Ruskin in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, March 31, 2018

1. Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker

Inscription. 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 Leisey fossils and spawned the Tampa Bay Fossil Club which continues to meet some 30 years later.

Erected 2017 by Tampa Bay Fossil Club and Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Paleontology.

Location. 27° 41.704′ N, 82° 29.592′ W. Marker is in Ruskin, Florida

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, in Hillsborough County. Marker is on Mammoth Trail, 0.2 miles south of Gulf City Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located behind a fence near a gazebo. Access is restricted. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ruskin FL 33570, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Landing in La Florida (approx. 0.6 miles away); Staking Their Claim (approx. 3.8 miles away); Ruskin College President's Home (approx. 3.9 miles away); Do You See a Manatee? (approx. 8.6 miles away); Listen carefully to hear a manatee! (approx. 8.6 miles away); Sun City Center (approx. 8.7 miles away); What Role Do Mangroves Play In An Estuary? (approx. 8.8 miles away); Long-Legged Wading Birds Stalk the Shallows (approx. 8.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ruskin.

Also see . . . Leisey Shell Pits. (Submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker and surrounding area image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, March 31, 2018

2. Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker and surrounding area

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,254 times since then and 160 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.