This Florida Beach Has the Most Crime and Theft in America
One Florida beach is getting press for the wrong reasons: being one of the most dangerous in the U.S. for crime and theft. There’s nothing quite as lovely as heading to a beautiful Florida beach in the summertime, but sometimes, the beach can be a dangerous spot.
This Florida Beach Has the Most Crime and Theft
The experts at Gitnux have researched the beaches across America for their potential for danger in various areas. Among the areas of danger include alligator attacks, shark attacks, lightning strikes, crime and more. Another danger, of course, is drowning deaths. According to the publication, on average, about 100 people drown at U.S. beaches every year. Hawaii has the highest rate of drowning deaths in the U.S., according to Gitnux. In fact, about 50 people drown every year in Hawaii, and it’s the main cause of visitor fatalities. Virginia Beach in Virginia also has a large number of drowning incidents.
As for which Florida beach has the most crime and theft of all the beaches in America, Gitnux states that it’s South Beach in Miami. “While some may flock to South Beach in Miami, Florida for its glamorous reputation and vibrant nightlife, the statistics reveal a darker side to this supposedly sunny destination,” they explain. “With high rates of crime and theft, this beach may leave visitors trading their sunscreen for pepper spray.” I think it’s sad to see South Beach on the naughty list, but at least it didn’t make the cut for having bad contamination or lightning strikes. Another reason Florida beaches, aside from South Beach, are so dangerous is because of sharks. Florida has the most shark attacks in the United States, according to Gitnux. Florida’s famed Volusia County has even been named the “Shark Attack Capital of the World.”
Now, just because these beaches are on the danger roster, that doesn’t mean you have to stop visiting them or having fun there. Just, be safe. If a storm is coming, don’t go out on a boat or decide that it’s a good time to lay out on the beach. Enjoy the beach when the weather is good, but when it’s time to head indoors, do so. Also, when it comes to drowning incidents, make sure not to swim when the waters get dangerous. It’s not worth the risk of getting caught in a strong tide just to have one more dip in the water. Use your common sense at the beach, and when it doubt, sit it out.
Underrated Florida Beaches That Are Filled with Beauty
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach still has a good amount of damage from the hurricane, but Margaritaville is open, so you’ll find plenty to do there. Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of the state’s most underrated beaches. At Fort Myers Beach, you’ll find beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
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Sarasota
Make sure to visit Siesta Key here, as well as Sarasota Gay Beach and Crescent Beach. Just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a lovely beach town that is especially popular during the holidays. You’ll find lots of local shopping opportunities here.
Getty Images / Sean Pavone
St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is located on a barrier island fronting the legendary Apalachicola Bay. It’s a great place to gaze at the stars. Note that starting March 1, 2025, the campground at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park will be closed for an expansion project.
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Santa Rosa Beach
If you head to Santa Rosa Beach and want to find some really special, and secret, beaches, try Blue Mountain Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. This beach town is less crowded than most, which makes it a low-key getaway.
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Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is located on a 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach, and has beautiful, translucent waters. It’s a really small town, so it’s much less crowded than other beaches. It’s a hidden gem.
Getty Images / Ben Oldaker
Discover Your Own New Favorite
If you don’t want to go too far, do some digging and visit one of the closest beaches to you, that you haven’t visited yet. This is one of my favorite things to do. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite beach super close to home.
Getty Images / Sergey Dementyev
