Couple hit by lightning on Sanibel Island were vacationing with their children from South Carolina

Five people are various stages of recovery after lightning struck Southwest Florida beaches in three instances over 10 days.

The latest, a 38-year old man and 12-year old girl, were struck by lightning Monday evening in North Naples, Collier County Emergency Medical Services confirmed.

A married couple from South Carolina were struck in front of their young children on Saturday. And a bolt struck a on Marco Island beach a week prior.   

As Florida continues its rainy season, which lasts about five months beginning in May, has brought scattered storms the past week. The worst storms traditionally occur from May to August, bringing lightning and high winds.

 At least three of the five lightning victims are from out of state visiting on their vacations, news reports reveal.

Members of a church in Columbia, South Carolina, gathered to pray for two of their members who were struck by lightning Saturday.

A blog by The Downtown Church said two members, Brent and Kristen Jerome, leaders of the church's home group, were vacationing on Sanibel Island when the lightning struck.

"Kristen is slowly recovering from her injuries while Brent’s condition is critical. They both remain in the ICU in Fort Myers, Florida," a notice from the church said. "Their children .... were uninjured and are with family."

Lee Memorial Health System confirmed Brent Jerome is in critical condition in the hospital. A system official said Kristen Jerome was not listed in the patient directory.

The Downtown Church notice asked members to come to the church Tuesday night "to hold space for prayer, note writing, and an opportunity to contribute to a fund that will support meals and care for the Jeromes during this incredibly difficult time."

The church also set up a fund for donations at downtownchurch.kindful.com, selecting on “Jerome Care Fund” in the drop-down menu.

Lightning strikes:Husband and wife hospitalized after being hit by lightning Saturday at Sanibel Beach Club

Children reunited:Two kids reunited with mom after parents hit by lightning in Sanibel; father still unconscious

Teen struck on Marco Island:17-year-old boy struck by lightning on Marco Island beach

"And in truth, we are not able to fix problems like these. What we can do is gather. We can pray. We can weep with those who weep. We can comfort those who are mourning and we can try to care for the Jeromes in the best ways that we can," the church notice concluded.

A spokesman for the church declined to comment.

The couple's children, 2 and 5, were close enough to see their parents get hit but were not injured, Sanibel police reported. They were taken to safety by officers and later reunited with their mother.

A teenage boy, identified by police as William "Walker" Bethune, 17, of Macon, Georgia, was at a beach with his family when he was struck. A Marco Island police report said he wasn't breathing and his father started CPR. 

He was taken to a Miami hospital where reports indicate he is in critical condition with his brain swelling. 

In the Monday strike, the man and girl  were at Clam Pass Park about 6 p.m. The two, who weren't identified, were taken to NCH North Naples Hospital in stable condition, Collier EMS Chief Tabatha Butcher said.

Naples Daily News reporter Adam Regan contributed to this report.

Connect with breaking news reporter Michael Braun: MichaelBraunNP (Facebook), @MichaelBraunNP (Twitter) or mbraun@news-press.com.

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