UPDATE: Brandon Woman Reportedly Struck, Killed by Lightning on Belleair Beach

UPDATE, 11 p.m. - A Brandon woman was apparently struck by lightning and killed as she walked along Belleair Beach during a thunderstorm Tuesday evening.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's report, 51-year-old Phyllis Kalinowski was visiting the beach with a friend when she was struck near the 2500 block of Gulf Boulevard at around 6:15 p.m.

Authorities say Kalinowski and her friend arrived in the area earlier in the day to do some sightseeing; the pair became separated just before the storm rolled in.

As the friend returned to the area where she last saw Kalinowski, she noticed her "lying on the beach near the shoreline with injuries indicative of a lightning strike."

When emergency personnel arrived on scene, they found Kalinowski had succumbed to her injuries, according to police.

Deputies are continuing their investigation by interviewing the friend as well as other bystanders who may have additional information.

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Deputies are investigating after a person was apparently struck and killed by by lightning on Belleair Beach.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office was on the scene in the 2500 block of Gulf Boulevard, according to a media release sent shortly before 8 p.m.

"Preliminary information indicates" a 51-year-old victim was struck and killed, according to the sheriff's office.

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