1 hospitalized in Highlands County bee attack: HCFR

AVON PARK, Fla. - A swarm of bees sent one person to the hospital in Highlands County on Thursday morning, according to Highlands County Fire Rescue. 

What we know:

First responders say a person was stung multiple times by a swarm of bees while they were working in a tree in the 2000 block of State Road 17 in south Avon Park shortly before 8 a.m.

HCFR’s Special Operations team asked the Avon Park Fire Department to assist because the person was unable to get out of the tree safely. 

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Courtesy: Highlands County Fire Rescue

Once they were able to reach the person, crews began administering care and took them to the hospital. 

What they're saying:

In a post on social media, HCFR stated, "Highlands County Fire Rescue’s Special Operations team responds to a wide range of challenging situations. Calls like this are exactly why this team exists. Squad 19 is equipped with specialized personal protective equipment — including bee suits — to help keep our responders safe in high-risk environments."

What we don't know:

The person’s condition and identity have not been made public.