Beach Goers Undeterred by Rash of Shark Attacks

In the ninth shark attack off New Smyrna Beach in the last week, surfer Ben Gibbs was bitten on his left thigh and right foot.

Gibbs, 18, was not seriously hurt.

There have been at least 19 shark attacks off New Smyrna Beach this year, almost half those reported worldwide. The area, about 15 miles south of Daytona Beach on the Atlantic, is one of Florida’s best surfing spots, and the water contains numerous small fish, drawing the sharks.

But despite the attacks and warning signs, the beaches were crowded with families and binocular-toting gawkers. Some people cruised on Jet Skis, scanning for sharks, bartender Allison Wigley said.