Beach Patrol: 21-year-old DeBary surfer bitten by shark in New Smyrna Beach's South Jetty

South Jetty in New Smyrna Beach known for surfing and sharks / Headline SurferThe South Jetty, as shown in this locator map, is in the northern most part of New Smyrna Beach where surfers and sharks share the waters.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A 21-year-old surfer from DeBary paddling in the waves in the South Jetty, suffered the first shark bite this year season, Volusia County Beach Patrol Capt. Tammy Marris said earlier today.

The surfer, whose name was not immediately available, was bitten 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Marris said, adding he suffered a minor cut to his hand.

Volusia County had eight shark bites last year, most of them near the South Jetty, where sharks as long as 5 feet, are drawn to bait fish that swirl in the swollen surf.

Brevard County also had eight shark bites last year, tying Volusia County for most along the Florida Atlantic coastline.