Lifeguard running for Ormond Beach mayor hospitalized after lightning strike

By Brandon Hogan

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    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Florida (WESH) — A Volusia County Beach Safety lifeguard who’s also a candidate in the Ormond Beach mayoral race was hospitalized after a lightning strike Saturday near the Seminole Approach, according to a Beach Safety spokesperson.

Damien Curry told WESH 2 News before 7 p.m. that he had been discharged from the hospital.

“Just got out of the hospital! Toes still tingling! Crazy day!” he said via text.

A patrol vehicle was struck while Curry was standing next to it, the Volusia County Beach Safety spokesperson said in a statement, adding the strike transferred indirectly to him.

Curry was medically evaluated and transported to the hospital as a precaution, the statement reads.

Curry is in the running for Ormond Beach mayor against George Doran, Lori Tolland, and incumbent mayor Jason Leslie.

WESH 2 News interviewed Curry in 2022 when a car crashed through a toll booth and onto Daytona Beach.

On Saturday night, Curry told WESH 2 News he’s home resting and recovering.

We spoke with Heather Brooks, who was vacationing in Ormond Beach.

“That’s crazy. No, I didn’t expect that at all,” she said of the lightning strike. “So, definitely got to be looking out for the lightning I reckon.”

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