the Everglades, or relaxing on a Gulf Coast beach, lightning safety must be a top priority.

“You might only get a few seconds of warning,” said meteorologist McCallister. “But taking that warning seriously could save your life.”

For more information on lightning safety, visit:

www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
www.lightningsafetycouncil.org

If you see someone struck by lightning: Call 911 immediately. Begin CPR if they are unresponsive and not breathing. Avoid becoming a second victim — ensure the scene is safe before approaching.

In memory of Jake Rosencranz and all lives lost to lightning — may their stories help protect others.

Struck Without Warning: Florida Reports First Lightning Death of 2025 in Gulf County as Officials Urge Caution Ahead of Storm Season

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