Central Florida has earned the title of “Lightning Capital of the U.S.” due to its high number of lightning-related incidents. The National Weather Service reports that from 1959 to 2004, Florida experienced 2,117 lightning casualties, with over 400 fatalities, surpassing any other state. In comparison, Michigan and North Carolina had 815 and 818 lightning-related injuries or deaths, respectively. Broward and Lee counties have recorded the most fatalities since 2006. Lightning strikes tend to target taller objects, and that includes individuals near water, so for those of you new to the state, being on the beach during a storm is not a smart place to be. While there has been a decrease in lightning fatalities due to increased awareness, with only four deaths reported in 2023, caution remains essential whenever a storm approaches. As the old adage goes, “when thunder roars, go indoors!”