Weird Things That Have Recently Washed Up on Florida Beaches … – NewsBreak Original
Sharing news and interest pieces about the Sunshine State. Follow and tag us with your photos and stories on socials @uncoveringflorida!
The recent news of a beached killer whale in Florida had us thinking about what other unusual things have been uncovered on Florida's beaches and as it turns out, the answer is kind of a lot! So, prepare to break out the metal detectors, water shoes and sand sifters because after you read this article about weird things recently found on Florida beaches you're going to be either rushing to–or from–the Florida coastlines.
Let's be honest, we will never fully let go of our childhood dream that the next time we go to a beach we will walk away with a pirate's long lost treasure; usually, though, we're happy if we even find just a sand dollar. What if, though, all hope is not lost and there is still treasure out there waiting to be found?
That's exactly what happened for one man in the spring of 2020. According to several news articles, the man was using a metal detector along Florida's Indian River Shore, only to have it alert him to what he probably thought would be rusty cans below his feet. Turns out, he dug up a few silver Spanish coins from an old shipwreck dating back to the early 1700s. What was once worth only pennies is now worth an estimated $6,000!
Back in 2014 a severed human foot was discovered inside a shoe at Peck Lake Beach in Jupiter, Florida. Reports concluded that the foot appeared to be naturally detached, and further investigation revealed that the foot belonged to a missing 64-year-old local boater. The story gets weirder, but we'll leave that for another day.
Though native to the Atlantic Coast, these brightly colored miniscule sea slugs aren't something you often see swimming along side you at the beach, let alone washed up on shore–and that's probably a good thing. Small as they might be, these "blue dragons" are venomous little critters that love to feast on Portuguese man o' wars.
As stated above, sightings are rare, but in 2018 several of these terrifyingly beautiful nudibranchs were washing up along the state's Atlantic coastline.
Once upon a time, apex predators that would make our current great whites shudder in fear used to patrol our oceans–and we are still finding proof of that today. People dig up prehistoric shark teeth often in Florida, but finding a fossilized megalodon tooth as big as your hand is like finding a needle in a haystack.
One man got super lucky in his quest to find such teeth of monstrous proportions when he uncovered not one, but two in the span of a few weeks in July 2021. The bigger of the two teeth measured in around 4 inches!
As large as they may be, some species of whales have successfully managed to go undetected until recently, including the incredibly rare endangered species now called Rice’s whale.
After a few years of debate and one exhumed whale body later, it was finally announced in 2021 that the 2019 dead whale that washed up in the Everglades was indeed a new species.
Though it's not to say that they don't try, it's really no secret that the drug cartels have a habit of using the ocean as a way to transport "the goods" into the States–but sometimes the product gets scooped up (or lost) before they reach their intended destination.
In one of the many, many examples, a few years ago, over 1 million dollars worth (roughly 30kg) of the powdery substance was found on a central Florida beach during a turtle nesting survey.
In what seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime wish-come-true tale turned out to be a too-good-to-be-true joke when in 2021 a man thought he discovered a message in a bottle dating back to 1987. The bottle was found in Marathon, Florida, however, after making headlines and gaining virality on the internet it was later uncovered that the bottle founder's son was just playing a prank.
For what it's worth, the message, dated for May 16, 1987 read, "Dear person who finds this I want you to try to return it to me my name is Zack Williams and if I'm dead by the time you try to return the just keep it I put it in the ocean at Myrtle Beach SC."[sic]
Which of these Florida beach discoveries did you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments below!
Sharing news and interest pieces about the Sunshine State. Follow and tag us with your photos and stories on socials @uncoveringflorida!
More from Uncovering Florida
You know what they say, it's never a bad time to learn something new! And with a state so full of mystery and wonder, there is plenty of interesting facts to uncover. Whether you are looking for some trivia knowledge or are just genuinely curious about what makes the Sunshine State so charming, this list of interesting Florida facts will certainly help.
The holiday all about woo-ing your boo is just around the corner, so you may have already planned an adorable date, maybe even made a reservation at your S.O's favorite place? But if you've been slacking or bored with your usual stops and simply just don't know how to switch things up this year, don't worry, we've got you! With no shortage of waterfront, sunset views, unique eateries, and other exciting experiences speckled across The Sunshine State, there are plenty of places to ensure that your date has a Valentine's Day they won't forget.
Not everyone's Valentine's Day is going to be filled with candle-lit cocktails and romance; some couples will inevitably meet their end moments before love day. Whether the reason for the split was them being a mega-cheapskate not wanting to drop what they considered to be way-too-much cash on a heartfelt card and dinner for the Hallmark Holiday, an amicable agreement between two adults that just don't have the same vision for the future anymore, or someone cheated and one of you left in a fiery rage, Florida has a unique way for Americans to get their revenge for Valentine's Day 2023. And an opportunity put their ex on blast to the world, anonymously.
If you've fallen down the uniquely-adorable exotic pet wormhole on YouTube or TikTok, or happened to grow up an avid-animal-lover alongside the likes of Steve Irwin, you may have found yourself pining for a cuddle with one stinkin-cute little black and white floof in particular. While Googling what it takes to own one, you might be sad to find that it's illegal in most U.S. states. But things tend to get a little more wild in the south, and actually, you can adopt a pet skunk in Florida from the Florida Skunk Rescue — with the right permits, of course.
Clear blue springs in Florida are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Florida is home to hundreds of natural springs, many of which are known for their crystal clear blue waters. These springs are the result of groundwater that has filtered up from the Floridan Aquifer, a vast underground reservoir of water that spans much of the state.
A place that may typically be overwhelming for the neurodivergent family and friends in your life is officially crafting a special space for them to enjoy a day of fun and one of the Sunshine State's favorite fruits. Plant City's Florida Strawberry Festival took to social media 9 hours ago with the announcement, dubbing the unique effort Special Smiles Day — and an extra little perk is in store for the first 1000 Special Smiles Visitors through the gate.
With the 2023 iteration of Florida's Strawberry Fest right around the corner, snagging tickets to see your favorite talent might have already been on your to-do list. With notable names like Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Halestorm, and more announced back in November of 2022, the headliners for Florida Strawberry Festival 2023 were already shaping up to be a musical hit and blast from the past for fruit munchers, lyric lovers, and nostalgia seekers alike. Five additional artists now flesh out the roster of over 20 performers, while one leaves the line-up.
When it comes to living in the south, you don't have to travel far for an awesome time. In many cases, you don't even have to leave the state at all if you don't want to. That's especially true for Floridians. Blessed with their nearly year-round warm weather and sunshine, clear spring coves, crystalline beach fronts, theme parks, endless entertainment options…and a more-than-ample amount of eateries, bars, and accommodations, there's no shortage of opportunities waiting to turn their home-state into a little local weekend getaway.
From as far south as the Keys to as north as the farthest corners of Jacksonville, there is no denying that Florida is home to many historic sites in between. Whether you're a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, you can have fun uncovering our list of the top 10 historic destinations in Florida that will surely offer a glimpse into the Sunshine State's fascinating past.
When it comes to shattering records, it looks like the newest of Royal Caribbean cruises out of Miami Florida is shooting for the moon. With a late 2023 arrival for their upcoming cruise-liner before its anticipated debut in January of 2024, their new ship, Icon of the Seas, is set to sail with a long list of new neighborhoods, features, and upgrades to existing favorites — some breaking records, and some being the first of their kind at sea as well as within the cruise ship industry.
Disney World's controversial Magic Kingdom ride, Splash Mountain, was officially closed for good this week and consequently, it seems as though fans and collectors alike have been buying (or selling) whatever souvenirs they can get their hands on to commemorate the attraction–including water supposedly taken directly from the ride.
A Tampa, Florida animal sanctuary reported that one of their popular resident animals has been taken. "It is with broken hearts that we announce that someone entered our farm overnight and stole our precious Maggie (toucan)," a Facebook post made three hours ago from HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary reads in part.
It's not every day that you end up at a dental office with brightly-colored graffiti walls, neon signs, a whitening lounge that you can invite your BFFs to and White Claws stocked in the waiting room refrigerator–that is, unless you're Dr. Dannica Brennan, the owner and dentist at Flossologie.
Affiliate links are in this article. Clickherefor more details. Miami Music Week is coming up in only a few short months and the locals know all too well what comes with it–college-aged mischief. However, Miamians are not the only residents living in a spring break hotspot! As a whole, Florida is a welcoming state featuring plenty of attractions and budget-friendly deals to match–quite an attractive pairing for any poor college student, so it's no wonder why Florida is often on the spring break itineraries. Whether you are looking to join in on the fun or avoid the massive crowds of young'uns like the plague, we rounded up the top ten beaches in Florida that are consistently popular for spring break.
Monkey Island, December 26, 2022Photo byUncovering Florida. Tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the playful monkeys at Homosassa's "Monkey Island", one of the area's most popular roadside attractions, may be surprised to learn that the mischievous little critters are currently still "on vacation" and will be until further notice.
Rivaling historic European capitals, clear-blue oases in the Caribbean and the bustling streets of Hong Kong–to name a few locations–Florida has a lot of competition to live up to yet it often ranks as one of the United State's top vacation destinations. That said, there's a lot more to this peninsula than just being part of an itinerary! Check out this list below to find out some of the things Florida is best known for and why it attracts so many tourists.
Could it be a Christmas miracle? With nightly temperatures dipping down into the 30s and 40s, it is certainly already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas for many Floridians–but according to the AccuWeather seven day forecast, some areas of the state could potentially be lucky enough to experience a flurry or two just in time for the holiday weekend.
Interior of Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar decked out for the Holiday Season beside a Christmas-themed Minnie Mouse treat.Photo byDisney Springs | Instagram. With the holidays in full swing at Disney World Orlando, there's no shortage of cheer to get you in the ho-ho-holiday spirit. From over-the-top décor and lights strung up nearly everywhere you look, to special Christmas shows and events, the park has been known to go all out. Even the restaurants at the nearby Disney Springs takes the season seriously, because what could be more adorable than a Mickey-themed treat? A CHRISTMAS-themed Mickey treat, that's what!
Train ride at Busch Gardens Tampa | Rainbow RiverPhoto byUncovering Florida. Florida is one of the world's top travel destinations and it's no wonder why! With clear blue springs, ocean oases and theme parks galore, there are many activities to uncover in Florida. While the list of fun things to do in Florida is nearly endless, we wanted to create a shortlist for your viewing and planning pleasure. If you'd like to learn more about any one particular topic, be sure to click the links in each point to discover more ideas for that particular topic!
