Aerial video reveals hundreds of sharks circling beach off Florida Gulf Coast island

Surprising aerial video recorded along Florida’s Gulf Coast revealed hundreds of sharks circling the waters close to shore.

The barrier island video was shared this week by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office as part of a public service message about water safety. The county is just north of Tampa.

“A day in the water is a fun way to beat our Florida heat, but it’s important to be aware of the dangers below the water as well as above,” the department wrote on May 4.

“Our Aviation Unit captured this video of sharks swimming near the Anclote Sandbar and Anclote Island earlier this week.”

Anclote Key Preserve State Park is a collection of barrier islands three miles offshore, and the waters are home to bull sharks, black tips and great hammerheads, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection report.

The sheriff’s office didn’t speculate on what species was featured in the video, but news outlets have reported in years past that hundreds of blacktip have been known to gather at the sandbar.

Blacktip sharks grow to 6.5 feet, live near shore and are known to “jump and spin out of the water,” according to NOAA Fisheries.

“They often form large groups, segregated into separate schools of males and females when they are not mating. They mate between March and June,” NOAA reports.

Pasco Sheriff’s officials are warning Anclote Island visitors to be cautious, swim with a partner and “never leave children unattended in or near water.”

As of May 5, the aerial video had nearly 60,000 views and 900-plus reactions, including suggestions kayaking might be a safe alternative to swimming.

“Close to shore! If I want to go swimming, I’ll go in the pool. Thank you very much!” Carol Sperry Johnson wrote.

“Ankle deep is as far as I go,” Kelley Taylor posted.

This story was originally published May 5, 2022 at 6:17 AM with the headline "Aerial video reveals hundreds of sharks circling beach off Florida Gulf Coast island."