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25 Stitches Required After Pelican Swoops Down On Swimmer

Shoemaker family photo

Debbie Shoemaker, 50, of Toledo, was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off Treasure Island Thursday when a swooping pelican careened into her face and pierced her cheek with its beak.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 9, 2008

Updated: 05/09/2008 10:12 am

TREASURE ISLAND - As Debbie Shoemaker swam in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday afternoon, she said her movements may have mimicked a fish.

That could explain why, when she surfaced for air, a swooping pelican slammed into the left side of her face, Shoemaker said.

The pelican's beak punctured her cheek. Four people helped Shoemaker to shore. The good Samaritans told Shoemaker later that the pelican died after it collided with her.

Paramedics took Shoemaker to the Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St. Petersburg, where she received 25 stitches.

Officials with the St. Pete Beach Fire Department, the agency that responded to the emergency call, could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Nurses told Shoemaker that they had never heard of anyone being hit by a flying pelican until she was admitted to the emergency room.

"It's a very freak accident," Shoemaker, 50, said Thursday after she was released from the hospital.

The Toledo, Ohio, native said she often vacations in Florida. She planned to stay through the weekend, but her injury has forced an early departure.

"I had to go back to the hotel and pack," Shoemaker said. "I need to go home."

Shoemaker booked an early this morning flight back to Ohio.

Tampa resident Barbara Hatcher said she will try to convince the friend she's known since second grade to return for another visit.

"It's a shame this happened to her," Hatcher said.

Shoemaker said prior to her run-in with the pelican, she booked a week's stay in a Treasure Island hotel for May 2009. On Thursday, she said she wasn't sure whether next year's vacation will be cancelled.

"I'm really scared now," Shoemaker said. "The next time I come, maybe I don't act like a fish in the water."

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920 or rreyes@tampatrib.com.

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