Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils
Posted by: 
Markerman62
N 27° 41.704 W 082° 29.592
17R E 352764 N 3064315
Located on Mammoth Trail southeast of Ruskin
Waymark Code: WMY2P3
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 04/08/2018
Views: 1
In the ponds in front of you one of the richest Ice-Age fossil discoveries in the world took place in 1983-84. When amateur paleontologists reported a large accumulation of fossils to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Leisey Shell Pit and the community of Ruskin, Florida became international celebrities.
The fossil site attracted the attention of local, state, and national news media. Scientists called the discovery a new window into the past for paleontology. Fossil hunter Frank Garcia and crew organized volunteers in and around the community of Ruskin to excavate 203 different types of fauna. With cooperation and resources from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Leisey Shell Corporation and the Leisey and Casey families, over 20,000 identifiable fossils were unearthed. Volunteers from the Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club recognized public interest in the Lesiey fossils and spawned the Tampa Bay Fossil Club which continues to meet some 30 years later.
Marker Number: None
Date: 2017
County: Hillsborough
Marker Type: Roadside
Sponsored or placed by: Tampa Bay Fossil Club and Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council
Website: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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