There's nothing like a little vitamin sea to give you the recharge you need on holiday. Relaxation and recreation are balanced brilliantly on the south-east USA's Atlantic and Gulf coastlines. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's long-time classic holiday destination, combines boardwalk thrills with beach-bum leisure. Farther south, Florida collects the best beaches like seashells. The surf-worthy waves of the Atlantic and the immaculate sunsets on the Gulf can both be experienced in a single-day in the Sunshine State.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach puts the 'grand' in Grand Strand. Helped by the fact that the charming city of Charleston is two hours away and that Myrtle Beach International Airport is practically on the boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is one of the most accessible seaside resort cities in this part of the south-east. And the beachfront itself is a wide-eyed family's dream - midway games at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, sensational views from the SkyWheel, and mini-golf galore. All a merry leap away from the Atlantic shoreline.

The classic seaside holiday vibes are found at retro accommodation such as the Admiral Motor Inn – this low-key, no-frills budget motel is right on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Or indulge in a stay at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa, located north of the boardwalk, for personalised spa treatments and outdoor pools, lazy rivers and hot tubs.

When the bustle of the beach dies down, Broadway at the Beach is the place to be. This shopping, dining, and entertainment venue has an aquarium, boat rides, and dozens of watering holes for you to explore under the Myrtle Beach moonlight.

The Space Coast, Florida

To say that the ocean views on Florida’s Space Coast are out of this world is no exaggeration. The 72 miles of warm sand sweeping Central Florida’s Atlantic coast from the toes of Palm Bay to the top of Titusville are the only beaches in the country where you can watch rocket launches into space.

With the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station calling the Space Coast home, only an astronaut could get closer to a launch. It's no surprise that surfers and paddleboarders watch the show from the swell – Cocoa Beach is one of the best surf spots in the area.

Cape Winds Resort in Cape Canaveral is a perfect midway point between Cocoa and the launch pads. These beachfront self-catered apartment rentals put you within 10 minutes of the Port Canaveral cruise-ship docks and family-friendly attractions such as Golf N Gator and The Wizard of Oz Museum.

Best of all, the Space Coast is less than an hour's drive from Orlando - the epicentre for theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Resort.

St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

Immaculate would be the first word uttered if the world-renowned sunsets from St Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach didn't leave spectators speechless. Pier 60 on Clearwater's shores is one of the best places from which to enjoy the experience. West of Tampa on Florida's Gulf Coast, the beaches of St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach anchor a lengthy set of barrier islands that are filled with playful locals, visitors, and dolphins year-round.

Clearwater is a breezy 10-minute drive from the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, but there's no rush to apply the sunscreen. Indoor attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are a great way to delay a sunburn before spending the evening drinking, dining, and shopping on the busy Pier 60 boardwalk. Though a private sunset viewing from your balcony at Opal Sands Resort is the ultimate nightcap.

St Pete Beach doesn't play second fiddle to Clearwater Beach, though it doesn't get as much time in the limelight. The Don CeSar Hotel has beach-house suites, an award-winning spa, and a private beach that proves the shade beyond the spotlight is just as warm and welcoming.

The Palm Beaches, Florida

Sun seekers are spoiled in The Palm Beaches. Grabbing hold of both Florida's Treasure Coast and Gold Coast, this region of South Florida encompasses 27 beaches across 75km of Atlantic coastline. Fly into Palm Beach International Airport and you'll be tempted to make footprints in the sand from Jupiter all the way down to Boca Raton.

Two hours south of Orlando and 90 minutes from Miami, Palm Beach is the crown of the Palm Beaches, with The Breakers as its gleaming jewel. Legendary luxury hardly describes what's become one of the most opulent hotels in Florida. Celebrities, tycoons and European nobility came from all comers of the world to see the magnificent Italian frescos lining the main lobby's 200ft-long ceiling.

The same waves that break at this lavish hotel also swell onto the other shores of The Palm Beaches. Grandeur gives way to unspoilt greenery at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Preserve near Boca Raton where sea turtle hatchlings first enter the Atlantic Ocean. Farther north, boaters gather to play on Riviera Beach's Peanut Island while locals watch the sunset from the Jupiter Inlet & Lighthouse Museum.

Miami's Beaches, Florida

When it comes to Miami's Beaches, South Beach reigns supreme in South Florida. This iconic beach at the southern end of Florida's Atlantic coast is as glitzy and glamorous as you've seen in the movies, with white sand, colourful Art Deco architecture and an electric nightlife scene.

A trip across the MacArthur Causeway from Downtown Miami to Miami Beach feels like walking onto a film set. The marquee star is undeniably South Beach, but follow the Beachwalk and you'll see that there's a sun-soaked supporting cast as well. Miami's Beaches also include three other playgrounds on the playa: South Pointe Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach.

Flamboyant lifeguard towers and fantastic surf draw the shutter-snapping selfie crowds in South Pointe Beach. Mid-Beach has an envious position directly off Interstate 195, allowing visitors to cruise from Miami International Airport straight to their beach towel (give or take a few turns).

Mid-Beach has no middle-child syndrome either. Caught between the cool of South Beach and the calm of North Beach, this neighbourhood caters to visitors who want both laid-back leisure and the quintessential Magic City Experience.

North Beach is the sunvisor of Miami's beaches, capping off this expanse of coastline with hotels such as the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort where a transformative luxury experience awaits guests seeking therapies and treatments.

Endless sun and infinite action-packed activities

Make the most of the south-east's warm weather with these family-friendly outdoor experiences...

Go camping and fishing in the forest

The early bird gets the worm, the sunrise, and the best fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park. Lying at the feet of the city proper, the park is one of the last undeveloped beachfronts in the area. The pier is open for fishing, and camping is permitted.

See the river glow

Your tan isn't the only glow you'll see on Florida's Space Coast. Try bioluminescent kayaking in the Banana River, a 30-mile lagoon separating Space Coast beaches from the mainland. Blooming algae emit a blue-green hue that lights up the marine life below.

Enjoy monumental sights

Florida's Sunshine Skyway that connects St Petersburg to Terra Ceia boasts panoramic views to delight travellers driving across this cable-stayed bridge. There are multiple piers and even a beach for the public.

Spy sea turtles

Of the many places to view sea turtles in South Florida's Palm Beaches, Juno Beach tops the list. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a half-hour drive north of Palm Beach island, is a rehabilitation clinic that tracks thousands of nests around the beaches.

Take an amazing airboat trip

Everglades National park is about as wild as it gets in South Florida. Covering the entire tip of the state, this swamp is home to native black bears, big cats and alligators, as well as invasive Burmese pythons, and can be explored on an airboat tour.

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If you’re a fan of the warm weather that spring and summer bring, then chances are you love heading to the beach to bask in the sunshine, lay on the beach and swim in the water.

But beachgoers, beware.

Recently, the online publication Travel Lens looked through data on surfing fatalities, the number of hurricane strikes and shark attacks and found that a majority of the top 10 deadliest beaches in America are located along the East Coast.

And of those top 10, seven are located in Florida.

Here's a closer look at the top 10 deadliest beaches in America.

1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 8.14 out of 10)

With a score of 8.14 out of 10, the most dangerous beach in America, according to Travel Lens, is New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Since 2010, the area has seen 10 surf zone fatalities and 32 reported shark attacks. In addition, 120 hurricanes impacted the area between 1851 and 2020.

2. Cocoa Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 7.57 out of 10)

Cocoa Beach, Florida, is in second place with a danger score of 7.57 out of 10. This is because the beach has seen several surf zone fatalities and shark attacks over the years.

Like New Smyrna Beach and the next two most dangerous beaches, 120 hurricanes have impacted the area.

3. Ormond Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 7.48 out of 10)

Ormond Beach, Florida, has seen more surf zone fatalities than shark attacks, giving the area a danger score of 7.48 out of 10.

There have been eight surf zone fatalities and four recorded shark attacks.

NOAA AIMS TO KEEP BEACHGOERS SAFE WITH NEW LIFE-SAVING RIP CURRENT FORECAST MODEL

4. Panama City Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 7.16 out of 10)

Panama City Beach, Florida, has seen more than double the amount of surf zone deaths with 24 since 2010.

There have only been two recorded shark attacks over the years, giving the location a danger score of 7.16 out of 10.

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Danger Score: 6.61 out of 10)

Heading up the East Coast, , , has a danger score of 6.61 out of 10. This is because of 15 surf zone fatalities and nine shark attacks. The area has seen 31 hurricane strikes between 1851 and 2020.

6. Melbourne Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 6.35 out of 10)

Along Florida's east coast, you'll find Melbourne Beach, which has a danger score of 6.35 out of 10.

This area has seen three surf zone fatalities since 2010 and six shark attacks. The region has also been impacted by 120 hurricanes between 1851 and 2020.

7. Jacksonville Beach, Florida (Danger Score: 6.02 out of 10)

Jacksonville Beach, Florida, has seen three surf zone deaths and three shark attacks since 2010, as well as 120 hurricane strikes. This gives Jacksonville Beach a danger score of 6.02 out of 10.

STUDY SUGGESTS WARMING OCEANS ARE CHANGING TIGER SHARK MIGRATIONS

8. Oak Island, North Carolina (Danger Score: 5.54 out of 10)

Heading north along the East Coast you'll find Oak Island, North Carolina. The area has seen eight surf zone deaths and two shark attacks.

While not as high as other beaches along the East Coast, the region has also been impacted by hurricanes. Between 1851 and 2020, there have been 58 storms.

This gives Oak Island a danger score of 5.54 out of 10.

9. Gulf Shores, Alabama (Danger Score: 5.38 out of 10)

Gulf Shores, , is a tourist hotspot but can also be dangerous to swimmers. The area has seen five surf zone deaths and three shark attacks.

The area has also been impacted by 23 hurricanes. This gives Gulf Shores a danger score of 5.38 out of 10.

10. Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Danger Score: 5.37 out of 10)

Forth Lauderdale, Florida, is at the bottom of the top 10 deadliest beaches list with a danger score of 5.37 out of 10. The area has seen three surf zone fatalities and two shark attacks.

The area has been hit hard by hurricanes over the years, too.

The area has seen 120 hurricanes between 1851 and 2020.

8 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots On The Atlantic Coast

A deckchair, a beach umbrella, and a pair of flip-flops are everything one needs to enjoy the Atlantic Coast. Spanning from North to South, the Atlantic Coast, also known as East Coast, intertwines the natural fjords islands of New England with the tourist frenzy of Miami Beach. From the moderately priced souvenirs of Walker Loden in Madison to the astonishing rocket launch sightings in Chincoteague Island and Cocoa Beach, these spots provide visitors the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront boardwalks, sunbathe or swim in the ocean, and explore green natural parks. These sandy settlements provide expansive shorelines and a chance to savor the true essence of summer in peaceful bliss while sipping a Salty Lemon Jin.

Summer Vacations

Wareham, Massachusetts

On the way towards Cape Cod, Wareham's safe harbor awaits at Buzzards Bay's innermost reaches. Once known for its slogan "Gateway to Cape Cod," in 2020, it has since adopted a new motto, "It's Better Before the Bridges," with the intent to draw more attention to its appealing land. Wareham's historic Victorian town center is home to lovely shops and restaurants like Cranberry Cottage. Here customers regularly taste a piece of New England in their delicious cranberry and nut pancakes, perfect for an inexpensive but tasteful breakfast.

Furthermore, Onset Beach features protected waters amid beautiful scenery. This popular destination for families also provides a kayak outfitter right at the beach, where you can launch from the sandy shore to start a paddling adventure. Moreover, Cape Cod Canal grants a few trails in its vicinity, where many travelers and locals often ride bikes on. Additionally, the nearby Water Wizz-Southern is the largest water park in New England and one of the most popular attractions for some wild fun.

Pompano Beach, Florida

Pompano Beach stands out as a less-expensive family getaway among the opulent Miami suburbs. This small beach town is home to over 50 parks, like Harbor's Edge Park, where a green lawn meets the sandy Atlantic coast. Moreover, the three miles wide Pompano Beach provides many picnic shelters, a fountain, an outdoor gym, and a playground. Furthermore, venturing into the Ocean unveils a natural reef system as well as shipwrecks, making this destination perfect for snorkeling and fishing. Spending a day swimming in the clear waters is also a recipe for a growling tummy! So, one can refuel at Charleys Cheesesteaks Park Plaza, where, you guessed it, one can taste an old-school cheesesteak that will satisfy your cravings. Additionally, Pompano Beach hosts many events throughout the summer. For example, the Dive-In Movie Night, which is free, allows participants to enjoy a movie projection while in a pool.

Chincoteague Island, Virginia

Protected by Assateague Island in Chincoteague Bay, Chincoteague Island emerges from the Atlantic Ocean on the westernmost spot of Virginia. One can observe the wild, iconic ponies that make this area famous with a boat tour or a Refuge Trek bus tour. If you choose the bus tour, it will also take you through the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a recreational beach, a quiet setting for a relaxing swim. Moreover, the refuge grants many trails that take you on a journey along the Atlantic Flyway, a fantastic spot for bird-watching. Furthermore, you might be lucky to observe a rocket launch that takes off from the nearby Nasa Wallops Flight Facility, which grants a kid-friendly visitor center with no entry fee.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island overlooks the Atlantic Ocean as it welcomes the Savannah River on the South Carolina-Georgia border. The iconic Fort Screven still stands with its Battery Garland, which served as an integral part of America's Coastal Defense system during both World Wars. Constructed in 1897, this fort fired its 12-inch long-range guns only once during World War I. Furthermore, the uncrowded Black River Beach comprises three miles of sandy shores. Additionally, it allows visitors to explore its nature-rich trails, which provide the opportunity to sight dolphins, ospreys, and other wildlife while hiking. Besides, the Tybee Island Light Station is home to Georgia's oldest and tallest lighthouse, still functioning since the 18th century, which one can visit along with the adjacent museum.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

On the southern tip of the barrier island east of Seabrook, Hampton Beach allows the Blackwater River to reach the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, fireworks spectacles are held every week, providing a unique atmosphere to this beach town. Moreover, the historic Hampton Beach Casino complex has kid-friendly activities such as an arcade, an indoor mini-golf course, and a giant waterslide. Furthermore, a one-dollar donation allows visitors to enter The Blue Ocean Discovery Center, which features whale artifacts, a touch tank, and many displays filled with educational information about the local ocean life. Additionally, Hampton Beach State Park grants an RV camp, a fishing spot, and a plentiful beach for swimming or leisurely strolling on the sweeping boardwalk for a relaxing experience.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Cocoa Beach is known for its surf breaks and beaches on the narrow strip of land leading to Cape Canaveral. Considered the East Coast Surf Capital, Cocoa Beach has some breathtaking surfing spots like Cocoa Beach Pier, where several surfing contests occur. Moreover, the nearby Ron Jon Surf shop ranks as the world's largest flagship surf store and is open 24/7. Furthermore, Cape Canaveral is home to the famous Kennedy Space Center as well as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Apollo 11 mission launched from Kennedy Space Center in 1969 and was the first human expedition beyond Earth's orbit, eventually landing on the Moon. This "Space Coast" also provides opportunities for deep-sea fishing, inexpensive eco-tour adventures, and sensational rockets spottings.

Madison, Connecticut

Entrenched behind the Long Island Sound canal, the resort town of Madison stems from the Hartford suburbs and ends up touching the Atlantic. Madison's center is closer to the shore. Here visitors get their souvenirs in lovely shops like Walker Loden, which displays an extensive assortment of gift-ready items, from postcards to caps to masterfully woven bags. Moreover, the closeby Hammonasset State Park provides endless walking trails and over a thousand acres of campgrounds right by the sea. Furthermore, you can book a professional guide to help you explore the Connecticut River banks to spot the majestic eagles that roam this area. Most travelers also rent some binoculars, but the base fee is 20 dollars and includes lunch after the excursion. Pre-registration is required to attend.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Amidst the pristine white-sand beaches of Pleasure Island, Carolina Beach's gorgeous green parks stand out overtop the blue background of the Atlantic Ocean. Carolina Beach State Park is known for its peculiar Venus Flytrap Trail, named for the plentitude of carnivorous plants found along the way. Protected by state law, these fascinating and luring plants seem to ask for touch but do not do it!

Furthermore, the sweeping Carolina Beach Boardwalk is considered one of the best in the United States. This waterfront wooden boardwalk stands out for its sheer size, panoramic Ferris wheel, turquoise Ocean backdrop, and many eateries, such as Silver Dollar. A small restaurant that serves giant shrimp cocktails at a modest price, often paired with a classic lemon jin with some salt on the edge of the glass.

Conclusion

The expansive East Coast boasts a multitude of hidden villages, each granting its own beach and delectable local take on seafood cuisine. Whether planning an inexpensive family beach escape in Pompano Beach, a leisure journey along the Black River shores in Tybee Island, a weekend getaway trailing around Cape Cod Canal in Wareham, or just a day at the white-sand beach in Carolina Beach, one can undoubtedly find what floats one's boat. By seeking out these affordable destinations, travelers can create unique memories and find a genuine connection with their surroundings without making a hole in their wallets.

The Sunshine State will be anything but sunny this week with rain, rain, and more rain in the forecast.

From Miami and the Everglades through Cocoa Beach and Jacksonville, thunderstorms will form on the sea breeze front that picks up with the afternoon heating during the week.

“Florida will be slammed, especially from Orlando down to the south, and a lot of this heavy rain is positioned in areas that just can’t take it, to be quite honest,” FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “Fort Lauderdale has a huge surplus (of rain) – over 2 feet in addition to what they should have for this time of year, so heavy rain in some of these urban areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale it’s going to cause street flooding.”

A cold front is sagging south and will stall out over Florida.

That will act as the focus of a stormy activity that is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Meanwhile, high pressure over the Northeast will block any movement of the front.

The clockwise flow of air around the high will also funnel strong easterly winds onto the coast.

“We have a solid onshore push that’s going to bring some rain, especially to the Atlantic side of Florida,” said FOX Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera.

That is why the Atlantic coast of Florida will see so much more rain than the Gulf Coast.

Dangerous surf and coastal flooding

All those days of strong easterly winds over the Atlantic will churn up impressive waves heading for the Eastern Seaboard.

This will set up another round of dangerous surf and rip currents along beaches from Maryland to Miami.

The piling up of water along the coast also puts low-lying areas at risk for high tide or sunny day flooding.

Charleston, South Carolina started to see flooding on Sunday.

It’s a familiar sight for cities like Charleston that just saw this type of flooding when Hurricane Idalia pushed water and waves onshore, leaving downtown looking more like a waterway.

Southeast storm may undertake possible tropical connection

Toward the end of the workweek, the FOX Forecast Model shows the stubborn storm may undergo a possible tropical enhancement.

The low, which will be sitting over the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, may try to take on some tropical characteristics – though that remains highly uncertain at this time.

Tropical or not, the low, combined with the high to the north, will continue to lead to increased rain and multiple days of strong onshore winds along the Atlantic coast of Florida, and up into the coastal Carolinas, the FOX Forecast Center said.

“Showers and thunderstorms, pretty typical for Florida, but this is where things get a little interesting,” said Meteorologist Jane Minar. “We have this low-pressure system that’s expected to develop along this stalled front. And any type of low-pressure system that is near Florida or anywhere in the proximity of these incredibly warm waters of the Gulf Coast and the east coast of Florida, we could maybe see something develop. (It) pulls up to the north as we go into the Carolinas. So we’ll watch it closely.”

The National Hurricane Center gives the area a 30% chance of development over the next week.

Much-needed Florida rain for some

Not everyone will be disappointed by the heavy rain.

What do you think? Post a comment.

“We are in a drought, believe it or not, severe to extreme drought along the coast,” said FOX 13 Tampa Bay Meteorologist Tony Sadiku. “It includes areas just south of Tampa, including places like Bradenton and Sarasota. They’d actually love to see some rain. The deficit there (is) like 10 to 20 inches for the year. So perhaps some beneficial rain.”

If you're dipping your toes in the surf off the beautiful beaches of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, keep an eye out for sharks. And rip currents. And hurricanes.

New Smyrna Beach topped the list of America's 10 "deadliest" beaches to visit, according to online travel publication Travel Lens, which used data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and The Shark Institute. They looked at surf fatalities, hurricane frequency and shark attacks and found a lot of all of them here. Of the ten dangerous shores listed, seven of them were in the Sunshine State.

From 2010 to Jan. 13, 2023, New Smyrna Beach has seen twice as many shark attacks (32) as any other beach and 10 surf zone fatalities. The coastal town south of Daytona Beach also has been smacked with 120 hurricanes between 1851 and 2020, according to NOAA. In its defense, the list does say the beach isn't all bad and "the food scene is excellent."

Not buying the beach ranking:NSB, Ormond Beach beachgoers disagree with 'deadliest' beach assessment

World shark bite capital:Why is New Smyrna Beach the site of so many incidents?

From 2022:Shark bites New Smyrna Beach woman; 7th victim of the year

The locals are fully aware of this, of course. You can buy Shark Bite Capital T-shirts, for a while there was a Shark Park attraction (now closed), and in 2022 decorative shark statues designed by local artists and high school students were installed around town. The local high school's mascot? Sorry, they're the Barracudas, or Cudas for short. The Sharks are at nearby Atlantic High, in Port Orange, which ironically has no Atlantic coastline.

In second place? Cocoa Beach, which has had seven surf zone fatalities, seven shark attacks, and 120 hurricanes.

More:Shark attacks decrease in Volusia waters

Turning the tables:Police: Shark beaten over the head with a hammer at Indian Harbour Beach park

Shark bite:Satellite Beach fundraiser to benefit girl who lost lower leg to shark bite

Third is Ormond Beach, with eight surf zone fatalities and four shark attacks since 2010. Panama City Beach, fourth on the overall danger list, avoids the shark problem but was named the single most dangerous beach for surfers with 24 surf zone fatalities in the same time period. (Second most dangerous for surfers was Daytona Beach.)

It's not all sharks and surfers, though. According to Travel Lens, "Florida was the state most affected by hurricanes which explains why seven out of the top 10 most dangerous beaches are found in this state."

Where are America's most dangerous beaches?

Here are the 10 most dangerous beaches from Travel Lens' list:

'She's about to get bit':Video shows hammerhead shark circling Panama City Beach swimmers

Experts weigh in:Should Northwest Florida summer swimmers worry about sharks in the Gulf?

How to stay safe:The 10 'deadliest' US beaches for hurricanes, surfing and shark attacks

What is a surf zone?

According to the National Weather Service, the surf zone is the area of water between the high tide level on the beach and the seaward side of the breaking waves. The NWS officially categorizes surf zone fatalities caused by three types of hazards; Rip Current, High Surf and Sneaker Wave.

Rip Currents: Relatively small-scale, river-like currents in the surf zone that are moving away from the beach. Powerful rip currents can pull people out into the ocean or just wear them out as they try to swim to shore. Most surf zone fatalities are from people caught in rip currents.

High Surf: Large waves breaking on or near the shore, usually from swells spawned from a distant storm.

Sneaker Wave: Large wave that suddenly swamps a beach or coast, taking people by surprise and sweeping them into the water.

How can I stay safe at the beach?

Before you pack up the car, check out the official surf zone forecast, the beach advisories and closings, and check your local weather. Always be aware of the local weather and ocean conditions. When is the tide coming in or going out? What's the rip current danger level today? Are there any thunderstorms expected? Even storms well off the coast can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, according to the National Weather Service.

How can I avoid being attacked by a shark at a Florida beach?

First off, scientists and wildlife officials have called for the abandonment of the term "shark attacks" in favor of less sensational language like encounters, incidents, or bites. Most bites are not life-threatening (although still not any fun). The Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File has no record of any fatal bite in Volusia County, home of both New Smyrna Beach (#1 on the list above) and Ormond Beach (#3).

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tips on how to avoid shark bites:

Contributor: Camille Fine, USA TODAY