A Florida sheriff issued a warning to would-be swimmers and beachgoers after a spate of deaths occurred around Florida beaches, including former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett, in recent days.
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford, whose jurisdiction includes Panama City, issued the alert to tourists and locals, saying he’s angered by what he said were unnecessary deaths from rip currents. Ford claimed that firefighters, deputies, and lifeguards have been cursed at by strangers who disregarded red flag warnings that were posted at beaches in recent days.
“These same heroes, who have risked it all to save others, have been cursed and given the finger, while trying to warn visitors of the life-threatening dangers,” Ford wrote on Facebook. “We have used the tools provided by the county commission to fine violators $500 for entering the water on double red flags.”…