New Smyrna Beach leaders recognize lifesaving “Christmas miracle.”

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

On Tuesday, December 13, during a regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, New Smyrna Beach City leaders recognized five people for saving someone’s life shortly after the New Smyrna Beach Boat Parade on Saturday, December 10. New Smyrna Beach Mayor Fred Cleveland proclaimed these heroic efforts a lifesaving “Christmas miracle.”  

According to a release, Harbor Pride, Annabella Ross, and Gabriella Ross were playing on a dock at Smyrna Yacht Club when they discovered what they believed to be a body floating in the water. The girls quickly alerted two nearby adults, Captain Jason Sharlow and Captain John Ellis, who pulled the victim from the water, immediately administering CPR and saving the person’s life.

“On behalf of the City of New Smyrna Beach, we thank you for your bravery, vigilance, attention to detail, and most of all exercising good judgment when you noticed something that did not seem right,” said Mayor Cleveland as he read a proclamation given to all five honorees. “Your actions are honorable and appreciated. You are model citizens, honorably recognized and highly esteemed by the City of New Smyrna Beach and its citizens.”