Girl gets first Volusia shark bite of year The Associated Press 6:13 AM EDT, March 20, 2009 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Authorities say a 17-year-old girl was the first shark-bite victim for 2009 in Volusia County, where a record 24 attacks were reported last year. Volusia County Beach Patrol reports that the Mims girl was surfing a popular spot just south of Ponce de Leon Inlet Wednesday evening when she got nipped. The wound was small enough to be treated with Band-Aids rather than stitches. The first 2008 shark bite was recorded Feb. 17, a month sooner than this year's first reported attack. Officials say large runs of bait fish, murky water and big waves next month will bring ideal conditions for shark bites.
