Teen says she was 'so scared' when shark bit her at Florida beach

Jackie Jozaitis will need crutches or wheelchair

SARASOTA, Fla. –  A 16-year-old girl who was bitten by a shark while boogie boarding on Florida's Atlantic Coast says she was "so scared" but tried to stay calm.

Jackie Jozaitis tells the Herald-Tribune she and her friend got up early on Friday to ride the waves on Amelia Island. They were in thigh-deep water when she felt sharp pain on her left foot.

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She says the shark let go almost immediately and she ran to shore where her friend, who is trained in first aid, and a yoga coach who was nearby used a towel to stop the bleeding. They also called 911.

She received eight stitches and will need a wheelchair or crutches to get around. She'll also have to miss her high school's band camp.


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