Pelican slams into swimmer in Fla.
Last Modified: Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 5:46 p.m.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla.- An Ohio woman is recovering after a pelican slammed into her face while she was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.
Debbie Shoemaker of Toledo, Ohio, was swimming Thursday near Treasure Island, a beach community west of St. Petersburg, when she felt something hit her face.
The bird's large beak ripped through her cheek, requiring 25 stitches.
The 50-year-old housecleaner, who vacations in Florida about twice a year, returned home Friday.
Nature has collided with humans in Florida — alligators, fish and even stingrays have caused injuries or deaths — but local officials say they've never heard of a pelican hitting someone with so much force.
An expert surmises the bird was likely diving for fish and hit Shoemaker by accident. The pelican died.
___
Information from: The Tampa Tribune, http://www.tampatrib.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.
Next Article in
Events Calendar More Events Submit Event
- Baseball rallies for key win
- Top-ranked UF softball feels like underdogs
- Plaza evacuated last night after gas leak
- Trustees tweak UF budget cuts
- Cold front could bring rain
- Woman indicted in Missouri MySpace suicide case
- Gators' offseason to-do list
- Around the Region
- Bridge construction will close some Archer Road lanes
- UF and SFCC produce diamond queen
- Clubhouse fire likely accidental
- Agriculture's harvest
- Concert will feature blues singer
- Plaza evacuated last night after gas leak
- Around the Region
- Micanopy home destroyed in fire
- Fla. lifts ban on Allstate selling new insurance policies
- Experts to offer health advice at fitness center
- Teen murder suspect back in Florida
- Annual seat belt campaign under way
Local Businesses
Add a Comment
Start or join a forum on this topic.