Alligator Attack On Tampa Bay Firefighter Captured On Video

Author QYK Producer

August 17th, 2022 3:31 PM

This is just crazy! An alligator attack on a Tampa Bay firefighter was captured on drone video!

Juan Carlos LaVerde, a United States Air Force veteran and firefighter/paramedic for Oldsmar Fire Rescue, was preparing for an athletic event by swimming in Lake Thonotosassa. A drone pilot, Matt Ross, was there to record La Verde for the event’s promotional video. While swimming close to the shore, a 12 foot alligator came upon LaVerde and bit him on the head and chest! The gator attack was captured by the drone.

The Tampa Bay firefighter survived this alligator attack by using all his strength to pull open the beast’s jaws. If you believe in miracles, then this might be considered one. Just as quickly as the gator attacked, it disappeared. LaVerde managed to make it to the nearest dock where the homeowner called 911.

LaVerde was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he underwent a six-hour surgery to repair the damage to his skull and jaw. It’s going to be a long road to recovery for LaVerde but this firefighter, who is also a triathlete, has the physical and mental strength to succeed. His co-workers have set up a Go Fund Me to help pay the bills while LaVerde gets better. [SOURCE Creative Loafing/New York Post]

Tampa Lights Up In Blue To Thank First Responders And Health Care Workers

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• Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers

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  TAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers

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  TAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
• Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers

  Share

  TAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers

  Share

  TAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

• Landmarks And Stadiums Across The Country Illuminated In Blue To Honor Essential Workers

  Share

  TAMPA, FL - APRIL 16: Downtown Tampa is lit up in blue lights on April 16, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Landmarks and buildings across the nation are displaying blue lights to show support for health care workers and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

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Author QYK Producer

Category:

• Travis Daily

Tags:

Alligator Attack,Alligator attack in Florida