Local Lightning Strike Survivor Warns Others “Don’t Be A Florida Man”

People packed into Rizzotto's Pizzeria to support Travis Kurtz. The 30-year-old property manager nearly died after getting hit by lightning last August in Seminole, Florida.

"Every single muscle in my body contracted... I couldn't function... it was unbearable," Kurtz told WSVN News.

That day, pizza shop owner Mark Rizzotto found Kurtz lying between an oak tree and mailbox during a light rain. Emergency crews had to restart his heart before rushing him to trauma care.

The strike left Kurtz unable to do basic things - walking, talking, moving were impossible. "I'm happy to have a second outlook at life, and I'm happy to have the chance to do it," he shared with Tampa Bay 28.

At the busy fundraiser, people enjoyed games, music, and classic cars while local restaurants helped out. Middle Grounds Grill, Snappers Sea Grill, and 1200 Chophouse gave prizes for the cause.

Medical bills piled up as Kurtz and his girlfriend couldn't work during his recovery. Their GoFundMe page is still open for anyone wanting to help.

His family added some laughs to the scary situation with "Florida Man" shirts. Kurtz joked, "Don't be a Florida man—I've already done it for you."

Even though Tampa Bay is known as America's lightning capital, hits this bad rarely happen. His girlfriend Jess French warned others: "We are not invincible in Florida—even if it's sprinkling out..."

The first responders who saved his life came to the packed fundraiser. Through tears, family member Allison French called his survival "a miracle from God."

While still getting treatment for burns and bruises, Kurtz keeps going. His neighbor Taylor Tillinger explained how the overwhelming medical costs hit hard with both of them unable to work.