Florida Is Home To The Deadliest Beach In U.S.

Florida is home to the deadliest beach in the U.S.  Not something you want to be proud of or boast about, but it is important information.  Especially, if you are visiting the panhandle this holiday weekend.  Too many people visiting the area have drowned due to rip currents.

WFLA.com is reporting that Panama City Beach in Florida is now the deadliest in the U.S. so far in 2023.  This comes after after three more deaths this past weekend.  The National Weather Service statistics show that Panama City has had seven rip current-related deaths in the past nine days, more surf zone fatalities than any other beach in the U.S. in 2023.  Two of those were dads who died saving their kids on fathers day.  This is just sad.

This past Tuesday, former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett drowned off the shores of Destin, although they did not specify how he died, they are assuming he was caught up in a rip current.  Too many people are not listening to the authorities and going swimming in the water when it's clear it is not safe.

In Panama City Beach alone, Saturday saw 39 rescues, along with 3 deaths occurring in a 5-hour span.  This is all due to rip currents.  This information is critical as we head into the big 4th of July weekend.

Last year, 69 deaths were reported. Already this year, 60 surf related deaths have occurred, including 27 in Florida. Thirteen people have died in Puerto Rico.

If you see double red flags, that means do not swim.  No swim warnings have been issued due to heavy rip currents.  Violators of the flag system are subject to a $500 fine. If paid within 20 days, these fines can be reduced to only $250.

It doesn't matter how good of a swimmer you are, you cannot out swim a rip current.  They are too strong.  Even an olympic swimmer can swim to shore.  You must swim parallel to the shore.  Do not swim back into shore.

For more information on rip currents and to learn more about them and how to stay safe, visit weather.gov

If you are looking for some great deals and freebies to celebrate the 4th of July then you are in luck. The Krazy Coupon Lady has put out a list of some retailers that have some great deals for the 4th of July. These are just food deals, but you will be able to get these deals around Tampa Bay. You may already have plans for the 4th, like a cookout with your friends and family. Maybe you can get in on these deals before hand. You may be looking for something to do on the 4th, so these deals may be perfect for you.

Most fast food and sit down restaurants are open for Independence Day, so you will have your options. There are also deals that are happening in July, but aren't Independence Day specific. 7-Eleven always has great deals on Slurpees on July 11th, which is 7/11. This year from July 1 – 11 you can get a free Slurpee if you are a 7REWARDS or Speedy Rewards loyalty member.

Check out some of the great deals and 4th of July freebies you can get this year. So, before you head out for that fireworks show make sure you grab one of these great deals.

Sonic is offering half off cheeseburger on the 4th, but you need to purchase it through the app.

You can get a free Krispy Kreme donut on July 4th, but you need to wear red, white or blue, which you most likely will be doing.

You can get Howie Bread for only 50 cents with the purchase of a large pizza. This deal is from July 1st through the 4th and is only available for carryout orders.

All you have to do is purchase an entree and kid eat free. This deal actually goes through July 31, 2023. The deal is Monday through Thursday only.

Get a $1 Frozen Fanta Kickin’ Mango at Burger King. The kids love singing the Burger King song, so let them have a great treat.