MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — With Florida leading the nation in lightning deaths over the past decade, beach safety is top of mind.
Manatee County is using technology designed to warn you before lightning strikes. If you hear a loud blast during your beach day, it isn’t just another beach announcement. It’s the sound of the Thor Guard lightning detection system telling everyone it’s time to get off the sand and seek shelter.
“This system’s designed to let you know it’s coming,” said Chet Brown, chief of Beach Patrol & Aquatic Safety. “If there’s a potential of lightning strike within the five-mile radius, it gives us a heads up.”
Unlike weather radar, Thor Guard monitors changes in the atmosphere that happen before lightning develops.
“It gives you an estimate of 15 to 20 minutes before they think it could happen,” Chief Brown added.
“I’m deathly afraid of lightning,” said beachgoer, Suzanne Wheeler.
Beachgoers we spoke with feel safer knowing this system is in place.
“It’s good to have a warning before the storm actually gets here, so, it does make us feel safer,” said another beachgoer, Kate English.
There are two systems: one at Coquina Beach and another at Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island.
“The military uses this system as well as golf courses, all of our pools and most of our splash pads,” Chief Brown said. “It’s just a huge asset for the citizens to provide the extra level of protection.”
When you hear one long horn blast, that means lightning has been detected nearby and it’s time to leave the beach and seek shelter. Three short blasts signal the all-clear, but officials say you should still stay weather aware.
The Tampa Bay area is considered the lightning capital of North America. According to the National Weather Service and the National Lightning Safety Council, Florida recorded four lightning deaths in 2025, the most of any state. Over the last decade, the state has recorded 51 lightning fatalities, more than anywhere else in the country.
“Fort Myers had an incident and Daytona beach had an incident as well,” Brown said. “Three or four people got struck, including a lifeguard. They don’t have these types of systems.”
Officials said if you hear that single long blast, don’t wait to see if the storm gets worse. Leave the beach immediately and wait for those three alarms before returning.
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View Original Article at https://www.snntv.com/manatee/it-makes-us-feel-safe-lightning-detection-system-active-across-manatee-county/
