Woman Finds A Human Jaw On Florida Beach
If you’re down at the beach, chances are you’ve walked along the shores looking for shells. Shells come in all shapes and sizes and can be fun to look for on early morning walks, but this one beachgoer found something unexpected. A woman found a human jaw on a beach while searching for shells near Sanibel Island in SWFL.
According to WINK, Rebecca Dodds was walking her normal shelling route when she encountered something odd. At first glance, Dodds believed she had found a whalebone and tossed it into her bag. After further investigation, Dodds told WINK that it turned out to be a human jaw.
How did the jawbone get on the beach?
She believed the bone could be from a victim of Hurricane Ian or an unsolved missing persons case. According to an Archaeologist interviewed by WINK News, the bone may have belonged to an indigenous person from hundreds of years before.
Sara Ayers-Rigsby, regional director of Florida Public Archaeology Network, said, “The number one concern is that it could be recent and associated with some kind of recent, potentially, a crime. And no one can make that determination except for law enforcement.”
Officials are still unsure of how the jawbone made it onto the beach, but another theory is that it was brought onto the beach during a beach renourishment. A beach renourishment is when they bring sediment and sand from outside sources to replenish the eroding beachfront.
If the remains are more than 75 years old, Ayers-Rigsby told WINK that the state’s archeologist will work with the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes for help.
What other human remains have been found on Florida’s Beaches?
This isn’t the first time human remains have been discovered on the beaches of Florida. In March 2023, 30 human bones were discovered along the shores of New Smyrna Beach. Officials said a human skull was among the 30 bones.
This wasn’t on a Florida Beach, but in October 2023, a human skull was up for sale at a Fort Myers thrift store. It was on display in the Halloween decorations and one shopper noticed the skull was real.
These 6 Florida Beaches Are The Best In The U.S. According To Trip Advisor
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater was voted as one of the best in the United States AGAIN. 12,836 travelers have reviewed Clearwater beach! I have also been there and I love it. It’s for sure a vibe and great for spring break (if you can handle the big crowds).
Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.
Siesta Beach
8,552 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. If you have not been there yet, you should go check it out. Last year, it was named one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in America.
Hollywood Beach
6,789 travelers have reviewed Hollywood Beach on trip advisor and it’s one of the best beaches in the U.S. Since it’s on the other coast of Florida, I have not been yet but will check it out. Many reviews say try the food.
Panama City Beach
No surprise that Panama city beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States. 6,607 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I went here on spring break once and had a great time!
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so no wonder it made Trip Advisor’s list. I’m surprised it wasn’t ranked higher since the Keys are known to have the best beaches and attractions.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
9.307 people have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I have been here and the food options are great on this beach. I think it’s just as fun as heading down to Miami. But be careful, they do have a lot of tourist traps.
