Bradenton, Florida – A lightning bolt struck a water tower on 6th Ave. W. on August 6, 2026, as a Bradenton police officer was wrapping up a call just after 5 p.m.

The officer looked up after a loud clap of thunder and saw lightning strike the top of the tower.

Bodycam footage from inside the Bradenton Police vehicle shows an overcast, rainy afternoon through the windshield. The water tower is visible in the distance before a bright lightning bolt hits its top, creating a sharp flash and a brief burst at the impact point.

The tower was equipped with heavy-duty lightning protection and took the strike without anyone being injured.

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