safety
Shark attack on Alabama teen inspires the start of a national alert system
By Kim Chandler, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life.What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 mile...
Key takeaway What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 miles (4.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For Magnolia residents who frequent the Gulf Coast beaches, the new federal legislation authorizing emergency alerts for shark attacks is a welcome development. As a community within the Houston area, many Magnolia families spend their summers swimming and surfing in nearby coastal towns, where shark sightings can occur. The implementation of a shark attack alert system, as seen in Alabama, could potentially save lives in Texas as well. With the Federal Communications Commission now required to allow these emergency messages, it is up to state authorities to put the system in place. As Texans look to their state government to follow Alabama's lead, Magnolia residents can take heart in knowing that efforts are being made to enhance beach safety, and that the tragic experience of Lulu Gribbin has led to a positive change that may benefit their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lulu Gribbin was 15 when she survived a shark attack off the coast of Florida. She lost her left hand, part of her right leg and almost her life.What she didn’t know when she entered the water on that day in 2024 was that another woman had been bitten by a shark 90 minutes earlier and just 3 mile...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kim Chandler, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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